Connah’s Quay boss Andy Morrison says his side’s impressive defensive record has been the key factor in sealing a highest ever finish in the Welsh Premier League.
The Nomads confirmed second-place with a final-day stalemate at Cardiff Metropolitan at the weekend, placing them a point ahead of Bala Town, who fell to an extraordinary 6-4 defeat at the hands of runaway champions The New Saints.
It marks an impressive rise for the Nomads, who 18 months ago were fighting to prevent a possible relegation to Division One.
Morrison believes having the league’s best defence has been the main driver in their progress, with his side’s tally of 24 goals conceded two lower than that of full-time outfit TNS.
After securing another clean sheet at Campus Cyncoed, Morrison told the club’s official YouTube channel: “I was confident we wouldn’t concede a goal because we’ve been absolutely incredible and I’ve just seen that we hold the record for the best defence in this season’s Welsh Premier League.
“That record is remarkable for a part-time club and that’s what our success has been based on throughout the year. We did it again by keeping a clean sheet here and last week so I’m absolutely delighted and the players are accountable for everything that they do.”
While there were celebratory scenes in the Connah’s Quay dressing room in the capital, Cardiff Met may well feel disappointed at being unable to find the attacking verve shown in their 4-0 trouncing of Carmarthen Town the previous week.
But Morrison believes the students are in a good position to progress from the upcoming Europa League play-offs, which will see the Archers face the Old Gold at Richmond Park once again in the first week of May.
He added: “I’ve been very impressed with the way they’ve improved and adapted. They were very good at scrapping for the second ball, which they’re going to need in the play-offs and they did a great job.”
Image credit: Connah’s Quay
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