Can Nomads keep their title challenge on track at the Oval?

JD Welsh Premier League title challengers Connah’s Quay Nomads face an important fixture on Friday night, when they travel to face Caernarfon Town at the Oval.

Last week, they lost out 3-0 in a highly anticipated first versus second clash against The New Saints at Park Hall, which saw the home side reclaim the top spot in Nomads’ first defeat in eight games.

Despite that result, the title race remains firmly on. With just one point separating the two sides, Nomads can go top, for at least an evening, with a win over the Cofis.

But that will be easier said than done, with Caernarfon having already beaten Nomads 1-0 at Deeside in early September. In that game, a rapid run and finish from Jamie Breese was enough to give Sean Eardley’s side an impressive win in Flintshire.

Caernarfon’s form has dipped slightly since then, with one win, three draws and most recently a 3-0 defeat at home to Newtown AFC in their past five fixtures.

They will be eager to get back to winning ways,  and with a typically large home following behind them, Connah’s Quay have a big challenge ahead of them to ensure they keep the pressure on TNS.

The game will be first team coach Craig Harrison’s second game at the club, following his shock departure from Bangor City on Friday.

It will also be of interest to Barry Town and Bala Town, who are third and fourth respectively in the league, and play each other on Saturday afternoon at Maes Tegid.

Whilst a win for Colin Caton’s Bala will see them leapfrog Barry into a third, a victory for Gavin Chesterfield’ men would see them take second, providing Caernarfon do them a favour by beating the Nomads.

Caernarfon and Connah’s Quay kick off at 19:45 tomorrow evening, whilst Bala entertain Barry at 14:30 on Saturday evening.

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