Having won the previous eight Cymru Premier titles, The New Saints face their toughest challenge yet if they are to claim a ninth consecutive crown.
This is, of course, thanks to the excellent form of the Connah’s Quay Nomads, who currently sit in first place with the Saints four points behind in second.
Andy Morrison’s men also clinched the Nathaniel MG Cup – their maiden success in the competition – and there have been some key contributing factors behind their impressive form.
Continuity
With the majority of Cymru Premier players and staff being on short-term contracts, change is inevitable, but the Nomads have successfully retained a level of continuity in recent seasons.
Out of their current 22-man first-team squad, 16 were with the club last season. This has helped to build a familiarity and settled nature into Morrison’s effective system.
Their success this season has provided the club with an increased amount of exposure, which will inevitably make the challenge to retain their continuity by keeping key players, such as Priestley Farquharson, even greater in future transfer windows.
Leadership
Just as Morrison was a leader in his playing career, the former Manchester City defender has undoubtedly shown managerial qualities this season, as his side is an organised, well-drilled outfit.
Also ensuring that the Nomads are disciplined and defensively organised is their talismanic captain, George Horan.
The centre-back has been a spearhead for the Deeside outfit this season, showing the same leadership qualities that his manager possessed in his playing days.
Resolute defending
It is no surprise that the Cymru Premier leaders have the most clean sheets in the league this season, as they are renowned for their defensive organisation.
The Nomads have stopped their opposition scoring on 11 occasions so far this season, compared to The New Saints’ tally of seven, Barry Town United’s nine and Bala Town’s eight.
The team’s ability to keep a clean sheet was particularly impressive in their crucial 1-0 win over title rivals The New Saints back in February.
A fortress
Another key factor in the Nomads’ success this season has been their home form.
They are yet to be defeated at home in the JD Cymru Premier this season.
Having picked up 33 points out of a possible 39 at the Deeside Stadium, the Nomads have certainly made their home ground a fortress this season.
A mix of experience and youth
With the average age of the Nomads squad currently 26, the table-toppers have a real balance of experienced heads and the exuberance of youth.
Veterans like captain Horan and Michael Wilde provide the Nomads with invaluable experience and will have certainly played a huge role in the dressing room this season.
On the other end of the spectrum, young players like Kris Owens and Farquharson have been key for the Nomads this season, proving that a blend of both experience and youth is needed.
Strike Force
The Nomads’ attacking options of Jamie Insall, Wilde and Michael Bakare have all been in impressive form this season.
Between them, the trio have scored 29 goals in the Cymru Premier this season.
Top scorer Insall has 12 goals to his tally, averaging a goal every 163 minutes.
(Featured Image: Matthew Lofthouse)
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