Cymru Premier: Remembering some of the best title races
Rhyl lift the Cymru Premier title for the first time in their history. (Image: RJS Hampshire)
There have been a number of title races in the Welsh Premier League in its 28-year history.
On seven occasions there have been titles decided by three points or less. In some instances, the winner has been decided on the final day of the season.
Plenty of sides have competed against one another for Welsh football’s top prize on numerous occasions.
Here are some of the most entertaining title races in the Cymru Premier.
Craig Garside wins it for Bangor! 2010/2011 – 1st – Bangor City (70) 2nd – TNS (68) – TWO POINTS
In 2010/2011 there was a dramatic title race. On the 30th April 2011, Title rivals Bangor City and The New Saints met at Farrar Road for a title shootout. The New Saints had a point advantage going into the game, with a draw enough to keep the title at Park Hall.
New Saints had a four-point gap with two games remaining and could have secured the title. However a 3-2 home defeat to Neath, despite leading 1-0 at the break and a narrow 2-1 victory for Bangor, meant that the semi-professional side had taken it to the final day.
With just 22 minutes of the Welsh Premier League season remaining, Craig Garside turned home from a throw-in to send the home faithful into absolute raptures.
This was the second time that Neville Powell had won a Welsh Premier League title. It was also Bangor’s first league title in 16 years. Bangor City were a semi-professional outfit at the time, whilst The New Saints were full-time under then manager Mike Davies.
This was the last time that the gap between First and Second had been three or less.
Five-star New Saints claim Welsh Premier League – 2011/2012 – 1st – TNS (74) 2nd – Bangor City (69) – FIVE POINTS
History had repeated itself in the Welsh Premier League. Bangor City and The New Saints would face each other again on the final day of the Welsh Premier League.
Mike Davies was replaced by former Crystal Palace defender Craig Harrison in November.
The New Saints were in the driving seat again. They had a two-point gap over Bangor going into the game at Park Hall.
But there would be no repeat of Bangor’s final day heroics. A hat-trick from Greg Draper and goals from Chris Sergeant and Ryan Fraughan ensured there would be no regrets having missed out in similar circumstances the season before.
The New Saints fight back to claim the title – 2009/2010 – 1st – TNS (82) 2nd – Llanelli (80) – TWO POINTS
Having missed out on the Welsh Premier League title in 2008/2009, Andy Leggs’ side had a five-point gap over The New Saints with five games remaining.
TNS, however, were able to reduce the gap to two with a crucial win at Park Hall. Former Bury defender Craig Jones scored the all-important winner.
From there Llanelli dropped two points to Haverfordwest, whilst The New Saints beat the previous champions Rhyl to show their title credentials. This created a two-point gap for TNS.
From there, Llanelli were never able to recover. There was no final day slip from The New Saints. They comfortably beat Aberystwyth Town, whilst Llanelli could only watch on after a 5-1 win over Prestatyn.
️⚽️ With the news Rhyl FC are set to close down after 141 years of existence
— BBC Sport Wales (@BBCSportWales) April 23, 2020
Here they are beating Porthmadog 2-0 to clinch their first ever Welsh title in 2004 👇 pic.twitter.com/SfZi7mka5j
Moran winner the all important clincher
2003/2004 – 1st – Rhyl (77) 2nd – TNS (76)
In 2004, Rhyl and The New Saints could only be separated by a point.
The all-important result, in the end, turned out to be Rhyl’s victory over The New Saints the 11th April. Andy Moran scored the only goal as they beat title rivals The New Saints at Belle Venue.
Rhyl did drop points in their next fixture against Cwmbran Town but that victory was enough for them.
TNS won their remaining four games, whilst Rhyl picked up ten points from a possible 12. In the end, Rhyl won the title by a point and was just one goal ahead of title rivals TNS.
Both teams were away from home on the final day. Rhyl beat Porthmadog 2-0, whilst The New Saints comfortably beat Welshpool Town.
The shock story of the season was reigning Champions Barry finishing bottom of the division.
(Featured Image: RJS Hampshire)
