Despite claiming a 2-0 victory over Bala Town at Park Hall, the Cymru Premier title wasn’t to be for The New Saints, as Connah’s Quay Nomads secured back-to-back titles with a 2-0 victory at Penybont.
Anthony Limbrick‘s side recorded a final day victory thanks to goals from youngster Ben Clark and experienced winger Adrian Cieslewicz, despite Ryan Harrington‘s first-half red card.
However, the Nomads’ victory at Penybont meant that the Saints’ win was in vein, as Andy Morrison’s side claimed the title by two points.
Speaking to TNS TV after the game, Anthony Limbrick expressed his disappointment at missing out on the league title, but praised his side’s application in the final weeks of the season.
“We’re disappointed, there’s no doubt about that,” he said. However, I can only commend the players on how they went about their work today.
“A dubious sending off early on in the game and for them to keep and clean sheet and score two goals and to have a really positive second half was everything we asked of them.”
As the title race went down to the wire, The New Saints needed the Nomads to slip up after the 0-0 draw at the Deeside Stadium.
Since that fixture, both sides have picked up maximum points. Limbrick praised the hard work of his players to keep the pressure on until the very end.
“Since we had that 0-0 draw at Connah’s Quay and knew it was out of our hands, they’ve been utter professionals, worked hard and got the results that we wanted. We couldn’t have done much more than that.
“We’ve obviously slipped up in a couple of games, but they couldn’t have done more today, and the performance was a very good one, so I was pleased with them.”
Overall, it is a season where opportunities have gone missing for the Saints. However, Limbrick expressed he is keen to win the title back for the Oswestry-based club, who last lifted the title two seasons ago.
“It hurts, there’s no doubt about that”, added Limbrick. The players were disappointed because of the overall result.
“You know here that you need to win titles and you need to win leagues and we will be straight back after a short break in the off season, back its next season trying to win the league back.
“That will be our challenge and goal to try to do that.”
(Featured Image: Will Cheshire)
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