A STALEMATE at the top of the Welsh Premier League leaves Connah’s Quay Nomads two points ahead with just three games remaining.

TNS needed an away win to take the title race back into their hands but a 0-0 draw at the Deeside Stadium on Saturday, May 1 means it is all to lose for the reigning champions.

The Saints tried to make up for the 4-1 loss to the Nomads on April 25 however a clean sheet was not enough as the Nomads were resilient in midfield and defence to ensure they remained in first place.

TNS left-back Chris Marriott said: “Today was all about the win. There’s only a few games left now and we needed to get it back in our hands. At the moment unfortunately after a draw it’s not in our hands anymore, but we’ll still come out with the positives. There’s definitely another twist in this title race so we’ll take it down to the wire and see what happens.

“It was a clean sheet, solid performance; it wasn’t pretty it all but it isn’t going to be coming here. It was just about battling today and I thought we matched them at their game.”

Connah’s Quay travelled to fifth-placed Barry Town United on Tuesday evening, after the Journal went to print, with a home game against Caernarfon and an away tie at Penybont to come.

Meanwhile the Saints are looking to remain hot on their heels, after securing just two points from their last three league games at a crucial stage in the season. They play Penybont and Barry before a difficult home fixture against Bala Town on the final matchday.

The Lakesiders guaranteed third-place to enter the qualification stages for the first ever UEFA Europa Conference League with a 4-1 win at Barry Town United on Saturday, as fourth placed Penybont were all square with Caernarfon Town after 90 minutes in an entertaining 2-2 draw.

Bala Town FC said in a social media statement: “UEFA Europa Conference League confirmed. Following Saturday’s 4-1 win against Barry Town, we secured our place in the inaugural season of the Europa Conference League. Thank you all for your support throughout a tough season, now let’s finish this season on a high.”

In the Playoff Conference group, Flint Town United claimed a 2-0 win over Haverfordwest County, which puts them 12 points ahead and out of touch of bottom-placed Cefn Druids. Due to the restrictions on lower tier matches, no teams will be promoted or relegated this season.

The evening fixtures on Tuesday, May 4 include Aberystwyth Town vs Haverfordwest, Barry vs Connah’s Quay, Caernarfon vs Bala, Cefn Druids vs Flint, Newtown vs Cardiff MU, and Penybont vs TNS.