CONNAH’S QUAY Nomads are the 2020/21 JD Cymru Premier champions - securing the title for a second consecutive year.

The 2019/20 campaign, cut short by the coronavirus, saw the Nomads win their first ever top-flight title to end a near-decade of dominance by The New Saints (TNS).

This season though Andy Morrison’s side have won the title outright, beating rivals TNS to the top spot once again.

It took until the final day of the season, on Saturday, for the title to be decided with Connah’s Quay facing Penybont away knowing they needed to win to avoid any dramatic twist in the tale which would have seen TNS win the title if they beat Bala Town at home.

But the Nomads showed no signs of being under pressure and were ahead after just four minutes of their tie - captain George Horan popping up at the back post to nod them ahead.

It was tense affair in South Wales but the victory was all but secured 15 minutes or so from time. Midfielder Aeron Edwards (below) was on hand to head home a powerful header and ensure the title was going back to the Deeside Stadium for a second successive year.

Aeron Edwards celebrates his goal for the Nomads. PIC: Sgorio/S4C.

Aeron Edwards celebrates his goal for the Nomads. PIC: Sgorio/S4C.

Edwards celebrates his goal. PIC: Sgorio/S4C

TNS themselves won 2-0 against Bala but as the Nomads won, the victory was in vain as they missed out on title number 14.

Midfielder Ben Clark, who has been real revelation in the middle for the Saints this season, scored after ten minutes and Adrian Cieslewicz notched in the second half to hand TNS victory.

A disappointing outcome for Anthony Limbrick’s side who finish as runners-up but nevertheless secured a European spot in doing so.

Bala Town, who finished in third, will take part in the qualifying rounds of the newly-formed UEFA Conference League which will begin next season.

Despite their loss at the hands of the champions, Penybont remained in fourth at the end of what has been an exceptional season for Rhys Griffiths’ side.

Elsewhere on the final day, Barry Town United beat Caernarfon Town 3-2 in at Jenner Park.

Darren Thomas put the Cofis’ ahead just before half time before a David Cotterill penalty just before the hour mark squared things up.

Rhys Kavanagh and Jordan Cotterill then put the home side 3-1 up before Thomas scored a late consolation late on.

Barry finished in fifth place in the division on 43pts, with Caernarfon in sixth on 37pts to conclude the Championship Conference standings.

In the Play-Off Conference, already decided before the final day, Newtown finished first in that group despite being condemned to a 4-0 loss at home to rivals Aberystwyth Town on the final day.

The Seasiders, who finished fourth were in red hot form at Latham Park as Mathew Jones (P), Jonathan Evans, Owain Jones and Harry Franklin were all on target.

Cardiff Met continued their strong finish to end the campaign in second in the bottom six standings with a 2-1 win over Flint Town United, Chris Baker and Liam Warman with their goals and Ross Weaver on the scoresheet for the Silkmen.

Finally, a Joe Faux own goal and a Scott Tancock goal were enough for Haverfordwest County to see off bottom-of-the-table Cefn Druids - who will not be relegated as no relegation or promotion will take place ahead of next season, the FAW has confirmed.

Newtown v Penybont and Caernarfon Town v Barry Town United will kick off the European play-off rounds which will officially end the season on Saturday.

Standings at the end of the 20/21 JD Cymru Premier campaign are; Championship Conference: 1. Connah’s Quay (C), 2. The New Saints, 3. Bala Town, 4. Penybont, 5. Barry Town United, 6. Caernarfon Town. Play-Off Conference: 1. Newtown, 2. Cardiff Met, 3. Haverfordwest, 4. Aberystwyth, 5. Flint Town United, 5. Cefn Druids

Final table:

1. Connah's Quay (Champions/UEFA Champions League)

2. The New Saints (UEFA Europa League)

3. Bala Town (UEFA Conference League)

4. Penybont (European play-off spot)

5. Barry Town United (European play-off spot)

6. Caernarfon Town (European play-off spot)

7. Newtown (European play-off spot)

8. Cardiff Met Uni

9. Haverfordwest County

10. Aberystwyth Town

11. Flint Town United

12. Cefn Druids