TNS LOSE AGAIN

By Dave Jones on Apr 17, 07 10:27 PM

TOTTERING TNS suffered another stumble in their quest to clinch the Welsh Premier League championship when they lost 1-0 at Welshpool Town on Tuesday night.
Ken McKenna's Saints were expected to seal the title on Saturday when they faced lowly Caernarfon Town at Treflan, but crashed to a stunning 3-1 defeat.

With their superior goal difference, even a draw at Maesydre on Tuesday would have all but secured them the WPL crown, but Welshpool's win meant the title race stayed alive for four more days at least.
Now it's on to Saturday, where a point for TNS at NEWI Cefn Druids should be enough to make sure they finish top for a third successive season. They can't blow it again can they?
Second-placed Rhyl will be looking to keep the pressure on by beating resurgent Caersws at home.
TNS would have to emulate Devon Loch to lose the title now, but the race has lasted two more matches than most people thought it would.
As for Rhyl's UEFA Cup hopes, as things stand they still need four points from their remaining three starts to cement that all-important runners-up position.
Llanelli's 3-0 win over Bangor on Tuesday means they can still reach 65 points, and with Rhyl on 62, 66 is the magic figure for them. Welshpool's defeat of TNS has given them fresh hope of second place too, but they are an outside bet.
Next Tuesday's Rhyl v Llanelli match at Belle Vue could yet prove very significant.

WELSH PREMIER STANDINGS:

1 TNS: Played 30 Points 70 (goal difference + 57)
Apr 21 - NEWI Cefn Druids (a)
Apr 28 - Carmarthen Town (h)

2 RHYL: Played 29 Points 62 (+26)
Apr 21 - Caersws (h)
Apr 24 - Llanelli (h)
Apr 28 - Connah's Quay Nomads (a)

3 WELSHPOOL: Played 30 Points 58 (+21)
Apr 21 - Aberystwyth (a)
Apr 28 - Cwmbran Town (h)

4 LLANELLI: Played 29 Points 56 (+30)
Apr 21 - Cwmbran Town (h)
Apr 24 - Rhyl (a)
Apr 28 - Porthmadog (h)