The New Saints welcomed Penybont knowing that just a point will guarantee the JD Cymru Premier League title. The game was perceived as the epic coronation for the record winners, with best Australia online casinos lacing it with odds right before..
Saints were primed for their first title in three years. After nine successive accolades between 2009 and 2019, TNS were runner-up twice to Connah’s Quah Nomads . Having only recently beaten their new rivals 2-1, Penybont wasn’t going to be much of a problem, you would assume.
The New Saints were already assured of the title, though, 26 points clear with eight games to go. Penybont, who have played a game less, are third in the table. Anthony Limbrick reckoned they weren’t pushovers.
The Saints had won 20 of their 24 league games at that stage, losing just once. But they were unable to crack Penybont on the road.
“One thing I would say is Penybont are a very tough opponent. We had probably what, I think, was an entertaining game for the neutral here, 3-2, maybe not for us so far, but we narrowly came out winners in that game,” Limbrick said.
“They drew with us at their place, and normally it’s by an odd goal that we’ve got in front of them, or drawn with them, so it will be really tight and tough.
“They’re a very tactical team, they change shape and do different things each time they come and play us, so we’re expecting a really tough challenge and they certainly will want to come and cause an upset here on Saturday.”
Saints were stunned. Rhys Griffiths’ side had their noses in front twice before the interval. Limbrick’s worse fears coming to reality. He must have thought that their coronation would be delayed.
Nathan Wood gave the South Wales men the lead on the half hour mark – before Sam Snaith stunned the Saints with a second just moments before the break, with users of online casino usa watching the game closely.
However, Ben Clark came off the bench to reduce the deficit with 25 minutes to go and then Lewis Harling turned through his own net in the 77th minute. Ash Baker gave his side the advantage in the 82nd minute before Liam Walsh ensured both sides shared the spoils.
With the victory, the Saints clinched their 14th title with seven games to go. They have garnered 64 points. For Penybont, meanwhile, they drop to fourth with 37 points.
