TNS lose for the first time in 25 games
Leaders The New Saints lost their unbeaten record in the Welsh Premier League after suffering a 2-0 reverse at revitalised Gap Connah's Quay.
The high-flying Saints had been undefeated in their previous 21 league outings and 25 games in all competitions.
That run has put them firmly on course for a repeat of last season's famous treble.
But they met their match in the form of a tenacious Connah's Quay outfit who notched only their third win at home against the defending champions in over 20 years.
Needing a victory to guarantee a place in the league's top six for the second half of the season, the Nomads made a lively start as they took the game to the league leaders.
Their early efforts were rewarded when taking the lead after just four minutes, as Callum Morris converted a penalty awarded for handball when sending goalkeeper Paul Harrison the wrong way from the spot.
The hosts continued to pose problems, and went close to a second.
Shaun Miller somehow denied his team-mates when inadvertently blocking the ball on the goal-line, with the Nomads looking destined to score.
But the Saints, struggling to get a foothold in the game, found themselves two goals down midway through the half.
Les Davies latched on to a Wes Baynes corner to head firmly past Harrison to put the hosts in charge.
The visitors almost pulled one back when full-back Simon Spender's deep cross bounced off the bar, before being cleared with Scott Quigley ready to pounce.
Hopes of a TNS comeback in the second half, however, failed to materialise as the Nomads gave the high-fliers little room to manoeuvre.
The home side's efforts almost brought a third goal, with Baynes unfortunate to see his curling shot fly just inches wide of the post.
Greg Draper and Danny Gossett were brought on in search of a way back into the game.
But, despite boss Craig Harrison ringing the changes, his side were unable to break down a resolute Nomads defence.
It was not to be for the defending champions, whose advantage at the top has been trimmed to six points after second-placed Bala Town convincingly won 3-0 against Llandudno.
Stung by the defeat, the Saints will aim to bounce back by lifting their first silverware of the season when they tackle giantkillers Denbigh Town in Saturday's final of the Word Cup at Llandudno (5.15pm).
