Report: Gap Connah's Quay 2 TNS 1

Having lost 2-0 at the Deeside Stadium back in January, the league leaders endured another disappointing visit as the Nomads ran out 2-1 winners to notch another notable scalp.

Despite taking a first-half lead with a penalty from Chris Sergeant, the Saints were undone by two goals early in the second period through Les Davies and Callum Morris.

Although the home side had Danny Harrison dismissed, they held firm with 10 men for the last 20 minutes to boost their own hopes of European football this summer.

Although returning empty-handed, it was not all gloom for the Saints who are still eight points clear at the top with four games remaining after closest rivals Bala drew 2-2 at Newtown.

Boss Craig Harrison admitted his side's failure to deal with the home side's aerial strength from a couple of set-plays proved their downfall.

He said: "It's a tough place to come, the pitch did not suit us, but that's no excuse as the two goals they scored had nothing to do with the pitch, the ball was in the air.

"We need to deal with set-plays better as a group. We knew they were a big, physical side and would be strong in that area.

"We could not really get the ball down and play, and could not build enough momentum."

Chances were hard to come by in an uneventful first half, TNS striker Scott Quigley having a good effort saved by John Danby while Ashley Ruane went close at the other end.

The stalemate was almost broken five minutes before the break when Quigley was brought down on the edge of the box and Chris Marriott's free-kick forced Danby into a superb save down to his left.

But TNS got their noses in front right on half-time when Seargeant converted from the spot after being awarded a debatable penalty to give the pacesetters a valuable interval advantage.

Despite being buoyed by the goal, the Saints were pegged back in the 52nd minute when Davies managed to bundle in from close range.

The equaliser seemed to inspire the Nomads, who then took the lead through Morris just six minutes later after finding space inside the box to head in from six yards out.

The hosts were holding firm, but their plans were disrupted when they were reduced to 10 men after Danny Harrison was dismissed for a lunge on Simon Spender, his second booking of the game.

Despite having the numerical advantage, TNS struggled to find a way back and it was the home side who almost extended the lead when Davies' superb volley flew inches over the bar.

The league leaders pushed men forward, with defender Phil Baker going close to a late leveller when his powerful half volley was blocked, but Connah's Quay held firm for a terrific double win over the full-timers.

The Nomads have certainly proved the scourge of the Saints this season, having also secured a goalless draw at Park Hall. The sides now meet in the semi-final of the Welsh Cup at Newtown's Latham Park in early April.