Connah’s Quay Nomads settled for a draw against Champions The New Saints in a 2-2 draw in the JD Welsh Premier League on Tuesday evening as a brace from Greg Draper was cancelled out by goals from Jay Owen and Callum Morris.

• Highly competitive encounter ended in draw at Deeside
• Greg Draper scored both TNS goals
• Nomads came from behind to equalise twice

The game was much anticipated by both sides and indeed the JD Welsh Premier League, as a win for either side guaranteed top spot in the table.  The Nomads came into the fixture after a rare weekend off, preceded by a 2-0 Nathaniel MG Cup win over Bangor, whilst TNS progressed to the quarter finals of the Irn Bru Cup with a 4-0 win over Elgin City.

Mathias Bakare kept his place in the starting line up from Nomads’ recent cup win, joined by the likes of Ryan Wignall and Callum Morris.  The New Saints meanwhile started prolific striker Greg Draper and dynamic midfielder Aeron Edwards, with ex-Nomads loanee Steve Evans helping supervise the Saints as assistant manager.

The Nomads started the proceedings brightly and nearly took the lead in spectacular fashion on five minutes when Ryan Wignall latched onto a looping ball to try and lob 'keeper Paul Harrison from 18 yards, seeing his effort rebound off the crossbar.

The Nomads continued to cause TNS problems early on, with Callum Morris making a run close to the Saints’ goal before passing to Mathias Bakare who had a shot at point blanc range blocked.

Ryan Wignall was a particular threat for Nomads on the right wing as he sent a number of dangerous crosses and balls into the TNS area, one of which narrowly missed the awaiting Michael Wilde in the 15th minute.

On top in the game, The Nomads looked to get the all important opening goal but were met by a TNS who began to grow into the encounter, with Blaine Hudson using his aerial presence to head a number of Nomads’ attacks away.

Just as the game looked to have settled, Greg Draper found a way past The Nomads’ defence to round John Danby and slot the ball into the net on 29 minutes.  But the Saints’ surprise lead was short lived, as a blistering run from Mathias Bakare allowed him to send a low pass into the TNS area which was found by Jay Owen in the 31st minute who sent a controlled finish past Harrison to equalise.

Connah’s Quay 2-2 The New Saints
Jay Owen with the opener, great work from Mathias Bakare on the wing. pic.twitter.com/wzrwlfniKa

— sgorio (@sgorio) 10 October 2017

The Nomads’ eagerness to take control of the game was seen through Wignall, who tried to dispossess a TNS defender in the area, but a free kick was given the visitors’ way.

In the 38th minute, Michael Pearson made an error which allowed Greg Draper to run straight at goal before composing himself to shoot, but John Danby made an excellent save to push the ball away. Danby’s save fell to TNS’ Simon Spender just yards from goal, but he was unable to get a shot away.

As half time neared 1-1 was a fair scoreline in what had been a high quality first half, but a defensive error allowed TNS to regain the lead.  John Danby tried to find defender Ian Kearney with a pass, but it was mishit towards Draper who made no mistake in rounding the 'keeper to make it 2-1 to TNS at the break.

Despite trailing, The Nomads went in after a positive first half performance which they sought to build on after the interval.  Mathias Bakare, who enjoyed a good first 45 minutes, was replaced by Jake Phillips at half time.

Andy Morrison’s side started the second half with similar attacking flair to the first, and reaped the rewards when they were awarded a penalty after Tom Holland brought down Jay Owen.  Callum Morris stepped up and took a powerful effort to beat Harrison and bring the scores level once again in the 53rd minute.

Ryan Wignall continued his tireless work on the wing, being beaten once before regaining possession and running to the TNS byline before the ball slipped out for a goal kick.

As the game went on there was clear potential for more goals, leading to a highly entertaining close for the 265 strong crowd at Deeside. In the 75th minute slick passing saw The New Saints get inside The Nomads’ area but a combined block and clearance from Jake Phillips and Jay Owen kept the Saints at bay.

In the final 10 minutes of the encounter both teams tried to snatch all three points, with Joe Heath making a vital headed clearance against an 85th minute TNS corner. The Nomads meanwhile tried to break past TNS with the introduction of Michael Bakare who replaced Ryan Wignall.

Inside three additional minutes of play, John Danby was forced to make a low save after a TNS cross ricocheted near his goal.  In The Nomads’ final effort, Jake Phillips sent a long range yet pin point throw in towards the TNS goal where 'keeper Paul Harrison caught the effort.

Referee Iwan Griffith blew his whistle for full time confirming a hard earned point for The Nomads who put on a composed and controlled performance throughout the game.

The draw keeps The Nomads fourth in the JD Welsh Premier League table, equal on points with third placed Cardiff Met.  The team now move onto a trip to South Wales where they’ll face Carmarthen Town in match day nine of the JD Welsh Premier League on Saturday afternoon.

Match report by Will Catterall