Connah’s Quay Nomads have been crowned champions of the Cymru Premier league after the the Football Association of Wales (FAW) confirmed the end of its 2019-20 season because of the coronavirus pandemic.
The Nomads take the title for the first time in their history after the clubs agreed to an unweighted points-per-game method to decide the outcome of the campaign.
The New Saints, champions for the previous eight seasons, secured second spot, ahead of third-placed Bala Town.
The season was brought to a halt with Connah’s Quay holding a four-point lead over defending champions The New Saints, with both teams having played 26 matches.
Promotion and relegation issues are yet to be sorted, with the FAW saying it will decide on the matter “in due course”. However, all divisions will be settled by the points-per-game method. The FAW made the decision following consultation with clubs, who submitted their views over the weekend.
“The FAW board took into consideration the health and safety of all those involved with the leagues,” the FAW said in a statement. “Furthermore the board also considered the specific economic and financial impact of attempting to finish the season during the pandemic and therefore felt it was imperative not to risk the long-term financial stability of the leagues and their clubs.”
The Nomads have twice finished runners-up in the last four years, pipped to the title in 2019 and 2017 by TNS on both occasions.
Their final game of the 2020 season was a 2-2 draw at Bala, which was enough to keep them in top spot after TNS were held to a 2-2 draw at Park Hall by Barry Town United.
The title means a domestic double for the Nomads, who also won the League Cup, thanks to a 3-0 victory against STM Sports, in the final back in February.
It also means Connah’s Quay will represent Wales in Champions League qualifying, with Bala and TNS both going into Europa League qualifying, along with Barry Town, who finished fourth and take the nominated spot for the Welsh Cup, which has had to be been abandoned.
