One down, six to go after it was a case of honours even in the race for the Cymru Premier title last night.

League leaders Connah’s Quay came away with a point from Maes Tegid after third-placed Bala missed a chance to close in on their title rivals in a 2-2 draw, while second-placed TNS squandered a two-goal lead to also earn a point against Barry Town United.

At one stage it looked as if The New Saints would close the gap at the top to two points after an early brace from Dean Ebbe had given them a comfortable lead at Park Hall.

And with Kieran Smith striking for the Lakesiders with just over 10 minutes left at Maes Tegid, to cancel out Jamie Insall’s goal shortly before the break, it seemed to be all going TNS’ way.

Michael Wilde had put the Nomads one up at Maes Tegid after two minutes, with Chris Venables equalising for Bala on eight minutes.

But at Park Hall Barry Town had other ideas and, after what appeared to be a harmless cross by Luke Cummings on the right had crept in at the far post to make it 2-1, Gavin Chesterfield’s team grabbed an equaliser in the second minute of stoppage time when Luke Cooper reacted quickest from a corner.

So no change at the top, but one less game remaining for the Saints to peg back that four-point gap between them and the Nomads.

Next Friday TNS travel to Caernarfon Town, while Connah’s Quay are at home against Newtown.

Last night Caernarfon beat Newtown 3-1 at The Oval so it would appear the Saints have it all to do to close in on Connah’s Quay next weekend. Bala, seven points adrift of the Nomads, are away at Jenner Park on Saturday, with a win against Barry looking a must if they are to maintain their title challenge.