THE New Saints fell to their first defeat in 16 years at Connah’s Quay as they dropped down to second place in the Welsh Premier League.
Not since their first League of Wales campaign back in 1994 have The Saints failed to come away with at least a share of the spoils from The Deeside Stadium.
But Michael Hayes’ second half goal condemned TNS to only their second defeat of the season, who had enjoyed the lion’s share of the play, but ultimately failed to convert.
Saints players thought that they had taken the lead 15 minutes in when Scott Roscoe cut inside his man, before unleashing a stinging shot from the edge of the box that Quay’s ‘keeper Terry McCormick could only parry into his own net.
But New Saints’ joy was quickly undone by the linesman’s flag, with Craig Jones controversially ruled offside for interfering with play.
Jamie Petrie tried to spur Connah’s Quay into life on the half hour. Frustrated with a lack of options he tried his luck from range but failed to trouble Paul Harrison in the TNS goal.
The linesman came to the rescue of the home side yet again when Steve Abbot looked to have found his way through on goal, and Saints’ Craig Jones was also pulled back moments later as the Nomads’ defence lived dangerously.
But they soon made a chance of their own when Petrie wriggled his way to the touchline before cutting the ball back to the incoming Hayes, who mistimed a clear strike on goal.
The New Saints continued to press after the break, and could have gone ahead in the 50th minute when Chris Seargeant sent a ball across the six yard box, with Jones only to be denied by a sharp reflex save from McCormick before the defence could scramble the ball to safety.
But a break from Quay striker Hayes saw him sprinting into the TNS penalty area, selling a dummy to the last man before steadying himself to score with the help of the post on 74 minutes.
As TNS searched for an equaliser, the home side again found space on the break.
This time it was Aaron Burns who got a shot in on goal, with Harrison producing a fine double save as Sam McNutt came in on the rebound.
An injury time header from Ruscoe was the nearest The Saints came to a share of the spoils, who despite a late appearance from new signing Chris Sharp, fell to their first defeat in 24 games in all competitions.