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OTHER EUROPEAN QUALIFIERS |
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WHAT MIGHT HAVE
BEEN - 2002/3
As we all know, backing odds-on shots in racing is the shortest route to the poor house, and so it proved in Welsh football. Barry Town tracked the leaders for much of the race, drew level at the furlong marker and quickened impressively to the winning line.
Back in the balmy days of summer, the Saints made an excellent start to the campaign. Victories over Rhyl, Caersws, Oswestry Town and defending champions Barry, laid the foundations for an unbeaten run that would last until the first day of February. But, with the exception of a 6-0 away thrashing of Afan Lido, it was obvious that the Saints’ title challenge would be built on a mean defence, rather than an expansive attacking policy. Perhaps the cracks were beginning to show as early as January. TNS had to rely on an injury time winner to beat lowly Oswestry at Treflan. They could only draw at home to Newtown and away at Port Talbot. The killer blow came at home to Haverfordwest - then the Saints surrendered a two goal half-time lead at Aberystwyth. The game was up for another season, although the vital European slot was still secure. What might have been! |
