It was another good result for The New Saints last weekend, as they defeated Trethomas Bluebirds 7-0 to reach the fourth round of the JD Welsh Cup, but it was players from the club’s Academy system that made the headlines. 

With Craig Harrison making 11 changes to the starting line-up, it allowed a significant number to start, while others were introduced off the bench, and they certainly took advantage of their opportunity.

For the second consecutive Welsh Cup game, Gwion Dafydd led the line for the holders and offered a repeat of his Ruthin Town heroics with another hat-trick. 

The former Caernarfon Town man scored eight goals across the entirety of last year’s campaign, and with nine already this season before the halfway stage, is on track to eclipse that by some distance. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jake Canavan, who joined the Academy following a previous stint at Burnley in 2021, also got his name on the scoresheet following a recent return from injury and continues to prove a reliable option for the JD Cymru Premier champions. 

In goal, Jack Edwards, a player who’s represented the club’s Academy since he was just eight years old, was handed a debut by Harrison and certainly didn’t look out of place in the starting 11. 

Although he didn’t have the busiest of afternoons, the 18-year-old commanded his penalty area well and kept his first clean sheet.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Last, but certainly not least, Tom Jones made his second start of the season on his 18th birthday. 

Slotting in well in the right-wing position, the former Manchester United man was the architect of The Saints’ opening goal which set his side on their way to another big win in the cup. 

First-team assistant and Head of Coaching, Chris Seargeant, said: “The weekend was another special day for the Academy with Jack Edwards making his debut and keeping a clean sheet in the process!

“He’s another player who’s come right through the system from the Foundation Phase, which suggests that there is strength and consistency across the board, and is something we have worked so hard to get to over the years.

“These moments can’t be possible without the backing of the players and parents whose dedication and belief in what we do is paramount to the development of the players. 

“In addition, the inclusion of Tom Jones, who joined us from Manchester United 18 months ago, making his 2nd start, and another hat-trick for Gwion Dafydd is a statement to all young players looking on from elsewhere that there are opportunities and a pathway for their development into professional football at The New Saints.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Images: Brian Jones & F28.Online