The first Nathaniel MG Cup final win since 2018
Considering The New Saints’ overall domestic record for a number of years, it’s incredible to think that this was our first Nathaniel MG Cup (Welsh League Cup) final victory since 2018.
In the January of that year, at Aberystwyth Town’s Park Avenue ground, Jamie Mullan’s strike was all that separated the sides at the final whistle, as we beat Cardiff Metropolitan University 1-0.
At the time, that was our fourth Welsh League Cup final win on the bounce, and who would have thought that we would have to wait until 2024 to lift the trophy again.
A good test against an English Championship club
Swansea City were a departure from our usual domestic opponents and so, in many ways, were a totally different proposition.
On the one hand the club has featured its U-21s in the competition, but then on the other, they are all young professionally-minded players at an English Championship club.
It was interesting to see how the challenge would work out, and although two very late goals ensured a 5-1 victory, for much of the second period The New Saints were just two goals in front.
We all know when it’s like that, even if you’re dominating the game, a goal for the opponent can change things totally.
Off to a great start
In the seventh minute the deadlock was broken, when initially Rory Holden’s strike on goal was pushed away by the Swansea City ‘keeper, Remy Mitchell.
Ever-alert and entrepreneurial when it comes to an eye for goal, the incoming Ryan Brobbel was on hand to slot home from close-range.
Although the Swans would have been extremely disappointed to have conceded so early, as far as The New Saints were concerned, it was the perfect start.
Doubling the advantage at the break
Just four minutes on from the goal, Rory Holden again looked to get his name on the scoresheet. This time his strike rattled the woodwork.
We didn’t have to wait long for the second goal though, when in the 18th minute, an overhead kick from Brobbel saw Josh Pask connect as he poked the ball home past Mitchell.
Selected as the JD Cymru Premier Player Of The Month for December just gone, Pask again demonstrated not only his contribution to the meanest defence at one end of the pitch but also his appetite for goals at the other.
Four names on the scoresheet
When Brad Young made it 3-0 just after the restart, as he connected with an inch-perfect Brobbel cross from the right, it put The New Saints firmly in the driving seat.
Although Swansea City did pull one back, via Ben Lloyd, to give themselves a lifeline of sorts, in the end a brace from Adrian Cieslewicz secured the victory in style.
Coming on as a 73rd minute substitute to replace Jordan Williams, the winger scored twice in added time (90+1, 90+3) to ensure that the trophy would be returning to Park Hall after a long absence.
Lead image courtesy of Brian Jones.
