A first Adran Trophy final
The New Saints Women advanced to a first Genero Adran Trophy final on Sunday afternoon, as Shauna Duffy’s team came back to beat Briton Ferry Llansawel 3-2 at Park Hall Stadium.
It was fourth time lucky, with the three previous semi-finals all ending in defeat.
Duffy gave her thoughts to club media post-match.
Shauna Duffy reacts, as The New Saints reach the Genero Adran Trophy final in dramatic fashion…#GeneroAdranTrophy pic.twitter.com/9Y6gEqWC6Z
— The New Saints FC Women (@tnsfcwomen) January 19, 2025
Great effort by Briton Ferry
The Ferry started off really strong, when Lucy Powell netted from a spot-kick, before Maia Owen gave the visitors a 2-0 lead in the 28th minute.
It looked at that stage Rhys James’ side were going to continue their six-game unbeaten run.
The 2023/24 Genero Adran South champions have certainly looked a real force since getting promoted.
Ridge returns in style
The New Saints’ all-time leading goalscorer played for the first time since Sunday, December 1st, as the 32 year-old came off bench in the 71st minute.
Just over ten minutes after coming on, Ridge got on the end of a Francis-Jones through ball, and slotted a shot past Courtney Young inside the box.
It was Ridge’s 34th goal in Welsh football.
Emily Ridge 🫡
The club’s all-time leading goalscorer comes in clutch at a key moment again 👏#GeneroAdranTrophy pic.twitter.com/LJ9RZ0kHe6
— The New Saints FC Women (@tnsfcwomen) January 20, 2025
A Wales international delivers
Five minutes later, Francis-Jones scored a thunderbolt from outside the box to equalise.
We see you, @maria_fjx 😮💨
Think we may need a new net after that one! #GeneroAdranTrophy pic.twitter.com/uAN2UXxVQn
— The New Saints FC Women (@tnsfcwomen) January 20, 2025
It is sure to be nominated for The New Saints January Goal of the Month award.
The goal was part of the discussion with the 21-year-old in a post-match interview.
After scoring a sensational equalising goal, we spoke with Maria Francis-Jones following the final whistle…#GeneroAdranTrophy pic.twitter.com/SC4RMieRNn
— The New Saints FC Women (@tnsfcwomen) January 19, 2025
Teare completes the comeback
In the second minute of stoppage time, Chantelle Teare completed the comeback with an effort from a few yards out.
It is not the first comeback from 2-0 down, as The Saints defeated Aberystwyth Town 4-3 at Park Hall in the Genero Adran Premier last season (Sunday, November 5) from a similar position.
Three players from the first eleven in that game were in the starting line-up yesterday (Lia Lewis, Helen Evans, and Teare).
Everyone involved with TNS will be hoping for more easier ways to win moving forward following a stressful, but positively memorable occasion this past weekend.
90+2'| GGGGGOOOOOAAAALLLLLLLLLLLLLL!!!!!!
CHANTELLE TEARE GIVES THE SAINTS THE LEAD!
TNS 3-2 BFL#GeneroAdranTrophy pic.twitter.com/RFsGCMeYwR
— The New Saints FC Women (@tnsfcwomen) January 19, 2025
Lead image by Brian Jones
