The New Saints Triumph In The JD Welsh Cup Final

Match Report

Goals: J. Williams (31, 32), McManus (59)
Yellow cards: McManus (41), Redmond (54), Astles (83)
Substitutions: Clark for Smith (68), Cieslewicz for Redmond (80), Robles for McManus (82)

Match report by Sam Wood
Lead image: John Smith/FAW

The New Saints put up a successful defence of the JD Welsh Cup at the Cardiff City Stadium this afternoon.

An exciting match ended 3-2 to Anthony Limbrick’s team, who, at one stage, had a three-goal lead in the match.

Two late Penybont goals made it a nervy end for TNS supporters, but their side held out to, not just lift the famous trophy for the eighth time, but complete the double as well.

The New Saints started the game on the front foot and Ryan Brobbel went close with a curling effort after just eight minutes.

Down the other end, some good defending from Jon Routledge denied Penybont an opening, as the midfielder dispossessed Ben Ahmun inside the penalty area.

With 18 minutes played, Brobbel threatened again but, as was the case with his first effort, failed to hit the target.

Three minutes later, Danny Davies tried his luck after working space on the edge of the box, but his curling effort didn’t trouble Ashley Morris in the Penybont goal.

Limbrick’s team continued to fashion chances, and Declan McManus sent a header into the side netting in the 27th minute.

After holding out well in the opening period, the TNS pressure finally took its toll as Jordan Williams fired home the opener with 30 minutes on the clock.

Picking up the ball 35 yards from goal, the number 17 drove forward, before unleashing a ferocious left-footed shot into the bottom corner, giving the goalkeeper no chance whatsoever despite his best efforts.

And just a minute later, disaster struck once more for Rhys Griffiths’ side when The Saints put the ball into the back of the net again.

After Morris had failed to deal with a Brobbel cross from the right, the ball fell kindly for Williams on the edge of the six-yard box.

The former Stockport County man was left with an easy finish, as he coolly side-footed the ball over the line to score his second goal in as many minutes.

The JD Cymru Premier champions were in control throughout the first-half, and could’ve had a third just before the break when Danny Davies’ cross came back off the woodwork.

And when Declan McManus did add the third from the penalty spot in the 58th minute, it was all plain sailing for the side from Oswestry.

With 67 minutes played, Brobbel had another chance to further strengthen his side’s position in the match, but his effort struck a Bont Defender and went behind for a corner.

Ryan Astles headed home from a corner at the other end seven minutes later, but referee, Rob Jenkins, pulled play back for a foul in the build-up.

It looked like The Saints would see out the remainder of the match comfortably, but with six minutes of normal time to play, Rhys Griffiths’ side gave themselves a lifeline, courtesy of Shaun MacDonald.

The Wales international tried his luck with a volley from the edge of the box and the ball found its way through a crowd of bodies, before nestling in the back of the net.

All of a sudden, the side from Bridgend had a spring in their step, and a great save from Connor Roberts prevented Kane Owen from reducing the deficit further in the 90th minute.

But from the resulting corner, Dan Jefferies powered in a header to make the score 3-2, setting up a nervy ending in the capital.

Penybont threw everything at the game in the five minutes of additional time, but The Saints held on to, not only win their eighth JD Welsh Cup but complete a superb league and cup double too.