The New Saints lift the Nathaniel MG Cup for a second consecutive season

Match Report

Goals: Oteh (48)
Yellow cards: Bodenham (52), Brobbel (90+3)
Red cards: Redmond (after final whistle)
Substitutions: Brobbel for Oteh (68), Clark for Smith (74), Bradley for Wilson (74)

Match report by Sam Wood
Lead image: Lewis Mitchell/FAW

The New Saints lifted the Nathaniel MG Cup for a record-extending 11th time after defeating Aberystwyth Town 1-0 at Latham Park.

Aramide Oteh scored the game’s only goal in the 48th minute to ensure the trophy returned to Park Hall for a second consecutive season.

In truth, Craig Harrison’s side were rarely troubled throughout the contest, and few could’ve argued if The Saints’ margin of victory was greater on the night.

The New Saints were dominating proceedings right from the first whistle and it was backs to the wall defending from Aberystwyth to prevent the holders from gaining an early foothold.

With 14 minutes on the clock, Craig Harrison’s side had the first chance of the night when Danny Redmond tried his luck from the edge of the penalty area, but his effort was turned behind for a corner by goalkeeper, Dave Jones.

Three minutes later, a shot from Leo Smith was deflected behind for another corner, as The Saints continued to knock on the door.

Antonio Corbisiero’s side made a rare foray forward with 26 minutes played, but after creating space for a shot on the edge of the penalty area, John Owen’s strike was easy Connor Roberts to collect.

The best chance of the half arrived on the half-hour mark, when Jordan Marshall’s cross reached Jordan Williams in the penalty area.

Despite setting himself with a good initial touch, the former Stockport County man failed to keep his effort down, and the Black and Greens survived more danger.

In the 34th minute, Harrison’s side had yet another opportunity, but Aramide Oteh’s curling effort from just inside the box came back out off the far post.

Four minutes before the break, Dan Williams then sent another effort wide from 18 yards, bringing a frustrating half of football to an end.

Harrison’s side came out of the traps quickly though, and just three minutes after the restart, finally made the breakthrough.

After some great work down the right to keep the ball in play, Dan Williams looked up and picked out Oteh.

The former Walsall man did well to squeeze his effort past Jones at the near post, despite pressure from the covering defender.

The second-half continued in the same fashion as the first, with Aber having to remain defensively alert to prevent The Saints from extending their advantage.

In the 75th minute, the TNS second almost arrived after a surging run by Danny Davies, but the defender’s weak-footed effort was narrowly over the crossbar.

Substitute, Sion Bradley, had a couple of further efforts in the latter stages of the half, but there was no way through the well-drilled Seasiders defence.

Although they only scored one on the night, it proved to be enough for The New Saints to secure the Nathaniel MG Cup for not only a second consecutive year, but also a record-extending 11th time.

The Saints are back in JD Cymru Premier action next Saturday (March 8th) as they look to take another important step towards securing their second trophy of the season.

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