The New Saints fall to a disappointing defeat in the JD Welsh Cup final

Match Report

Goals: Baker (36)
Yellow cards: Marriott (13), McManus (18), J. Williams (45+3)
Substitutions: Cieslewicz for Baker (46), Brobbel for Clark (52), D. Williams for J. Williams (60)

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

It was a disappointing end to the 2023/24 season for The New Saints, as they fell to a 2-1 defeat against Connah’s Quay Nomads in final of the JD Welsh Cup.

All of the goals were scored in the first-half at Rodney Parade, with Harry Franklin and Josh Williams both finding the net either side of an Ash Baker header.

Despite throwing everything at it throughout the second period, there was no way through the resolute Nomads’ defence, meaning The Saints fell to their first domestic defeat of the season in their final game.

It was an end-to-end start to the match, with both sides enjoying chances inside the opening 10 minutes.

The first went the way of the Connah’s Quay Nomads with four minutes on the clock, as a strike from Ben Nash was blocked inside the penalty area, before Danny Redmond tested Andy Firth in the opposite goal with a powerful shot moments later.

With 13 minutes gone, an inviting ball from Jack Kenny caused problems inside the TNS box, but Baker came to his side’s rescue, as he slid in to clear the ball off the line.

Although he didn’t know it at the time, the offside flag had already been raised, but it was still an important piece of defending.

In the 20th minute, Neil Gibson’s side had a great chance to take the lead, as Josh Williams whipped in an inviting free-kick from the left. Ben Nash slid in at the back post, but much to the relief of TNS supporters, he failed to make a connection at the back post.

Ten minutes later, however, disaster struck for The New Saints, as the Nomads opened the scoring through Harry Franklin.

Connecting with Poole’s cross from the right, the midfielder flicked the ball past Connor Roberts and into the far corner to give his side the advantage, crucially while his side were on top.

The response was a good one from Craig Harrison’s side though, and it took them just six minutes to get back on level terms.

Redmond’s pinpoint cross into a crowded penalty area found the head of Baker on the edge of the six-yard box, and the former Newport County man showed great technique to nod the ball past Firth to bring his side level.

Just five minutes before the break though, Gibson’s side restored their advantage after a superb volleyed effort from Josh Williams nestled into the far corner, meaning the competition holders went into the half-time interval trailing.

Chances were few and far between immediately after the restart, but The Saints’ head coach didn’t wait long before turning to his bench, making three substitutions. Adrian Cieslewicz, Ryan Brobbel and Dan Williams were all introduced, with Ash Baker, Ben Clark and Jordan Williams making way.

In the 66th minute, after a good period of sustained pressure, Brad Young had the opportunity to find the equaliser, but the JD Cymru Premier Golden Boot winner was denied well by Firth at his near post.

After another good passing move, the ball reached Redmond at the back post in the 74th minute, but the number 10 failed to keep his effort down, and it cleared the crossbar.

The Saints continued to fashion chances right until the end, with both Brobbel and Holden going close from the edge of the penalty area, but despite the addition of 10 stoppage time minutes, Harrison’s side fell to a 2-1 defeat – their first of the domestic season.

Although their bid for an unprecedented unbeaten treble ended in disappointment, having won both the JD Cymru Premier and Nathaniel MG Cup, it’s still been a positive season for The New Saints, who now have their UEFA Champions League campaign to look forward to in July.