The New Saints record a famous victory to reach the SPFL Trust Trophy final

Goals: Young (26)
Yellow cards: J. Williams (30)
Substitutions: Clark for Holden (74), Cieslewicz for Brobbel (74), McManus for Young (83), Marshall for J. Williams (85)

Match report by Sam Wood
Lead image: Brian Jones

The New Saints reached the final of the SPFL Trust Trophy for the first time following a 1-0 victory at the Falkirk Stadium.

Brad Young’s 26th minute goal proved to be decisive on the night, as Craig Harrison’s side handed Falkirk just their second defeat in 29 matches.

The JD Cymru Premier champions will now face Scottish Championship side, Airdrieonians, in the final on March 23rd, as they continue their bid for a historic quadruple.

It was the home side who had the first chance of the night with just six minutes on the clock, but Connor Roberts dived to his right and pushed Callumn Morrison’s effort behind for a corner.

Down the other end, it was the 19th minute before Craig Harrison’s side enjoyed their first opportunity, and it came about courtesy of Brad Young.

Jordan Williams’ searching header reached the former Aston Villa man on the edge of the six-yard box, but his effort on the turn was gathered by the goalkeeper at the second attempt.

Seven minutes later though, the JD Cymru Premier champions did break the deadlock, with Young involved again.

After a heroic double save from Nicky Hogarth to deny Danny Redmond, the ball dropped kindly for the number 23 to convert, sparking wild celebrations from the travelling TNS contingent at the other end of the stadium.

Just a minute later, the hosts could’ve hit back instantly, but Roberts pulled off another key stop to deny Morrison once more and preserve his side’s advantage.

Five minutes into the second-half, the Bairns had a chance to equalise through Ross MacIver, but after connecting with the ball inside the TNS penalty area, could only divert his header over the crossbar.

Tom Lang then had a golden opportunity to bring the home side level, but like MacIver before him, failed to hit the target with his header at the back post.

Falkirk continued to enjoy all of the chances as the half wore on, and number 17, Morrison, went close from distance with 61 minutes on the clock.

In the 73rd minute, there was more defensive work to do for Harrison’s team, but Chris Marriott did enough to prevent Liam Henderson from getting a clean connection on a cross from the left.

After weathering the Falkirk storm, The Saints saw out the remainder of the match professionally, much to the frustration of the home support, and held on for a famous 1-0 victory.

The win north of the English border sets up a final clash against Scottish Championship side, Airdrieonians, at the end of March, as TNS continue their charge towards a historic quadruple.

Next up, however, it’s a return to league action, as the JD Cymru Premier Championship Conference gets underway at Park Hall on Tuesday night, with local rivals, Newtown, making the trip to Park Hall.