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Craig Harrison Insists The New Saints Were Never Worried Despite Narrow Cup Final Win

Paul JonesPaul Jones3 March 2025
Craig Harrison coaching UEFA match - Credit Alamy

Craig Harrison coaching UEFA match - Credit Alamy

The New Saints roll on with an 11th Welsh League Cup Final Triumph in the Nathaniel MG Cup and insists there’s more to come.

The New Saints roll on with an 11th Welsh League Cup Final Triumph in the Nathaniel MG Cup and insists there’s more to come.

Craig Harrison praised his side’s dominance as The New Saints secured their first silverware of the season with a 1-0 victory over Aberystwyth Town in the Nathaniel MG Cup final.

Aramide Oteh’s 49th-minute strike proved decisive under the lights at Latham Park, keeping TNS on course for a potential domestic treble.

Harrison was pleased with his team’s control throughout the contest. 
“We controlled the game from the first minute, so we were never in any real trouble,” he said.

“I think they had one shot at our goal, a couple of free-kicks, a couple of long throws, and we were quite comfortable all the time.

“We want to score goals. You know what it’s like. Whoever we’re playing, whenever we’re playing, if there’s only one in it then anything could happen, couldn’t it? So we would have liked to kill the game off.

“I thought we did, but it was as comfortable a game as what we’ve had for a long time.”

TNS, who lead the JD Cymru Premier by 12 points with just six games remaining, remain on track for more success this season. 

They are also through to the semi-finals of the JD Welsh Cup, where they will face Cambrian United at Aberystwyth’s Park Avenue on March 16.

“We just want to keep going,” Harrison added. “We’re in a really, really rich vein of form.”

READ MORE: The New Saints Have Restored Normal Service But Aberystwyth Aim To Prove Shock Appeal

TNS asserted their authority early in the final, with Leo Smith, Danny Redmond, and Jordan Williams all going close to breaking the deadlock. 

Oteh was also denied by the post before eventually finding the net three minutes into the second half.

Dan Williams created the goal, driving into the box from the right before cutting the ball back for Oteh, who clinically finished at the near post.

Midfielder Williams felt the Saints delivered a professional display to secure the trophy. “I thought first half we performed well, we moved the ball well. The second half they came at us a bit more.

READ MORE: Craig Harrison Praises The New Saints For Best Effort Yet in Europe

“As soon as we got the goal they pressed high. It was always going to be difficult. Fair play to Aber, I thought they did well tonight, and it was professional.”

It was a historic night for Aberystwyth, who reached their first final in the competition, but they could not find an equaliser and remain bottom of the Cymru Premier, facing the threat of relegation.

TNS, who have now lifted the Nathaniel MG Cup 11 times, will quickly turn their attention back to league duties as they host Haverfordwest County on Saturday.

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