By Matthew Burgess
Welsh Premier League champions-elect The New Saints travel to the capital this weekend looking to pick up their first silverware of the season.
The Saints will be expected to retain the Nathaniel MG Cup for the third year in a row when they come up against rank outsiders Barry Town.
TNS have swept aside Bala Town, Bangor City and Connah’s Quay to reach the final at Cardiff Met FC’s Cyncoed Campus Stadium.
And a win in Saturday’s final would not be the first time TNS have hit the headlines in recent weeks, after the club went on an incredible World Record breaking run of 27-consecutive victories.
TNS had looked destined to extend their streak last weekend until conceding 94th-minute equaliser against Newtown, which left their players stunned at full-time.
“You could see how much it meant to the players in the dressing room after the game, where never mind a draw, it looked like they had been relegated,” says manager Craig Harrison.
“Out on the pitch Newtown, with all respect, were celebrating like they’d won a cup because that’s how big a result and achievement it was for them, which in many ways is a mark of respect to my players.”
Rarely at domestic level have TNS failed to deliver in recent years. The club are targeting another clean sweep of domestic titles once again this year, having won the Welsh Premier League, Welsh Cup and League Cup in each of the last two seasons and there is little sign of their appetite for success waning.
“They’ve got the opportunity to put that [the record-ending draw against Newtown] right now and they don’t come much better than in a cup final,” says Harrison.
“The response this week in training has been excellent. I’ve got everyone back fit now so we’ve had a full squad – they’ve been sharp, it’s had a good tempo and they’ve worked hard.
“The players are a professional group and they respond to every challenge. We want to win every game.”
TNS (expected team): Harrison; Spender, Saunders, Rawlinson, Marriott; Routledge, Edwards; Brobbel, Darlington, Cieslewicz; Draper.
NATHANIEL MG CUP FINAL
BARRY TOWN vs THE NEW SAINTS
5.15 Saturday 21 January @ Cardiff Met FC’s Cyncoed Campus stadium.
Tickets available on the day priced £7/£3 or see official club websites for further details.
