TNS boss facing big decisions
CRAIG HARRISON has had to make some tough calls this week but says if The New Saints make history today it’ll be down to more than just those he selects to face Airdrieonians in the SPFL Trust Trophy final (4.15pm).
TNS will bid to become the first side outside of Scotland to lift the trophy when they go up against Scottish Championship side Airdrieonians at Falkirk Stadium, with the match live on S4C.
With the JD Cymru Premier title and Nathaniel MG Cup already back in the Park Hall trophy cabinet, TNS are aiming to lift a third trophy of the campaign – the third leg of an unprecedented quadruple as they also chase the JD Welsh Cup.
Should they succeed, boss Harrison says it’ll be down to the collective effort rather than simply those who make the cut.
“The hardest thing for me will be the team I’m going to pick,” he said.
“We’ve got everyone fit, apart from Ryan Astles, everyone’s been brilliant all season and we’re going to need everyone.
“We’ve got nine subs in this competition, so we’re going to have a bigger bench than normal in our domestic competitions so we’re going to have more options. There’s not one player in our dressing room that has not played a huge part in where we’ve got to, up to now, and we’ll need them.
“Yes it’s tough, yes it’s disappointing not playing every week if you want to, but we can’t do it without the collective staff and group of players on and off the pitch, so we’ve got to make sure we remember that and all stick together.”
TNS, who are chasing a 27th consecutive win in all competitions, are also back at the scene of their semi-final victory against Falkirk last month when Brad Young’s first half goal was enough to send them through 1-0. It followed victories over Arbroath, East Fife – after a penalty shootout – and Hibernian B in earlier rounds.
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EWPORT County suffered a blow to their hopes of sneaking into the League Two play-offs with a 1-0 defeat at fellow promotion hopefuls Barrow.
In a match played in very windy conditions in Cumbria, County weren’t blown away by the sixthplaced Bluebirds. But the home side were on top throughout.
Barrow dominated the opening exchanges with Rory Feely heading wide, Ben Whitfield seeing a goalbound effort blocked, former Exiles star Dom Telford firing over and his strike partner Cole Stockton also going close.
And the hosts took a deserved lead after 20 minutes when Whitfield’s shot hit Telford and the striker found Stockton, who blasted a right-footed shot through Nick Townsend from around eight yards.
In response, Harry Charsley had one effort blocked and Aaron Wildig shot high and wide from after being teed up by youngster Harrison Bright.
The 20-year-old Blaenavon-born defender was making his first league start in the absence of Matt Baker, who helped Wales under-21s to a victory at Rondey Parade on Friday night.
And he was busy in defence alongside Scot Bennett and Kyle Jameson as Barrow continued to make most of the running.
Kian Spence had a chance to double the Bluebirds’ lead seven minutes before the break, but his shot from the right of the penalty area was blocked and County remained in the contest at half-time.
Coughlan was forced into a change for the second half with goalkeeper Townsend, who had received treatment after an early collision with Tyrell Warren, unable to continue.
He was replaced by Jonny Maxted, who made his first appearance since a 3-3 draw with Walsall in October.
Barrow and Stockton almost claimed a second goal two minutes after the restart when the striker headed just over the top from Whitfield’s corner.
But the visitors did show some attacking intent shortly afterwards as Seb Palmer-Houlden placed a header just wide before Will Evans forced Paul Farman into a smart save – County’s first shot on target in the 48th minute.
Charsley then had two attempts from outside the box, the first blocked and the second just off target.
Barrow still looked the more likely to add to the scoresheet, however, and the impressive Whitfield went close again after cutting in from the left before Charsley cleared off the line to deny Spence at the far post and Warren poked a shot wide from the corner.
Charsley then created a chance for Palmer-Houlden at the other end, but Farman was equal to the striker’s shot from close range.
Feely and Spence wasted opportunities to kill off the Exiles, before Spence was denied by Maxted and substitute Elliott Newby fired just wide. But one goal was enough for the hosts.