It’s been hard to take it all in, admits Gardiner
“IT’S unthinkable for us as a club and I don’t think we’ve managed to take it all in.”
Those were the words of STM Sports boss Dale Gardiner as he prepares his side for the biggest game in the club’s relatively short history today against Connah’s Quay Nomads in the final of the Nathaniel MG Cup.
It might not be quite David and Goliath but JD Cymru South outfit STM, who formed in 2007 and only five seasons ago were playing in the fifth tier, are firm underdogs for their showdown with the Nomads at Newtown’s Latham Park.
Their run to the final has also been quite something.
The writing looked to be on the wall though after only 16 minutes of their first round tie against Pontypridd Town when they trailed 2-0.
However Gardiner’s side climbed off the canvas to knock out Pontypridd 3-2 before easing past Cwmbran Celtic 4-0 in round two.
They rode their luck in round three, falling behind against Haverfordwest County before prevailing on penalties – and then won on spot kicks again in the last eight to stun JD Cymru Premier side Newtown in their own backyard.
STM again had to come from behind in the semis against another top flight side in Aberystwyth Town but goals from Callum Bateman and Josh Graham sent them into dreamland.
“It’s been a bit of a whirlwind and we’re trying to embrace it as much as we can,” said Gardiner.
“We were second favourites going into a lot of the ties, but we managed to get over the line in all of them somehow and it has just been brilliant for the club.”
Standing in front of STM is their biggest hurdle yet with Andy Morrison leading his Nomads side into their fourth cup final in three seasons.
Connah’s Quay lifted the JD Welsh Cup in 2018 before reaching the final again last season – when they also enjoyed a memorable run in the Scottish Challenge Cup.
However not since 1996 have the Nomads won the League Cup and they will be determined to put that right against STM.
Rhyl, Guilsfield, Flint Town United and Bala have all been dispatched en route.
STM have already tasted victory at Latham Park earlier in the competition and regularly play on their home games on a 3G surface – whereas the Nomads play on grass – but Gardiner added they are still under no illusions about the size of the task in front of them.
He said: “They’re not sitting second in the Cymru Premier for nothing, only behind TNS who have dominated for so long.
“We know exactly what we’re up against and are aware it’s going to be the hardest game since we formed.
“It’s mission impossible but we’ve been known to upset the odds over the past few years and everyone is looking forward to it.”
The match will be televised live on S4C while the winners will also earn themselves a place in next season’s Scottish Challenge Cup.