TNS AIMING FOR THIRD TREBLE

CONNAH’S QUAY NOMADS are aiming to lift the JD Welsh Cup for a second time tomorrow and in the process thwart holders The New Saints’ bid for a third domestic treble.

In fact, the Nomads were the last side to defeat TNS in a Welsh Cup match, beating them 2-1 in a quarter-final tie back on March 6 2018 on their way to lifting the cup that year when they overcame Aberystwyth Town 4-1 in the final.

TNS are undefeated in the competition in the six years since. The cup returned to Park Hall the following season when they avenged that defeat by the Nomads the previous year in the final, running out 3-0 victors.

And, after the competition was cancelled in 2020 and 2021 due to Covid, TNS have also won it for the past two seasons.

Tomorrow at Rodney Parade they will be gunning to lift the cup for the 10th time in what is their 14th final appearance.

Craig Harrison’s men are also one step away from matching the domestic treble feat they previously achieved back-to-back in 2015 and 2016.

Standing in their way will be the Nomads – who have scored 20 goals and conceded just two on their way to this season’s final.

Wins over Caernarfon Town (4-1), Prestatyn Town (8-0), Flint Town United (3-0) and Buckley Town (4-1) were followed by a narrow 1-0 win over Bala Town in the semi-finals.

Aron Williams struck in the 90th minute to settle a scrappy semifinal clash between the sides at Llandudno and saw Neil Gibson’s Nomads avenge their 3-2 defeat by Bala at the semi-final stage last season.

“Getting into the cup final is always a special feeling, especially after last year’s semi-final loss,” said Nomads midfielder Josh Williams.

“Trying to win the Welsh Cup was one of our goals that we set at the start of the season – and we are one game away.

“We’ve played really well in every round, but the standout moment has to be beating Bala in the semi-final, as they were the team that knocked us out last year.

“I think that game, in tough conditions, showed the character we have in the dressing room to keep trying and trying to get that goal so late on in the game.”

JD Welsh Cup Final: Connah’s Quay Nomads v The New Saints Rodney Parade, Newport Tomorrow, kick-off 5.25pm