As The New Saints prepare for their first ever cup final, captain Lia Lewis believes her side are underdogs heading into Sunday’s showpiece against Swansea City in the Genero Adran Trophy.
Last summer was one of change for the Saints, with a move to a semi-pro model, eleven new players coming in through the door, and Shauna Duffy becoming the new manager. However, Lewis is delighted with the progress the team is making.
2025 Genero Adran Trophy Final
“It’s been a whole new rebuild for us here at TNS. With us going semi-pro, I think it drew a lot of players in, especially with the ambitions the club has for what they want to do in the women’s game. They want to make history alongside the men’s side, and everyone is buying into it.”
TNS have had plenty of memorable moments so far in this campaign, but the biggest result in their run to the final was their 3-2 semi-final win over Briton Ferry. Lewis’ side were two goals down heading into the final ten minutes before completing a remarkable turnaround.
“It was just about us having that belief that we could do it. As soon as we got one back, it lifted everyone more, and we knew we could get back into this game. We knew we could get a draw and take it to penalties, but to get that winning goal was just the icing on the cake.”
Now in their first final, TNS will face off against Swansea City at Latham Park. So far this season, the Saints have beaten the Swans twice. However, Lewis knows the history Jamie Sherwood’s side has behind them, and thinks her side are certainly the underdogs, especially with it being their maiden final.
“Picking up two wins against them this season does give us a lot of confidence, but we’re not going to be taking anything for granted. Swansea are a very good side who have played in numerous finals and won numerous trophies, whereas this will be our first final. We know we’re the underdogs in this game and there’s no pressure on us, it’s all on them. We’re going to go out there and enjoy the occasion and hopefully lift the trophy.
“There’s a lot of excitement around it, especially with it being our first final. Obviously, there will be some nerves, but nerves can be good. As long as we can turn those nerves into positives, come Sunday, then I’m confident we can come away with the trophy.”
TNS’ men’s side have made history time and time again, but the women are now aiming to make a statement of their own, and come Sunday, Lewis is hoping the trophy will be heading back to Park Hall.
“This trophy would mean a lot to us. It’ll be the first trophy in our cabinet and we want to be the ones to make history for this women’s team. We never expected to be in the situation we are at the start of the season, especially with so many new players here. We’re achieving our goals and pushing the big teams, but to get the first trophy would mean a lot.”
