The first piece of silverware of the season is on offer on Saturday as The New Saints take on Swansea City in the Nathaniel MG Cup final at Jenner Park, kick-off 5:30pm.
Here is everything you need to know.
Nathaniel MG Cup record
The New Saints have won the Nathaniel MG Cup on a record nine previous occasions. After lifting the trophy in four consecutive seasons between 2015 and 2018, early round exits became surprisingly common and this will be their first final in six years.
The Saints have only lost in the final once before when Carmarthen Town defeated them on penalties in 2013.
This is Swansea City’s first ever season in the Nathaniel MG Cup, having entered the competition as wildcards alongside Cardiff City.
Road to the final
Having been knocked out by Connah’s Quay Nomads in the second round last season, TNS got their revenge with victory over the same opposition at the same stage this term. Craig Harrison’s side have since progressed past JD Cymru North sides Porthmadog, Gresford Athletic and Guilsfield.
Swansea have so far swept aside second tier opposition in Carmarthen Town, Caerau Ely and Briton Ferry Llansawel, while also winning penalty shootouts against fellow wildcard side Cardiff City and top-flight outfit Cardiff Met.
Read the journeys of both clubs in more depth here.
Recent form
The New Saints are unbeaten in all domestic matches this season as they chase an unprecedented quadruple – the JD Cymru Premier, JD Welsh Cup, Nathaniel MG Cup and SPFL Trust Trophy.
Craig Harrison’s side have won their last 17 matches in 90 minutes, most recently a 3-1 triumph over Newtown last weekend to conclude phase one in the JD Cymru Premier.
Swansea’s under-21s come into the final in impressive form themselves, having lost just one of their last nine matches – a run that includes wins by three or more goals on five occasions.
Their most recent outing was a 2-1 comeback victory over Colchester United in the Professional Development League, in which Ben Lloyd scored on his return from injury and Maliq Cadogan also found the net.
Players to watch
Brad Young – The New Saints
Some TNS fans may have feared the worst when back-to-back golden boot winner Declan McManus sustained a long-term injury at the start of the season, but they need not have worried thanks to the emergence of Brad Young.
The 21-year-old, who signed from Aston Villa in the summer, has hit the ground running in green and white and has so far netted 17 goals in 21 appearances. That tally includes a hat-trick at Jenner Park when TNS triumphed 6-2 against Barry Town United in October.
Cameron Congreve – Swansea City
Perhaps the most experienced player in Swansea’s young squad, midfielder Cameron Congreve has made 18 appearances for the club’s senior team and has been a regular on the substitutes’ bench in the EFL Championship this season.
Congreve, who turns 20 next week, made his debut for the Cymru under-21 side against Denmark in June last year before contributing an assist in his next appearance against Lithuania.
Managers’ thoughts
Craig Harrison, The New Saints: “It’s really important that we get to these finals and win trophies, it’s what you go into football for. When you look back on your time in football, you should enjoy the finals, but you’ve also got to make sure you’re there to compete and win them.
“As a football club, that’s what we’re there for. We’re not there to take part in any game, we’re there to win any competition on the first day until the last day.”
Anthony Wright, Swansea City: “We’re feeling good. It’s been a real good week for the players. It’s not something we get to prepare for too often, but everyone is quite excited about it, but we haven’t done anything major from our regular week to week prep.
“Over the last two days on the training ground, you can see how important this game is and there’s been an extra little lift in training.”
Match officials
Referee: Mark Petch
Assistant Referee 1: John Bryant
Assistant Referee 2: Cilan Thomas
Fourth Official: Alex McInch
The Venue
Jenner Park, home of Barry Town United, is the venue for this season’s Nathaniel MG Cup final.
Opened in 1913, Jenner Park is one of the most historic stadiums in Wales and has hosted European matches, top-flight league football and other prestigious domestic matches over the last century.
It will be the second Nathaniel MG Cup final to be played at the venue, following Cardiff Met’s 2-0 triumph over Cambrian & Clydach Vale in the 2019 showpiece.
Ticket information
Tickets are still available to purchase online to be collected on matchday at Jenner Park. All ticket collections are from the Jenner Suite. BUY HERE.
Tickets will also be available to buy on the turnstiles, which will be cash only.
Pricing is as follows:
Adults – £8
Concessions (65+, 17-21) – £5
Junior (16 and under) – £3
Television coverage
You can watch live coverage of this season’s Nathaniel MG Cup final on S4C and Sgorio’s online platforms. Coverage begins at 5:15pm.
