How Aberystwyth Town and The New Saints reached the Nathaniel MG Cup Final

Ahead of the Nathaniel MG Cup final between Aberystwyth Town and The New Saints at Latham Park on Friday (KO 19:45), recap how both clubs reached this stage.

Round Two

Colwyn Bay 0-2 Aberystwyth Town

Aberystwyth Town’s route to the final began with a hard-fought 2-0 victory at Colwyn Bay. Niall Flint won and scored a 38th-minute penalty to open the scoring in a tightly contested affair. Flint would  prove key for Aberystwyth, turning provider in the second half by picking out John Owen, who turned in the Seasiders’ second of the afternoon to seal their passage through to Round Three.  

The New Saints 5-1 Flint Town United

A youthful TNS side claimed a 5-1 win over Flint Town United to begin their trophy defence in convincing fashion. Having played in Europe just three days earlier, a much-changed side which included five teenage debutants, raced into a 3-0 lead by half-time with 17-year-old Caleb Afful opening the scoring while Leo Smith and Ben Woollam also found the net. Jake Morris also marked his debut to add to Saints’ lead, before Flint captain Harry Owen briefly reduced the deficit until Sion Bradley added a fifth from the penalty spot.

Round Three

Aberystwyth Town 3-2 Llandudno

Jonathan Evans’ dramatic late double took Aberystwyth Town a step closer to the final as they denied Llandudno a shock victory at Park Avenue. The JD Cymru North side appeared to be on the cusp of an upset when Dan Jones’ stunning strike and Adam Stephens’ smart finish turned the game after Niall Flint had put the hosts ahead. But with Aber heading out of the competition, substitute Evans turned the game on its head, levelling on 90 minutes, before emphatically firing into the top corner eight minutes into stoppage time to complete a memorable comeback.  

Airbus UK Broughton 0-1 The New Saints

Craig Harrison’s side recorded what would be their only clean-sheet on route to the final as they edged past stubborn Airbus UK Broughton. Adrian Cieslewicz settled the contest in first half added time, tapping in after Sion Bradley’s shot rebounded. The second half would not be without drama however. Wingmakers midfielder George Peers received his marching orders midway through the second period before Oli Blayney’s late dismissal saw both teams finish with 10 men.

Quarter-Finals

Connah’s Quay 1-2 Aberystwyth Town

Despite trailing to Luca Hogan’s early close-range finish, Aberystwyth claimed a rare away victory over the Nomads to reach the competition’s last four. Alex Darlington’s first half volley restored parity with Harry Arnison producing a similar effort midway through the second period to put the Seasiders in front with the deciding goal.

The New Saints 3-1 Bala Town

Sion Bradley’s free-kick broke the deadlock against visiting Bala Town and he almost netted again when a second free-kick rattled the crossbar. The Lakesiders levelled proceedings 10 minutes after the restart when Osebi Abadaki picked out George Newell to fire home for six-yards. Aramide Oteh’s first-time effort helped Saints regain control before the former QPR striker notched a second with another first-time finish to send the holder’s through.

Semi-Finals

Aberystwyth Town 1-1 Cardiff City (4-1 on penalties)

Aberystwyth Town advanced to the Nathaniel MG Cup final for the first time in their history after it took a penalty shootout to decide a tense showdown against Cardiff City. Aber led in bizarre circumstances when Bluebirds defender Dylan Lawlor mistakenly picked up the ball, after play had already resumed. Niall Flint converted from the penalty spot and Cardiff’s hopes appeared to be slipping away until Troy Perrett squeezed a last-minute equaliser past Dave Jones. The Aber stopper would redeem himself in the shootout though, saving twice before teenager Devon Torry netted the decisive spot-kick.

Barry Town United 1-2 The New Saints

The New Saints squeezed into a second successive Nathaniel MG Cup final with a narrow 2-1 win away at Barry Town United. Declan McManus’ first half brace appeared to have put Craig Harrison’s side on firm footing until Barry Town rallied after the break with Kayne McLaggon halving the deficit. The Jenner Park side pressed hard for a second and rookie Ieuan Owen rattled the frame of the goal as The New Saints defence held on before seeing out the victory.