The New Saints and Barry Town United will compete in this season’s Nathaniel MG Cup final following semi-final victories on Saturday.
The Saints, the current cup holders and record 11-time winners of the competition, triumphed 2-1 over JD Cymru North high-flyers Llandudno at Park Hall.
Dan Williams broke the deadlock in the 19th minute as he arrived in the box to meet Jordan Marshall’s low delivery with a calm first time finish, while Jordan Williams doubled the advantage eight minutes later by receiving Jack Nadin’s through pass and rounding Shaun Pearson to slot into an empty net.
The hosts took a two-goal lead into the break, but Llandudno came out firing in the second half and halved the deficit in the 48th minute as he headed home Jordan Pownall’s cross from the right.
The Seasiders thought they had equalised midway through the second period when Anthony Stephens had the ball in the net, but the offside flag was raised, while Dan Williams almost extended TNS’ lead with an effort that struck the crossbar.
Llandudno also hit the woodwork as the lively Pownall fired against the post deep into stoppage time, but that proved to be the last kick of the game as TNS managed to hold on to reach the Nathaniel MG Cup final once again.
Barry Town United booked their spot in the final with a 3-0 victory away at Cambrian United on Saturday evening.
It looked as though the contest would be goalless at the break, but Barry found the breakthrough in first half stoppage time when Will Richards headed home from Eliot Richards’ corner.
The visitors doubled their lead nine minutes into the second half when, moments after Cambrian had an effort cleared off the line, Eliot Richards’ effort from range was only parried by Morgan Davies, allowing Ollie Hulbert to coolly fire in the rebound.
Victory was sealed by Barry in the 78th minute when Owen Cuddihy’s shot caused pinball in the box, with Ben Margetson getting a decisive touch to poke the ball past Davies and secure Barry’s place in the Nathaniel MG Cup final for the first time in nine years.
The Nathaniel MG Cup final will be played on Saturday 28 February 2026 (KO 17:30). Venue and ticket details will be announced in due course.
