TNS got their hands on the Nathaniel MG Cup trophy for the first time since 2018, as they defeated Swansea City 5-1 at Jenner Park.
Both the Saints and the Swans looked to play bright and attractive football early on, with both looking to play their way through each other.
The first blow, however, would be struck by TNS, as they took the lead six minutes in. Rory Holden raced onto Brad Young’s pass, and while his powerful shot was saved well by Swansea keeper Remy Mitchell, Ryan Brobbel was on hand to power home the rebound.
With a goal under their belt, Craig Harrison’s men set off to find more goals. Chances came their way rapidly; Holden hit the post, Richard Faakye made a tremendous goal saving tackle to deny Jordan Williams, while Mitchell was on hand to tip Young’s header over the bar.
Swansea’s luck did run out and the Cymru Premier champions added a second in the 18th minute. A corner wasn’t cleared by Swansea, allowing Leo Smith to try an audacious overhead kick. The connection wasn’t stellar, but the ball did take a deflection off Josh Pask on its way through, and the defender ran off celebrating.
While the scoreline indicated TNS were in full control, Anthony Wright’s men were certainly building their way into the contest by playing the infamous ‘Swansea Way’. However, they couldn’t muster up any chances and never threatened Connor Roberts.
TNS once again marched forward with Williams, but once again, Mitchell sprung into action to make a fine stop. His saves were certainly vital, but Swansea went in behind at the break.
Swansea came out with more of a purpose at the start of the second half, with Dan Watts forcing Roberts into a good save. But their confidence took a further blow when TNS added their third. Brobbel’s cross being turned in by the outstretched foot of Young.
Swansea would pull one back a few minutes later. A cross into the box wasn’t cleared convincingly by the Saints, and it allowed the lurking Ben Lloyd to stab home from close range. They couldn’t, could they?
Well, if they were to complete a dramatic comeback, they were going to rely on Mitchell. The keeper made a sublime double save to deny Daniel Davies and Young, and he was certainly doing his bit to keep Swansea’s dream alive.
That dream was well and truly put to bed in stoppage time however, as TNS added their fourth goal. Substitute Adrian Cieslewicz raced away from the Swans defence and guided the ball into the far corner and beyond the reach of Mitchell. Minutes later, the Pole arrived late at the back post to tap in his second and TNS’ fifth.
Despite a stronger showing in the second half, it wasn’t to be for Swansea, who were defeated in their maiden MG Cup final. For TNS, they lift the crown for the tenth time in their history.
