The New Saints retained the Nathaniel MG Cup after Remi Oteh’s classy finish early in the second half was enough to overcome stubborn Aberystwyth Town.
With a 46-point difference between the two sides in the JD Cymru Premier, Aberystwyth were able to put their poor league form aside on their first ever Nathaniel MG Cup final appearance.
TNS, touted as strong favourites before the contest, enjoyed plenty of possession, as one might expect, but were guilty of being wasteful as Antonio Corbisiero’s side grew in confidence and frustrated Saints in a scoreless opening half at Latham Park.
Danny Davies’ surging run down the right and threatening cross signalled the Saints’ attacking intentions early on, but opportunities for either side would remain at a premium for the opening half hour until Jordan Williams spurned the best chance of the half.
- Match Gallery: Aberystwyth Town 0-1 TNS
Williams found himself in time and space as he latched onto Jordan Marshall’s pull-back, but his rushed finish from 12 yards ballooned high and wide.
Moments later, TNS were on the front foot again. Aramide Oteh cut in from the left with his low shot deflecting off the boot of former Saints defender Louis Bradford and onto the post.
A third chance went begging when a weak clearance from the Aber defence saw the ball fall to Daniel Williams at the edge of the area, who could only drag his shot wide.
TNS would not be quite so wasteful in the second period and an incisive start saw them make the breakthrough three minutes after the re-start. Oteh ruthlessly pounced at the near post to prod in Dan Williams’ low delivery from close range and stun the Seasiders.
With the advantage, Saints pressed for a second but resolute Aber continued to resist their attempts to pull further in front. Lively right-back Davies was however, a whisker away from adding to TNS’s lead with 15 minutes remaining, when he burst into the Aberystwyth box and fizzed a dipping effort narrowly over.
With time running out, the Seasiders were ultimately unable to match their attacking output with their tenacity, as Saints remained in control to clinch the trophy for the 11th time in their history.
