JD Welsh Cup Final: The New Saints’ date with treble destiny

The New Saints are just one win away from creating more history as victory over Connah’s Quay Nomads in the JD Welsh Cup Final would make them the first club to complete the domestic treble for a third time.

Although the Nomads triumphed when the two teams met in the final last season, the stars seem to be aligning for The New Saints this time around as the club registered significant milestones in 2005 when they did their first double, and in 2015 when they claimed their first treble.

The question now is if destiny in their corner for 2025 as they look to achieve unprecedented success.

Craig Harrison’s side are no strangers to breaking records this season as they became the first team to reach the League Phase of European competition during their successful run in the UEFA Conference League.

Now with the JD Cymru Premier title and the Nathaniel MG Cup safely delivered to Park Hall, if they can complete a third treble it will be without doubt the greatest season by a Welsh domestic club since the top-flight was formed in 1992.

The club first tasted success in the Welsh Cup back in 1995/96 under the name of Llansantffraid. It was the first season in which the competition was restricted to clubs from within the domestic pyramid system, and over 2,500 supporters were present at the National Stadium in Cardiff as a penalty shoot-out sealed an unlikely victory over Barry Town following a dramatic 3-3 draw.

Few could have predicted the success and the changes that would follow over the next three decades.

20 years ago – The first double

Playing under their former name of Total Network Solutions, the club won their first league title in 1999/2000, but would finish as runners-up for three consecutive seasons prior to the 2004/05 campaign.

Under the leadership of legendary manager Ken McKenna, TNS finished four points ahead of closest rivals and reigning champions Rhyl to claim the title. The side would then retain the title for the next three years.

Ironically, the 2004/05 JD Welsh Cup journey began for TNS with a 5-0 win over Connah’s Quay Nomads, and the side showed their intentions in the next two rounds by defeating UWIC Inter Cardiff and Afan Lido 4-1 respectively.

Holders Rhyl were then beaten 3-1 in the semi-final played at the Racecourse in Wrexham to set up the final against Carmarthen Town at Stebonheath, Llanelli.

Striker John Lawless would prove to be the hero for Total Network Solutions as he scored the only goal of the game in front of just over 1,100 fans with 15 minutes remaining.

As the club celebrated their first double in the West Wales sun, little did they know what was to come that summer. Making only their second appearance in the UEFA Champions League qualifiers, Total Network Solutions were drawn against holders Liverpool in the opening round.

During his time at the club, McKenna won the league title on three occasions together with the Welsh Cup, League Cup and the FAW Premier Cup. He was also named Manager of the Year three times and was inducted into the league Hall of Fame in 2013 for his achievements both as a player and manager in the domestic top-flight.

10 years ago – The first treble

After completing the double for the second and third time in 2011/12 and 2013/14, The New Saints had become the dominant force in the Welsh domestic game and went into the 2014/15 season looking to retain their league title for the fourth season in succession.

Current head coach Craig Harrison was at the helm during his first successful spell at the club as the side finished 18 points above runners-up Bala Town.

Although the Lakesiders were their closest challengers in the league, TNS defeated them 3-0 to lift the League Cup, leaving the JD Welsh Cup as the one remaining trophy needed to achieve a first domestic treble.

The campaign began with a 3-2 win over Caernarfon Town before Gresford Athletic were defeated 3-0. A 1-0 win away to Connah’s Quay followed before Airbus UK Broughton were beaten 4-2 in the semi-final.

Latham Park, Newtown would host the final, giving Newtown home advantage against TNS in the domestic showpiece. However, two goals from Matty Williams made it a comfortable afternoon for Harrison’s side with over 1,500 fans in attendance.

The side would win the next four league titles in succession, and notably they repeated their treble success the following season, making them the first team in history to complete the double-treble. The target now is to emulate that success for a record third time.

Although a defeat to Bala Town in the 2016/17 JD Welsh Cup Final denied The New Saints the treble-treble, they did make international headlines that season by breaking the world record for consecutive victories in all competitions. Winning 27 games in a row, they surpassed the achievements of the great Ajax team of the 1970’s.

Six more domestic doubles have followed for The New Saints, but that elusive third treble has always remained just out of reach.