The New Saints ‘delighted’ to complete domestic treble with JD Welsh Cup win

The New Saints manager Craig Harrison insists he already has an eye on preparations for a new European campaign after completing a ‘brilliant’ treble-winning season.

With the Nathaniel MG Cup and JD Cymru Premier title already secured, the Saints went into Sunday’s JD Welsh Cup final against Connah’s Quay looking to complete a full sweep of domestic titles for the third time in their history.

Those treble hopes looked in doubt when the Nomads raced into an early lead at Rodney Parade through Declan Poole’s close range finish. 

But Rory Holden’s impressive 25-yard free-kick and Jordan Wiliams’ second-half header proved enough for TNS to secure a 10th JD Welsh Cup in a closely-fought contest. 

“It’s fantastic but today wasn’t a very good game to be honest,” admitted Harrison, when speaking to Sgorio shortly after the final-whistle.

“We didn’t play our best and it was all about trying to win the treble. It was a fantastic effort from the lads. Connah’s Quay played their part in it, they gave us a tough game – it’s our third 2-1 win in a row this season. I’m really delighted. It’s the end of the road for a few players in the squad and what a way to finish. 

“It’s about character. It’s not about how you start, it’s about how you finish. Connah’s Quay, once we’ve scored that second goal, have got nothing to lose so they put us under pressure but we defended well.

“It’s brilliant, now we’ll go away, have a few days off and prepare to come back in on the 28th May. The lads have got three weeks and a bit off so we’re going to recover from that and get working again ready to prepare for Europe.”

Goalkeeper Connor Roberts will not be a part of that returning squad however. The 32-year-old revealed earlier this season that this would be his last campaign with The New Saints as he looks to focus on his coaching career. 

Roberts will hang up his gloves having clinched his first domestic treble and lifted the JD Welsh Cup for a fourth time. 

“In fairness to Connah’s Quay they made it a difficult game. It wasn’t the best of games in quality, but it was a good battle and it was a good way to bow out,” he told Sgorio.

“I’m back in work tomorrow coaching. It’s been a hell of a journey. People forget you’ve been involved in these sort of professional environments from the age of 12, training three or four times a week, plus a game, and to finish off with the treble is something I haven’t done yet and I’ve managed to tick that now.”

Changes are also expected at runners-up Connah’s Quay. Unable to retain the JD Welsh Cup, long-serving defender John Disney reflected on a difficult season following his final game for the club. 

“Yeah, I think dejection is right,” he said when asked how the squad felt following defeat. “But with the last couple of weeks we’ve had, it’s pride as well. You won’t want to hear that now, it sums up our season. I think we had the same in Europe, where it was really difficult to take, and we conceded two goals late on.

“We’ve had a lot of unlucky goals against us in the league but ultimately that’s where we are and we finished in the league where we did – this was our chance to put it right and get into Europe, but I think we played really well today and we limited TNS to less chances than we did last year and we won the game. 

“I think we’ll look back at that with pride. We’ve got a very, very busy couple of weeks and months coming up now. It’s been a very tough year for the football club and I take that personally.”

Disney, who was an ever-present player for the Nomads this season, revealed he will play a key-role as the club looks to rebuild, but in a yet-to-be-announced capacity. 

“This will be my last game playing for Connah’s Quay but I’ve got a lot of pride with what the future holds because I’ll be looking to take this club forward, so there’s excitement, there’s disappointment, there’s upset, there’s a lot of passion from themselves but I couldn’t wish to share a changing room with a better group of lads.

“We fell short but it’s been the summary of our season, but I will personally make sure that doesn’t happen next season along with a lot of the players who’re currently here. We need to get Connah’s Quay back where it belongs.”