New Saints denied the treble as Nomads end unbeaten record

All of the goals were scored in the first-half with Harry Franklin and Josh Williams both finding the net either side of an Ash Baker header.

Despite dominating the second period there was no way through the resolute Nomads’ defence as the Saints fell to their first domestic defeat of the season in their final game.

It was an end-to-end start to the match with both sides enjoying chances inside the opening 10 minutes.

Connah's Quay Nomads Jack Jenny during 2023/24 JD FAW Welsh Cup Final fixture between Connah's Quay Nomads F.C & The New Saints F.C at Rodney Parade, Newport, Wales. (Pic By Ashley Crowden/FAW)

Danny Redmond tested Andy Firth in the opposite goal with a powerful shot as the Saints looked to break the deadlock while the Nomads threatened on 13 minutes with Baker clearing the ball off the line after Jack Kenny created room in the area.

In the 20th minute Josh Williams whipped in an inviting free-kick from the left but Ben Nash failed to make a connection at the back post.

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Ten minutes later the Nomads opened the scoring through Harry Franklin who steered Declan Poole’s cross from the right past Connor Roberts and into the far corner to give his side the advantage

TNS were level six minutes later with Redmond’s pinpoint cross into a crowded penalty area headed home by Baker.

Just five minutes before the break the Deesiders restored their advantage after a superb volleyed effort from Josh Williams nestled into the far corner.

Connah's Quay Nomads Harry Franklin during 2023/24 JD FAW Welsh Cup Final fixture between Connah's Quay Nomads F.C & The New Saints F.C at Rodney Parade, Newport, Wales. (Pic By Ashley Crowden/FAW).

Adrian Cieslewicz, Ryan Brobbel and Dan Williams were all introduced as TNS sought a route back into the game.

In the 66th minute Brad Young had the opportunity to find the equaliser but the JD Cymru Premier Golden Boot winner was denied well by Firth at his near post.

The Saints continued to fashion chances right until the end with both Brobbel and Rory Holden going close from the edge of the penalty area but despite the addition of 10 stoppage time minutes the Oswestry side could find no route back.

Having won both the JD Cymru Premier and Nathaniel MG Cup, the Saints now have their UEFA Champions League campaign to look forward to in July.

TNS: Roberts, Marriott, McManus, Redmond, J Williams (D Williams 60), Holden, Clark (Brobbel 52), Smith, Davies, Young, Baker (Cieslewicz 46). Subs: Green, T Jones.

Nomads: Firth, Disney, Harrington, Davies, Franklin (A Williams 80), N Edwards, Nash, Kenny (Wilde 80), Poole (Roberts 90), J Williams (Bratley 72), K Edwards. Subs: Rushton,