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The New Saints overcame an energetic display from Cardiff MET, showing just why they have become the talk of Welsh football with a polished and confident performance to progress into the next round of the FAW Welsh Cup under grey, November skies in Cardiff.
The New Saints – TNS – have made history this year by becoming the first side from the Welsh domestic system to progress to the group stages of European football, via the UEFA Conference League. This comes after many years of dominance on the Welsh scene, despite being based just over the border in Oswestry.
A disappointingly small crowd of only 266 saw Cardiff MET take the lead though on 29 minutes as Thomas Vincent tapped home from close range.
TNS kept their cool though and were soon ahead courtesy of fine goals from Ryan Brobbel and Jordan Williams. Great run from Brobble to bring the visitors level.
A pair of magnificent saves from Alex Lang kept the Archers in the game before the interval but the strength and fitness of the full-timers from Shropshire was beginning to tell. More heroics from Lang after the break.
Ashley Baker personified the TNS strength with a solid performance at the back.
MET weren’t keen to simply stand back and admire the quality of their famous guests though, striking the woodwork via CJ Craven as an exciting and entertaining tie was played out before us.
TNS showed no signs of wishing to play the game out to a dull finish as Connor Roberts took every opportunity to keep his side moving, playing the ball out swiftly from the back. Some observers have even suggested recently that the Salopian stopper’s impressive displays in Europe have done enough to earn him a call into Craig Bellamy’s national squad, where goalkeeping options are limited
Joel Edwards saw a red card with six minutes to go, as the size of the task facing Cardiff MET grew.
Home manager Ryan Jenkins prepared to introduce the talented young Evan Cadwaller in a wing back role to drag his side level but, as Cadwaller prepared to enter the field, Jordan Williams grabbed a crucial third goal to send TNS into the hat for the next round.
Cardiff MET 1
TNS 3
David Collins
Welsh Football Correspondent
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