Saints beat Connah's Quay to make sure of domestic treble

Leader Live

04-05-2025

Stunned 2-1 by Connah's Quay Nomads in last year's showpiece final, Craig Harrison's side made sure of a domestic treble as they triumphed 2-1 at Newport's Rodney Parade.
In a strange start, Nomads had to make a substitution in the opening minute with Chris Marriott coming on for Jon Rushton.
But things did get better for Nomads when they went in front in the seventh minute.
Great play from Rhys Hughes on the right saw him wriggle his way into the box and his lay-off was tucked away from close range by Declan Poole.
The Saints looked for a swift response, but following a corner, Noah Williams' great challenge on Ryan Brobbel earned his side a throw-in.
Adam Wilson had the ball in the net for The New Saints in the 13th minute, but this was ruled out for a foul on Kris Owens.
Jordan Williams looked to burst into the box for the Saints, but a John Disney foul saw the Quay skipper pick up a yellow card.
From the ensuing free kick, Rory Holden's superb strike from distance flew into the net for the leveller.
In an open spell, it was back and forth for a period, but Josh Pask's tackle began a Saints' attack, which was then halted by Edwards' brilliant tackle.
Hughes broke clear for Nomads during an entertaining period of play, but his shot was superbly blocked by Jack Bodenham.
During a bright spell, Max Woodcock tried a curling effort that was deflected for a corner.
Great work from Saints' Williams saw him surge towards goal on the left, but Disney's great block halted any threat from the shot.
Hughes' terrific cross looked set to reach Woodcock at the other, but Connor Roberts managed to extend his arm enough to collect it.
Soon afterwards, Dan Williams had an excellent chance for Saints, but George Ratcliffe saved and it remained level at the interval.
Nine minutes after the restart, the Saints had the lead and it was a disappointing goal from Nomads' perspective.
Danny Redmond supplied a fine cross, but Williams was left unmarked eight yards from goal to head home.
Two minutes later and Woodcock wasn't far away for Quay as his 25-yard curler landed on top of the net.
Entering the closing quarter, Hughes' cross looked sure to pick out Poole at the far post, but Redmond crucially got his head to it first.
Kenny had the ball in the net in stoppage time, but he was penalised for a foul on keeper Roberts and despite forcing some last-gasp set pieces, Nomads could not get an equaliser.
Dan Roberts, part of the club's scholarship programme in 2018 prior to joining Nomads' senior squad two years ago, says it's been a pleasure to work with all of the new additions this season.
He told the club's website: 'Everyone has inherited the expectation and the importance to perform very well at this club.
'We are a very close-knit group and they have bought into everything us players and the staff expect.'
Reflecting on his own time with the club, Roberts stressed: 'I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Nomads so far. This group of lads we have is second-to-none and we have had some great times together.
'The winning culture at this club is what drives us all forward and it is a pleasure to be a part of that.'