A solitary Ryan Brobbel goal saw The New Saints progress to the Nathaniel MG Cup final at The Nomads’ expense at Deeside on Monday evening.
The game was The Nomads’ fourth semi final meeting against The New Saints in two seasons, with the Champions previously defeating them in two JD Welsh Cup semis and the 16/17 Nathaniel MG Cup last four.
The Nomads came into the game after a disappointing 2-0 defeat to Bangor City at Deeside, which was only their second home loss of 2017. TNS meanwhile arrived at Deeside in good spirits after progressing to the semi finals of the Irn Bru Cup and most recently beating Llandudno in the JD Welsh Premier League.
Andy Morrison named a much changed lineup for the game with Michael Bakare and his brother Mathias both starting alongside John Oyenuga and goalkeeper Jon Rushton who was making his first appearance of the season.
The game started evenly with both sides preparing for a challenging encounter - the first chance of the game came on eight minutes and went to the visitors as Wes Fletcher headed over inside The Nomads’ area.
In the fifteenth minute, Joe Heath headed a Nomads corner across the TNS goalmouth as Michael Wilde and the Bakare brothers sought sight on goal.
With 30 minutes played the tie was in deadlock, and it took a special goal from Ryan Brobbel to break it. From around 35 yards out he struck a looping half-volley over Jon Rushton to send The New Saints in 1-0 up at half time.
The Nomads made a half time substitution, bringing on Callum Morris in place of Matty Owen and the second half saw The Nomads attack well and dominate as they looked to reach the Nathaniel MG Cup final for the first team in more than 20 years.
John Oyenuga was fouled on the edge of the TNS penalty area, but the resulting free kick from Mathias Bakare hit the wall. In the 56th minute, Oyenuga went on a great run down the right wing, crossing to Wilde who floated a header just wide.
As more and more balls starting entering the TNS area, the towering Melford Simpson was brought on to replace Sean Smith as The Nomads looked to capitalise on their pressure.
The Nomads then took off John Oyenuga for Jake Phillips, whose long range throw-ins became a mainstay of The Nomads’ game plan for the remaining minutes. After a foul from a TNS midfielder, The Nomads had a free kick awarded around 35 yards from goal, but the set piece was again blocked by the TNS wall.
As time began to run short, The Nomads put more even more pressure on the TNS goalmouth, with a floated cross from Mathias Bakare being collected by TNS 'keeper Paul Harrison who was battling with Michael Wilde in the box.
In the 81st minute Kai Edwards had a low left sided effort from seven yards blocked, before the resulting corner taken by Michael Bakare struck the TNS crossbar.
Jake Phillips sent a number of threatening throw-ins into the TNS area with one in the 87th minute edging close to goal before hitting the side netting. Minutes later, appeals went up for handball as Michael Wilde struck from inside the TNS box only to see the ball blocked by scrambling TNS players - many inside the ground thought the ball was blocked with a hand, but referee Iwan Griffiths only pointed for a corner.
With three minutes of additional time announced it was now or never for The Nomads, who went agonisingly close to forcing extra time in the 91st minute. Mathias Bakare sprung into the TNS area to lay a ball on for Michael Wilde, who seven yards from the goal sent his effort over.
Full time confirmed TNS’ victory, meaning The Nomads’ search for a first major cup final since 1996 goes on despite a valiant second half effort where the home side were on top for much of play.
The Nomads will look to get back to winning ways this Sunday away to Cardiff Met in the JD Welsh Premier League.
Match Photos
Match Report by Will Catterall
Date: Monday 20th November 2017
Kick Off: 7:45pm
Venue: Essity Stadium, Flint, Wales
Attendance: 0
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