This Sunday, the first trophy of the season is up for grabs, but will it be Cardiff Met or Connah’s Quay who will be lifting the Nathaniel MG Cup?
The Archers and the Nomads are the two most recent winners of the competition therefore both clubs will be more than equipped for the big occasion.
Sunday, 6 February
Cardiff Met v Connah’s Quay | Sunday – 2.00 (SDM Glass Stadium, Pen-y-bont)
As the competition was cancelled last year due to Covid-19, Connah’s Quay are still the Nathaniel MG Cup holders after beating STM Sports 3-0 in the 2019/20 final.
It was only the second time that the Nomads lifted the League Cup following their previous success in 1995/96.
Cardiff Met were the ones celebrating in January 2019 as an Adam Roscrow double was enough to see off Cambrian & Clydach and secure the students’ first major trophy.
The Archers have reached the final for the third time in four attempts, and Dr Christian Edwards will be eager to secure another piece of silverware in his final season at the helm for Cardiff Met.
Craig Harrison won 13 trophies during his tenure as The New Saints’ manager which included three League Cups, and after a five-year wait the recently appointed Nomads boss will be desperate to claim his first winners medal as a manager since 2017.
Cardiff Met have had to beat Ammanford, Aberystwyth Town, Haverfordwest County and Barry Town United to reach this season’s final, while Connah’s Quay have knocked out Llandudno, Airbus UK, Holywell Town and Bala Town.
It promises to be a very tight affair as both league meetings between these sides this season have ended in draws.
Some Connah’s Quay followers were somewhat surprised to see Pen-y-bont chosen as the neutral ground for the final, but since the Nomads lifted the league title at the SDM Glass Stadium less than a year ago, the fond and fresh memories may make the journey a more pleasant one.
All the action will be live on S4C and online with coverage beginning at 1.45 on Sunday afternoon.
