Craig Harrison happy with TNS response as they reach cup final
Craig Harrison said he was “really pleased” after watching The New Saints book a place in the Nathaniel MG Cup final with a 2-1 win at Barry Town United.
Striker Declan McManus scored twice for TNS in the first half of Sunday evening’s semi-final at Jenner Park.
Kayne McLaggon pulled a goal back for Barry early in the second half, but Saints stood firm to claim victory.
TNS, the holders, will now meet Aberystwyth Town in the final of the competition - the Welsh League Cup - at Newtown’s Latham Park on Friday, February 28.
Aberystwyth beat Cardiff City’s under-21s on penalties, following a 1-1 draw, in Saturday’s opening semi-final.
TNS head coach Harrison, reflecting on his side’s efforts in South Wales, said: “The lads performed really, really well. First half we were cruising.
"Second half, obviously they scored a goal, and one goal in it, but never really threatened apart from one counter attack that hit the post and we cleared.
“Really pleased that there’s a lot of lads there that haven’t played 90 minutes that got 90 minutes, which is brilliant.”
Saints, having lost narrowly 1-0 to Swedish club Djurgarden in their latest Uefa Conference League fixture last Thursday night, started brightly at Barry with both Blaine Hudson and Adrian Cieslewicz denied by goalline clearances.
The Park Hall club’s pressure finally paid off with a 22nd minute breakthrough. Leo Smith’s fine effort from outside the penalty area was touched onto the bar by goalkeeper Luc Rees.
Adam Wilson followed up and was also denied by Wilson, but McManus was on hand to volley home the rebound from close range.
Saints doubled their advantage in the 35th minute as Wilson supplied a low cross from the right which was swept in by McManus.
Barry went close to reducing the arrears just before half time when TNS goalkeeper Connor Roberts impressively kept out a header from Josh Yorwerth.
The hosts did find a way through in the 55th minute as McLaggon, picked out by a pass from Robbie Willmott, rounded Roberts to score.
Barry then almost equalised when substitute Ieuan Owen’s effort came back off a post, with TNS defender Josh Pask doing well to clear the striker’s second effort off the line.
Saints will resume their JD Cymru Premier season with a trip to Bala Town tomorrow night (7.45pm).
