BREAKING NEWS: Welsh Cup hero who broke TNS hearts may soon sign for the full-timers!
2023-24 WELSH CUP FINAL
Connah’s Quay Nomads 2 (Franklin 30, Williams 40)
The New Saints 1 (Baker 36)
The man who broke The New Saints’ hearts in today’s Welsh Cup Final is believed to be in advanced talks to sign for the full-time club.
Grassroots North Wales understands that Josh Williams, who netted a magnificent winner to secure the cup for Connah’s Quay Nomads, is a major target for Cymru Premier champions TNS.
Williams, 19, a product of the Nomads academy system having signed for the club aged nine, made his first team debut in October 2021.
He has featured in 37 games for the senior side this season, including two UEFA Conference League matches, and netted five goals.
Williams’ fantastic 40th minute strike into the top corner which won the cup for Neil Gibson’s side was undoubtedly the biggest moment of his career so far.
The Cymru C international has reportedly been in talks with TNS about a potential move to Park Hall next season. Today the Park Hall outfit got a close up view of what he can do!
TNS were hot favourites to win the Welsh Cup today and complete another domestic treble, but the Nomads sprang a surprise many domestic football fans will welcome.
For Quay’s manager Neil Gibson, it was a second Welsh Cup success, having led Prestatyn Town to the trophy for the first time in their history in 2012-13.
Gibson now becomes one of the few managers to win the national knockout with two different clubs.
This was the second time Nomads have landed the Welsh Cup having previously done so under Andy Morrison in 2017-18.
TNS were undefeated in 53 domestic games before running into the Deesiders at Rodney Parade, Newport, on Sunday.
Saints, bidding for a fourth consecutive Cup win, had won all five previous encounters between the sides this season.
Nomads had been the last team to have beaten Craig Harrison’s side in the Welsh Cup at the quarter final stage in 2018.
All three goals came during a 10-minute period in the first half.
Harry Franklin put the Nomads ahead after half an hour via Declan Poole’s cross.
The lead lasted just six minutes as New Saints defender Ashley Baker headed his side level from a Danny Redmond delivery.
The best goal of the final won it, Williams volleying stupendously into the top corner from about 15 yards.