The New Saints Women clinched their first Welsh domestic title by overcoming Swansea City 3-1 on February 9 at Latham Park, marking their victory at the Genero Adran Trophy final.
With 658 spectators cheering from the stands, the match unfolded dramatically right from the start. Just 75 seconds after kickoff, the Saints drew first blood when Chantelle Teare intercepted a wayward pass from Swansea's Charlotte Williams. Teare, from close range, made no mistake, tapping the ball home for her 13th goal of the season across all competitions. Her quick strike set the tone for what was to become a historic evening for The New Saints.
Just moments later, at the 16-minute mark, Lexi Jones doubled the lead with her own impressive goal. The 17-year-old fired the ball from outside the box, placing it perfectly beyond the grasp of Swansea's keeper Charlotte Haynes, firmly establishing TNS's dominance early on. Jones has been pivotal for the Saints this season, consistently delivering key performance and goals when it matters most.
Things got worse for Swansea City when, at the 26-minute mark, defender Lauren Davies accidentally redirected a brilliant cross from Maria Francis-Jones, sending the ball curling past Haynes and increasing TNS's advantage to three goals. This misfire left Swansea trailing 3-0 at half-time, and the Saints were well on their way to lifting the trophy.
Despite the significant deficit, Swansea attempted to claw their way back. They found the net when TNS player Rebecca Elliott's attempted clearance hit the post and rolled along the goal line before just slipping past. While their efforts generated some anxiety for the Saints, Swansea couldn’t capitalize on their chances to resume competitive footing.
The final whistle showcased The New Saints' victory, their first major domestic trophy since officially transitioning to semi-professional status for the 2024/25 season. Acknowledging the milestone, coach Shauna Duffy commended her team's effort and resilience throughout the competition, stating this victory is only the beginning of their pursuit of more honors, including the Adran Premier and the Bute Energy Welsh Cup.
This significant win not only affirms their position within Welsh women's football but also adds excitement for fans who backed them through the season. The New Saints have proven their potential, showcasing the talents of players like Teare and Jones, both of whom have played pivotal roles throughout the season.
Looking forward, the team is eager for their next challenge as they prepare to face Briton Ferry Llansawel at the quarter-finals of the Welsh Cup on February 16. This victory serves as momentum, marking the beginning of what could become a very successful era for The New Saints Women.