Roberts: “This final is an opportunity to put things right”

Connah’s Quay Nomads defender Dan Roberts says Sunday’s JD Welsh Cup final against The New Saints is “an opportunity to put things right” as we conclude our 2024/25 campaign.

The Nomads sealed the trophy in Newport against TNS last season thanks to Harry Franklin’s close-range finish and Josh Williams’ spectacular scissor-kick, and there are high hopes that history can repeat itself when we face Saints again this weekend.

In both JD Cymru Premier meetings against Saints this season, the Nomads have come up short by just one goal. Roberts, who was our Player of the Match in the home fixture, believes the narrow margins show how close the two sides are in terms of quality, and that the Nomads are more than capable of getting their hands on the trophy once more.

“We know we can beat them,” said Roberts. “We have proved in both league games that we can compete, and we have full belief we can retain the trophy.

“I think the fact TNS did not lose a league fixture last season made our cup final win over them even more impressive. These games do not come around very often in a football career, so it is important we cherish these moments.

“We give up 11 months of a year playing and juggling with work elsewhere, and if we can get our hands on the JD Welsh Cup again, it will make it all worthwhile.”

Missing out on the JD Cymru Premier Play-Offs means our only route to European qualification this summer is if we win on Sunday.

There have been some disappointing league results this season, but Roberts admits it would be an amazing feeling to put things right with a win on Sunday.

“The aim for this club is to always qualify for Europe,” said Roberts. “Where we finished in the league is not good enough for Connah’s Quay Nomads and the winning mentality that has been passed down cannot let us be happy to accept that as players, so if we are triumphant on Sunday, it would put things right.

“Preparation for this much has been professional as always. Everyone is doing their bit and keeping the same levels of intensity of focus is a year-long thing for this group.”

On the support received from fans this year, Roberts added: “It would mean a lot to us to see many of our supporters in Newport on Sunday.

“We appreciate them making an effort to watch and support us. It is dedication to see fans travelling up and down Wales to support us, so hopefully we can repay them by winning the cup.”

While it was Franklin and Williams that scored the two important goals to seal the trophy last year, that duo - along with four other players have now departed, meaning there was always going to be a major transition last summer.

There have been changes in the dugout, and also new arrivals on the pitch. Rhys Hughes, George Ratcliffe, Sam Durrant and Max Woodcock have all represented their countries at international level, while Fumpa Mwandwe, Olly Wright, Chris Marriott, Cameron Ferguson and Kris Owens (second spell) have all added to the squad depth.

Roberts, who was a part of our scholarship programme in 2018 before joining the senior squad in 2023, admits it has been a pleasure to work with this season’s additions.

“Everyone has inherited the expectation and the importance to perform very well at this club,” he said. “We are a very close knit group and they have bought into everything us players and the staff expect.”

On a personal note for Roberts, he will be hoping to make his 150th appearance in Welsh domestic football in Sunday’s final.

Last season’s cup win was the second trophy in Roberts’ senior career with the first being a JD Cymru North title with Prestatyn Town in the 2019/20 season.

Roberts is now looking to add a second JD Welsh Cup to his achievements, and says the motivation levels are as strong as last season, if not stronger.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Nomads so far. This group of lads we have is second to none and we have had some great times together.

“The winning culture at this club is what drives us all forward and it is a pleasure to be a part of that. I love to see personal milestones, but the thought of winning silverware and playing in these showpiece matches is what keeps us moving forward.”

We are hoping to see many of our supporters at Rodney Parade to cheer us on once again as we aim for back-to-back JD Welsh Cups.

All ticket information ahead of the final can be found on the FAW website

Rodney Parade is home to EFL League Two side Newport County AFC and United Rugby Championship team Dragons RFC.

The stadium is a 13-minute walk from Newport train station. For those wishing to drive to the match, the postcode for Rodney Parade is NP19 0AS.

For those of you who cannot make the trip to South Wales, the match will be broadcast live on S4C’s TV and online channels.

Date Published: Thursday, 1st May, 2025 - 11:05am by Adam Angerer