TNS - Match Report - 21.11.25
A cold Friday night under the lights ended in dramatic fashion as Cardiff Met FC booked their place in the last 16 of the JD Welsh Cup, knocking out holders The New Saints.
The match opened much as expected, with TNS asserting early control. Cardiff Met, however, defended superbly to keep the visitors at bay. Despite a flurry of half-chances for the holders, the game remained level until the 28th minute, when a dangerous delivery into the box fell kindly for Jack Bodenham, who finished on the half-volley to give TNS the lead.
Met attempted an immediate response, with an ambitious effort from Rees moments after falling behind, though his strike sailed over the bar. TNS continued to press for a second, but Met stood firm, reaching half-time trailing 1–0 and with plenty of work still to do.
The second half resumed with a scrappy, hard-fought tempo as both sides showed renewed intensity. Promising play down the left gave Met their first clear chance of the match, followed shortly by a near goal-of-the-season contender from Lewis Rees, whose effort narrowly cleared the bar fifteen minutes after the restart.
As the half progressed, the match maintained its physical edge, with both teams adding to their tally of yellow cards. Neither side truly took control, though Met appeared increasingly likely to find a breakthrough as the half went on. Their persistence paid off in the 86th minute when excellent link-up play between Jasper Payne and Ryan Reynolds led to Payne levelling the score with a cute finish.
Sensing an opportunity, Met pushed forward with renewed belief. Deep into added time—of which there were just four minutes—Barnaby Soady delivered a superb ball into the box, met at the back post by Matt Chubb, who headed home a dramatic 91st-minute winner. Players and staff alike rushed to celebrate in front of a packed Cyncoed Stadium, celebrating a second last-minute winner against TNS in as many weeks.
Cardiff Met eliminate the reigning champions and advance to the next round of the JD Welsh Cup.
Final Score: Cardiff Met 2–1 The New Saints
