Shawbury United secure cup glory in win over The New Saints
Shawbury United claimed the Shropshire Senior Cup for the first time in their history after downing The New Saints.
The final, staged at Whitchurch Alport’s Yockings Park, was decided inside 10 minutes as Liam Armstrong struck for the Midland League side.
TNS played much of the second half with 10 men after Tom Holland saw red. Midland Premier Division outfit Shawbury edged ahead with just seven minutes on the clock, Armstrong found the net for Dave Richards’ side with a cool finish beyond Andy Wycherley in the Saints goal.
Blaine Hudson sent his header from a corner over the top as TNS struggled to find a foothold 30 minutes in. Adrian Cieslewicz then drew a fine save from United shot-stopper Matthew Ballard after he fashioned a shooting chance.
Alex Darlington then sent a header just wide as the Welsh Premier champions upped the ante.
Saints faced more of an uphill struggle as former Swansea midfield man Holland was shown a second yellow four minutes into the second half. New Zealand international Greg Draper scooped over the top from a corner on the hour mark for the Park Hall side.
Both sides went close late on but Robbie Parry’s strike for Saints cannoned the crossbar in the final moments.
