TNS bid to book their first final place of the season when they take on Guilsfield in the semi-final of the Nathaniel MG Cup tonight.

However, standing in the JD Cymru Premier club’s way, will be the familiar figures of Nathan Leonard and Jason Brindley who have both served as academy coaches at Park Hall.

Manager Leonard and coach Brindley will plot to complete one of the upsets of recent Welsh football history in the JD Cymru North’s biggest ever game.

Leonard said: “It’s a huge local game and hopefully they’ll be plenty of people supporting us from Oswestry and mid Wales. 

“We have several players connected to the town so it should be a great occasion for the players and more importantly the club.

“It is almost mission impossible these days against TNS who have strengthened again this season and whatever team they put out will hurt most teams. 

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“We will do everything we can to make it uncomfortable for them on the night but there’s no pressure on us and I just hope the lads can enjoy the occasion as it’s the first time in the clubs history we’ve reached the last four of a national competition. 

“It’s the biggest game in the clubs history and as long as we give our all I’ll be happy.”

Guilsfield are currently eighth in the JD Cymru North, but only the division’s top three have lost on fewer occasions this season – Leonard’s team have suffered defeat just twice in their last 11 league outings. 

Guilsfield have knocked out Newtown and Bala Town enroute to the semi-final along with Caersws and Prestatyn Town while the Saints have enjoyed a stroll to the last four, seeing off Connah’s Quay Nomads, Porthmadog and the hapless Gresford Athletic in the last round.

TNS come into this tie off the back of 21 consecutive wins in all competitions and they have not lost since being knocked out of the UEFA Europa Conference League by Swift Hesperange at the start of August. 

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However coach Craig Harrison warned his players to expect a tough tie at Clos Mytton.

The sides last met in 2022 when the Saints prevailed 2-0 winners in the quarter-finals of the JD Welsh Cup.

Harrison said: “Guilsfield have been playing fantastically well and this is the biggest match in their history. We know it will be a very tough game but one we are all looking forward to.

“We can expect a tricky surface and heavy pitch and all we can do is prepare and we will certainly not be underestimating them and will be giving them all the respect they deserve for reaching this stage.”

Harrison insisted nobody at Park Hall were resting on their laurels.

He said: “We have had a great run and ever since we dropped points at home to Barry Town United we have really stepped up and it is a testament to the hard work of the players to have enjoyed such a run.

“The club has not made the final of the Nathaniel MG Cup since 2018 and we hope to put that right.”