TNS prepare for Livingston in Irn Bru Cup quarters
The New Saints are gearing up for one of the biggest games in their domestic history, when they take on Scottish League One side Livingston FC on Sunday afternoon.
The game comes after the top two finishing sides from last season’s Dafabet Welsh Premier were invited into the competition, which in a new format is comprised of Scottish football league and non league clubs, SPFL youth sides, Northern-Irish and Welsh clubs. It is formerly known as the Scottish Challenge Cup.
Bala Town and TNS entered the competition in the last 16 with Bala bowing out with a 4-2 defeat to Alloa Athletic, but The New Saints reached the quarters with a comfortable 3-1 win over Forfar Athletic.
After TNS were drawn against Livingston drama followed, with the Scottish club found guilty of fielding an eligible player in their last 16 tie against Crusaders. The tie was played again, but Livingston were victorious 3-0 reconfirming the quarter final against the Welsh champions.
TNS could not have better form coming into the game, still unbeaten in all competitions, scoring 52 goals in the WPL which has helped send them 15 points clear of second place. Livingston meanwhile are top of the Scottish League One and unbeaten in their last three games.
It is difficult to judge the game on paper, with the entire concept of Welsh and Scottish teams going against each other in this competition still relatively new. The Saints will expect a tougher test than they faced at Forfar, who are a league below Livingston.
The New Saints will arrive at Livingston’s Tony Macaroni stadium hoping to make history, with a semi final against the likes of Dundee United and Queen of the South, who both won their quarter final draws on Saturday.
The game kicks off at 16:05pm, and will be broadcast live on S4C.
