30th April 2023 will see Bala Town celebrate six years since picking up the JD Welsh Cup for the first time in their history, whilst also on the hunt to make it the second time that they get their hands on the trophy.
Facing the same opponents The New Saints at the same venue as they did in 2017, Bala Town midfielder Nathan Burke is hoping that history will repeat itself on Sunday afternoon.
In his second spell at Maes Tegid after two and a half seasons at FC United of Manchester and City of Liverpool, Burke returned on the eve of the Nathaniel MG Cup Final in January but was a spectator during Bala’s League Cup victory – however he explains that he was happy with his decision to return to Maes Tegid.
“I spoke with Fish (Bala Town assistant Stephen Fisher) a lot even during my time away and he mentioned something about returning to the Lakesiders. I didn’t think too much about it, but the club I was at that time was having some difficulty off the field, so when I thought there was a chance to come back I jumped at it. I am delighted to be back as I know I made the right decision to come back“.
Alongside Kieran Smith and Chris Venables, Burke is only one of three players that remain of the Lakesiders’ 2017 JD Welsh Cup winning squad. So how does it feel to be a player in that position once again and what is different this time round compared to back in 2017?
“If you would’ve said at the start of this season ‘you are going to be in a Welsh Cup Final against The New Saints for Bala’ I wouldn’t have believed you” he states.
“Football is a funny game. We all know we have a good squad and great group of players as we did back in 2017, but back then we were very much underdogs and a lot of people didn’t give us a chance – to win was a truly special occasion.“
He continued “This time we have a trophy already this season and I don’t think it wouldn’t be as much of a shock to people if we did win this time around compared to 2017.“
Bala Town v Connah’s Quay Nomads in the Nathaniel MG Cup Final at The Rock on the 28th January 2023.
Since picking up their first piece of silverware in January, Town have only picked up four draws in the Championship Conference. Burke admits it has been a difficult spell for the Lakesiders but the squad’s goal remains the same.
“The split has been tough for us. We know it hasn’t gone as well as planned and not been at our usual standards but I think in a lot of the games we have been competitive and played well just felt we haven’t had much rub of the green. We are trying hard in training to put it right and to finish the season the way we want and that is to qualify for Europe.“
A victory on Sunday would seal Town’s goal of European football for the ninth time and a by-pass ticket of the looming European playoffs that will take place during May. Even though Bala have booked their place in the playoffs, it is a route Nathan and his team mates would prefer to avoid with all focus on the upcoming Final.
“Yes of course the objective at the start of the season is to qualify for Europe and we have two fantastic opportunities to do that starting next Sunday and of course the play off route.“
Nathan elaborated “Our main focus and all we are talking about is the Final and hopefully we can come out with a positive result that will prevent us from taking part in the play-offs but we are confident as group as the squad has huge ability and togetherness. It’s up to us to deliver to achieve our goal.“
Standing in their way are current holders and JD Cymru Premier Champions The New Saints who have taken all the points in the four meetings between the two clubs this season. The New Saints’ star striker Declan McManus has netted 34 goals in all competitions and will be looking to round off his season with another trophy on Sunday so how will Bala put a stop to their formidable opponents?
“We all know The New Saints are a great team in this League, that is packed with quality and have a great manager. It will have to take each and every one of us to be on our game and not to give them anything on the day. Hopefully when our chances occur we can take them as I am confident we can create chances with the team we have.“
And what would it mean to Nathan to become 2023 Welsh Cup winners?
“We all know how good the 2017 JD Welsh Cup Final day was in general, so to know how it feels, you can only dream of days like that in football. We have another great chance on Sunday against The New Saints to deliver another great day for everyone involved with Bala and I really hope we can deliver it once again” he concluded.
Bala Town take on The New Saints on Sunday, 30th April at Nantporth Stadium, Bangor at 4.45p.m.
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