Airdrieonians ended TNS’s unbeaten run with a 2-1 victory to lift the SPFL Trust Trophy at the Falkirk Community Stadium.
Rhys McCabe’s side came from a goal down to ensure the trophy would remain in Scotland. Nikolay Todrov scored a penalty just after the hour mark after Liam McStravick cancelled out Ben Clark’s opener.
BEN CLARK! 👏
— Sgorio ⚽️ (@sgorio) March 24, 2024
Y Seintiau Newydd ar y blaen!
Gwych gan Brad Young 💪
11' @tnsfc 1-0 Airdrieonians#SPFLTrustTrophyFinal | @spfl 🏴 pic.twitter.com/ghJ2zcgFbw
Jordan Williams broke down the line and found Brad Young from just a few yards out but his deft touch went the other side of the post.
TNS took the lead following their positive start. Brad Young recovered from being slid on and broke into the box to tee up Ben Clark who stroked home in front of the visiting supporters.
The Saints didn’t let up from scoring as they tested Robbie Hemfrey moments later. Clark backheeled the ball into the path of Danny Redmond and the on-loan Rotherham United goalkeeper had to tip his effort over the bar.
Danny Davies made a brilliant block to deny Airdrie as Liam McStravick looked to pull the trigger after breaking into the box. A similar chance presented itself to McStravick moments later but Josh Park and Connor Roberts put him off.
Airdrieonians got themselves back on level terms through McStravick. A simple ball over the top from Adam Frizzell allowed the midfielder to power a half-volley over a stranded Connor Roberts.
The Scottish side should have taken the lead but Josh Daniels made a brilliant goal-saving block to deny Nikolay Todorov from turning home Charlie Tefler’s cross-cum-shot.
TNS recovered from relentless Airdrie pressure and almost restored their lead. Chris Marriott’s corner kick was headed onto the post by Daniels.
The second half wasn’t full of match action until Airdrie had the chance from 12 yards. Josh O’Connor was hacked down in the box by Josh Pask. Todorov stepped forward and despite Connor Roberts guessing the right way, slotted it past him.
TNS didn’t have much to shout about in the second half but substitute Declan McManus nearly got his side back on level terms. Josh Daniels pulled a cross back into the box and McManus’ header brushed against the side netting.
The four substitutions in six minutes gave TNS a new lease of life as they at last started to threaten Airdrie. Brad Young sent Adrian Cieslewicz in on the overlap and his cross had to be cut out with McManus waiting to pounce.
Airdrieonians though did enough to see out remaining threat from Craig Harrison’s side and held on for the victory.
TNS
Connor Roberts, Josh Daniels, Danny Davies, Josh Park, Chris Marriott; Ben Clark, Declan McManus, 72), Leo Smith (subbed off, 90), Danny Redmond (Dan Wiliams, 72), Rory Holden (Adrian Cieslewicz, 78), Brad Young and Jordan Williams (Jordan Marshall, 78)
Goals: Ben Clark 12′
Airdrieonians
Hemfrey; Hancock, Fordyce, Watson, Ballantyne; McCabe (Dean McMaster, 46), Telfer, McStravick (Chris Donnell, 60), Frizzell, Gallagher (Josh O’Connor, 53), Todrov (Callum Gallagher, 92)
Yellow Cards:
Goals: Liam McStravick 22, Nikolay Todrov p 67′
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