Summary

  • Airdrie win Challenge Cup for first time in 15 years

  • Ben Clark gave Welsh side lead after slotting home from close range

  • Liam McStravick equalised with impressive lob over The New Saints 'keeper

  • Nikolay Todorov scores from the spot to wrap up Airdrie victory

  1. Postpublished at 17:59 Greenwich Mean Time 24 March

    The New Saints 1-2 Airdrieonians

    Another Saints cross from the right wing. This time Robbie Hemfrey collects with relative ease.

    TNS are getting forward but failing to threaten at the moment.

  2. Postpublished at 17:58 Greenwich Mean Time 24 March

    The New Saints 1-2 Airdrieonians

    Josh Daniels can't re-work his magic from moments ago as an easy cross ends up well behind Robbie Hemfrey's goal.

  3. Postpublished at 17:56 Greenwich Mean Time 24 March

    The New Saints 1-2 Airdrieonians

    Composed headed clearance over his own crossbar from Mason Hancock keeps TNS at bay.

  4. CLOSE!published at 17:53 Greenwich Mean Time 24 March

    The New Saints 1-2 Airdrieonians

    Declan McManus' well-won header ripples the side-netting.

    It's a fine cross in from Josh Daniels. More of that and TNS might snatch an equaliser here.

  5. Postpublished at 17:52 Greenwich Mean Time 24 March

    The New Saints 1-2 Airdrieonians

    Another double change from TNS manager Craig Harrison.

    Polish forward Adrian Cieslewicz and ex-Dundee defender Jordan Marshall replace Jordan Williams and Rory Holden.

  6. Postpublished at 17:48 Greenwich Mean Time 24 March

    The New Saints 1-2 Airdrieonians

    Double change for The New Saints as they chase an equaliser.

    Dan Williams and Declan McManus are on for Danny Redmond and goalscorer Ben Clark.

  7. ouch!

    Ouch!published at 17:47 Greenwich Mean Time 24 March

    The New Saints 1-2 Airdrieonians

    Leo Smith goes down clutching his face after a coming together with Nikolay Todorov.

    It's getting a little heated in Falkirk now...

  8. Postpublished at 17:44 Greenwich Mean Time 24 March

    The New Saints 1-2 Airdrieonians

    Adam Frizzell curls one wide from a tight angle after receiving a one-two from his own corner.

    Would've been a stunner if executed to perfection.

  9. 'Composed from Todorov'published at 17:42 Greenwich Mean Time 24 March

    The New Saints 1-2 Airdrieonians

    Stephen Craigan
    Former Motherwell captain on BBC Alba

    Just when you want an experienced striker. Such a big moment in a big game. You can see the relief.

    Josh Pask knows he's made a mistake, it's clumsy from him.

    Todorov composes himself. It was never in doubt.

  10. GOAL The New Saints 1-2 Airdrieonianspublished at 17:39 Greenwich Mean Time 24 March

    Nikolay Todorov

    Tidy, tidy penalty from Todorov.

    Connor Roberts goes the right way, but the spot kick perfectly finds the bottom corner.

    Airdrie now lead with just over 20 minutes to play.

    GOAL Airdrie
  11. PENALTYpublished at 17:39 Greenwich Mean Time 24 March

    The New Saints 1-1 Airdrieonians

    TNS defender Josh Pask fouls Airdrie substitute Josh O'Connor.

    Silly foul to give away as O'Connor heads out of the penalty area.

  12. Postpublished at 17:36 Greenwich Mean Time 24 March

    The New Saints 1-1 Airdrieonians

    Connor Roberts appears to lash out at Dean McMaster from a corner, but the referee misses it and play goes on.

    That does not stop McMaster from giving the man with a whistle an earful first.

  13. Postpublished at 17:35 Greenwich Mean Time 24 March

    The New Saints 1-1 Airdrieonians

    Liam McStravick is walking off here rather than been stretchered off. So, that's good news.

    But his race is run. The TNS backline will be thankful; the Northern Irishman caused them nothing but trouble in the first half.

    Fulham loanee Chris Donnell is on to replace the injured forward.

  14. ouch!

    Ouch!published at 17:32 Greenwich Mean Time 24 March

    The New Saints 1-1 Airdrieonians

    Liam McStravick goes down with what looks like a bad one.

    He's writhing around on the ground whilst holding his knee and the referee immediately called on the physios.

    Likely a third Airdrie sub to come here, but we'll wait and see.

    Airdrie's Liam McStravick goes down injured during the SPFL Trust Trophy Final match between The New Saints and Airdrieonians at Falkirk Stadium, on March 24, 2024, in Falkirk, Scotland.Image source, SNS
  15. Postpublished at 17:31 Greenwich Mean Time 24 March

    The New Saints 1-1 Airdrieonians

    TNS pepper the Airdrie box with crosses but nothing comes of it.

  16. Postpublished at 17:30 Greenwich Mean Time 24 March

    The New Saints 1-1 Airdrieonians

    Brad Young can't keep his balance and heads well, well over.

    Sad state of affairs for that effort to be worthy of posting about.

    Bring back the entertainment on show in the first half please, Mr. Script Writer.

  17. Postpublished at 17:27 Greenwich Mean Time 24 March

    The New Saints 1-1 Airdrieonians

    A second change for Airdrieonians.

    Hibernian loanee Josh O'Connor is on for Gavin Gallagher.

  18. Postpublished at 17:26 Greenwich Mean Time 24 March

    The New Saints 1-1 Airdrieonians

    Stephen Craigan
    Former Motherwell captain on BBC Alba

    Young is frustrated.

    They're not playing it forward quick enough. He's at his best when running down the wing.

    Airdrie are doing their job. They're taking the sting out of the game.

  19. Postpublished at 17:26 Greenwich Mean Time 24 March

    The New Saints 1-1 Airdrieonians

    Brad Young shows his vexation at not getting better service going forward.

    Neither side are doing much to keep up the quality, or excitement levels, of the first half.

  20. 'Scrappy start'published at 17:23 Greenwich Mean Time 24 March

    The New Saints 1-1 Airdrieonians

    Stephen Craigan
    Former Motherwell captain on BBC Alba

    It's been a scrappy start to the second half.

    Craig Harrison will be happy with his team's passing, but it has been scrappy so far in this second half.