Rhyl 1 The New Saints 3 (at Airbus UK)

The New Saints ensured their season finished on a high when lifting the Loosemores Challenge Cup with victory over old adversaries Rhyl in the final at the Broughton Airfield, writes JOHN BRIDGWATER.

Two goals from Chris Seargeant helped the Saints retain the trophy they won last year while at the same time completing a fine double after landing the Welsh Premier crown just four days earlier.

Taking charge of his first game as manager following Andy Cale’s departure, Mike Davies handed a chance to all his fringe players and they responded in fine fashion by carving a two-goal interval lead.

The breakthrough arrived just past the half hour when John McKenna laid the ball off for Seargeant and, although keeper Paul Pritchard got his hands to the ball, it rolled gently over the line.

Deflected

A Ryan Marriott right-wing cross six minutes later was then deflected to Jamie Wood, who made no mistake at the far post with a shot into the corner of the net.

The Saints should have killed off the game early in the second half, but Craig Williams blazed a penalty high over the bar after he had been brought down in the box by Mark Connolly.

Buoyed by the reprieve, the Lilywhites then enjoyed their best spell of the game and were rewarded when Chris Williams got to the byline before crossing for an unmarked Rob Turner to head home from close range on 65 minutes.

But the Saints weathered the storm and Seargeant ensured there was no way back for the Seasiders 13 minutes from time when bursting past a couple of defenders before beating Pritchard for a second time.

Victory capped a tremendous season for the Saints who also lifted the Welsh Premier crown for a fifth time, which now sees them play a 12th successive season in Europe as they embark on the Champions League qualifiers this summer.