Welsh soccer club start cup final with 10 men after team sheet gaffe

Updated: 05 May, 2025 • 0 • min read

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Welsh soccer club start cup final with 10 men after team sheet gaffe

In one of the most bizarre starts to a cup final in recent memory, Connah's Quay Nomads began the JD Welsh Cup Final with just 10 players on the pitch due to an administrative error.

The drama unfolded before Sunday's match against The New Saints at Rodney Parade, Newport, when Nomads attempted to replace injured defender Kai Edwards - incorrectly listed in the starting XI - with Chris Marriott.

However, Marriott hadn't been included on the original team sheet, not even among the substitutes.

TNS lodged an objection, and under competition rules, Nomads were forced to name substitute goalkeeper Jon Rushton in their starting line-up instead.

Rushton never took to the field, with Nomads kicking off one player short in a high-stakes final.

Substitution Chaos in First Minute

Within the opening minute, once the ball went out of play, Nomads made the swift substitution - bringing Marriott on for Rushton and finally restoring their numbers to 11.

Despite the chaotic start, Connah's Quay took a surprise lead through Declan Poole, raising hopes of defending their title.

However, TNS rallied to secure a 2-1 comeback win, sealing a domestic treble and confirming their dominance in Welsh football this season.

Administrative Error Proves Costly

The incident raised questions over matchday procedures and team registration protocol in domestic competitions.

For a club of Nomads' stature to fall foul of paperwork at such a crucial moment was a costly and rare mistake.

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