FoRFaR ath 1

Malcolm (38) thE NEW SaINtS 3

Draper (24, 80, 87)

WELSH Premier League leaders The New Saints progressed to the quarter-finals of the Irn Bru Cup comfortably in the end.

But they were pushed hard by League 2 Forfar Athletic, who rued missed chances that could have seen them progress.

Saints started the season playing in the Champions League and, in the first half, the gap between the teams was clear.

Alex Darlington fired in a shot from outside the box, spilled by Grant Adam but smothered by the Forfar keeper at the second attempt. Aeron Edwards then hammered a shot high over the bar.

The Saints made the breakthrough in the 23rd minute. Keeper and captain Paul Harrison launched a quick goal-kick upfield as Forfar pressed, catching the defence out. Michael Kennedy was short with his header back and Greg Draper pounced, going clear in the box and tucking his shot into the far side of the net.

Forfar’s first real chance didn’t come until the 37th minute but it proved effective. Josh Peters strode forward and forced Harrison to tip his shot round the post. From Martyn Fotheringham’s corner, Stuart Malcolm powered a header down off the crossbar and over the line for the equaliser.

Jim Lister should have put Forfar ahead in the 59th minute when he got clear on goal but his first touch took him wide and his follow up was blocked for a corner. From the cross, the ball landed at the feet of Jamie Bain and his terrific 25-yard strike forced Harrison to dive full length to turn the ball behind.

Forfar were far more on top in the second period but they were made to regret those missed chances when Saints restored their lead in the 79th minute.

A lovely pass through the defence by Ryan Brobbel cut Forfar open and sub Robbie Parr pounced. His shot was half blocked by Adam, leaving Draper with the easiest of tap-ins.

With just two minutes left, Draper wrapped up his hat-trick. He tore after a ball down the left, beating the Forfar keeper and rounded him to roll the ball into the net to the delight of the small band of travelling Welsh fans.