JD WELSH CUP

CRAIG Harrison issued a few strong words at half-time before The New Saints saw off Cardiff

Met 6-2 to book their place in another JD Welsh Cup final.

Following the bitter disappointment of defeat against Airdrieonians in the SPFL Trust Trophy final six days earlier that shattered their dreams of an unprecedented quadruple, TNS’ hopes of a third domestic treble also looked to be going up in smoke.

Met, who have never reached the Welsh Cup final, looked to finally be on their way there after Tom Vincent’s first-half double gave them a deserved 2-0 lead.

Declan McManus pulled one back from the penalty spot just before the break and TNS were indebted to goalkeeper Connor Roberts, who pulled off a pointblank save to prevent Joe Evans from restoring Met’s two-goal cushion just after the restart.

That proved pivotal as moments later McManus volleyed TNS level and within two minutes he connected with Jordan Williams’ cross to complete his hat-trick and turn the tie on its head.

Brad Young converted a second penalty and then grabbed another before Adrian Cieslewicz added a sixth.

TNS boss Harrison admitted there were contrasting emotions throughout.

He said: “The first 30 minutes was not acceptable from my team or a TNS team or a team that these lads have set the standards to, and I think they understand that.

“It was really disappointing and there’s no getting away from it.

“There were a few choice words said at half-time and I’ve told a few home truths and ensured there is accountability. But the players know that, we’ve got top players and top professionals.

“I think the first 30 minutes was as poor as we’ve played under my second reign, but we changed the shape at half-time, they rolled their sleeves up and that second half was some of the best football we’ve played as well.”

It secured a 14th Welsh Cup final appearance for holders TNS, who will face 2018 winners Connah’s Quay Nomads at Rodney Parade in Newport on April 28, where they will bid to lift the trophy for the 10th time.

TNS have not lost a Welsh Cup tie since 2018.