TREBLE FOR DEC PUTS TNS IN FINAL

DECLAN MCMANUS scored a hat-trick as JD Welsh Cup holders The New Saints recovered from 2-0 down to defeat Cardiff Met 6-2 in their semi-final at Newtown’s Latham Park.

Met, who have never reached the Welsh Cup final, looked to be on their way there after Tom Vincent’s first-half double.

McManus pulled one back from the spot, before TNS keeper Connor Roberts pulled off a point blank save to prevent Joe Evans from restoring Met’s twogoal cushion.

McManus volleyed TNS level and then within two minutes connected with Jordan Williams’ cross to turn the tie on its head.

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

It secured a 14th Welsh Cup final appearance for TNS – who will now face 2018 winners Connah’s Quay Nomads at Rodney Parade in Newport on 28 April.

Aberystwyth Town moved out of the drop zone in the JD Cymru Premier after a dramatic late finish resulted in a 2-1 win over Colwyn Bay.

Zac Hartley was the hero for Aber in added time at Llanelian Road, as he reacted quickest to turn the ball home after it had been deflected towards goal following Billy Kirkman’s inswinging corner.

Moments earlier, Dan Atkins had looked to have secured a vital point for Bay when his 88th minute leveller cancelled out Aber skipper Jack Thorn’s opener on the half-hour.

This result for Aber, coupled with Pontypridd United’s late 1-0 reverse against Haverfordwest County, means Anthony Williams’ side are now two points clear of the bottom two. It also leaves bottom club Colwyn Bay four from safety with three matches to play.

Pontypridd drop back into the bottom two after suffering their first defeat under Gavin Allen.

With the game at USW Sport Park heading towards a stalemate, Iori Humphries was brought down by keeper Ash Morris when through on 88 minutes, with Rhys Abbruzzese scoring with the resultant penalty kick to secure maximum points for the visitors.

Haverfordwest had earlier gone close in each half, with Lee Jenkins’ glancing header in the first half thwarted by Morris while Ricky Watts saw an effort bounce back off the woodwork in the second.

The other game in the Play-Off Conference at Jenner Park ended goalless between Barry Town United and Penybont. Barry finished with nine men; Rhys Davies sent off for two yellows before Ollie Hulbert picked a second booking in added time.