Michael Reindorf was once again the Cardiff City hero in the Nathaniel MG Cup as his stoppage time goal earned a 3-2 victory against Cardiff Met on Monday night to see the Bluebirds progress to the semi-finals.
After a goalless opening hour it was Tom Vincent, who also scored in the previous rounds against Llantwit Major and Goytre United, who gave Met the breakthrough in the 63rd minute with a clinical finish inside the box.
City responded just five minutes later as Cymru U19 international Trey George poked home from close range to level the contest, but Eliot Evans restored Met’s lead in the 80th minute with a composed half volley.
The Bluebirds were not giving up though and were back level again six minutes later as Met goalkeeper Alex Lang parried Luey Giles’ cross onto Matt Chubb who unwittingly turned the ball into his own net.
City applied late pressure and found a winning goal in the second minute of stoppage time when Met failed to clear a corner and the ball fell to Reindorf in the box, with the striker lashing a fierce strike into the top corner for his sixth goal in the competition this season.
Ollie Hulbert starred as Barry Town United also reached the semi-finals with a 3-2 comeback victory over Penybont at Jenner Park on Tuesday night.
Gabe Kircough headed Bont in front after just five minutes played, but JD Cymru Premier top scorer Hulbert equalised with a simple finish from close range in the 35th minute after a long throw was not dealt with by the visitors.
The Barry forward’s second goal of the night – a delightful header from Harrison Bright’s cross – gave his side the lead on the stroke of half-time, but Bont would draw level in the 78th minute through James Crole.
However, the contest was all square for just two minutes as Barry substitute Kayne Mclaggon volleyed home at the back post from Hulbert’s cross to secure his side’s first win over Penybont in five years and book a spot in the last four.
Aberystwyth Town reached the semi-finals for the first time in five seasons with a 2-1 victory away to Connah’s Quay Nomads on Tuesday.
The Nomads put faith in their youth once again, just as they did when they defeated Caernarfon Town in the previous round, and edged in front after just eight minutes when Luca Hogan tapped home the rebound from Jayden Tang’s initially saved shot.
However, Alex Darlington equalised in the 34th minute when he volleyed beyond Jon Rushton and Aber’s comeback was complete midway through the second half when Harry Arnison produced a similar finish for his first goal since returning to the club in the summer.
The Nomads had a glorious chance to equalise soon after when Dan Flanders’ header at the front post flashed inches wide of the top corner, but Aber held on to claim their first away win over the Nomads in over nine years.
There is one more quarter-final left to play as cup holders The New Saints host Bala Town at Park Hall. The Saints’ European commitments mean this fixture will be played on Wednesday 13 November.
Nathaniel MG Cup Quarter-Final results
Northern Section
Connah’s Quay Nomads 1-2 Aberystwyth Town
The New Saints v Bala Town (13 November)
Southern Section
Cardiff City 3-2 Cardiff Met
Barry Town United 3-2 Penybont
