The New Saints came from behind to book their place in this season’s JD Welsh Cup final with a 6-2 win over Cardiff Met on Saturday evening.
A shock was on the cards when the Archers took a 2-0 lead inside the opening 36 minutes, with Tom Vincent bagging a brace as he headed in from Eliot Evans’ cross before lashing home a fierce half volley.
TNS pulled a goal back before half-time when Jordan Williams went down in the box under the challenge of CJ Craven and Declan McManus converted the resulting penalty.
Craig Harrison’s side completed the turnaround 12 minutes into the second half as McManus claimed a hat-trick. The Scottish striker fired home a volley from inside the box before providing a tidy finish from Jordan Williams’ cut back.
Brad Young got in on the act with a brace – first scoring from the penalty spot after he had been fouled in the box by Joe Evans, then latching onto Josh Daniels’ delivery and providing a cool finish through the legs of Alex Lang.
The scoring was rounded off by substitute Adrian Cieslewicz in stoppage time as the Pole tapped in from close range after Lang could only parry an effort from Dan Williams.
It is a fourth consecutive final for TNS, who will meet Connah’s Quay Nomads at Rodney Parade on Sunday 28 April (KO 17:25).
