Welsh Cup: The New Saints reach final to keep treble hopes alive

The New Saints kept alive their hopes of winning a treble by thrashing Cambrian United 5-0 to reach the Welsh Cup final.

Danny Redmond gave Craig Harrison’s men the lead in the 16th minute at Park Avenue – with Adrian Cieslewicz doubling the Saints’ advantage five minutes later.

Zack Clarke and Rory Holden scored in quick succession as the newly-crowned Cymru Premier champions ran riot against the Cymru South side, who were appearing in the semi-finals for the first time in their history.

Clarke then bagged his second on the stroke of half time.

United battled admirably and kept the Saints at bay in the second half.

Having already won the Nathaniel MG Cup and the league title this season, nine-time Welsh Cup winners TNS now seek revenge over Connah’s Quay in the final following their loss to the Nomads in last season’s showpiece.

Holders Connah’s Quay came from behind to book their place in the final with a 2-1 victory over Llanelli Town in Aberystwyth on Saturday.

Connah’s Quay’s Rhys Hughes hit the crossbar from a free-kick early on.

Following Kris Owens’ foul on Taylor Jones, Liam Eason notched up his eighth goal in all competitions since joining Town in January to put Llanelli ahead from the penalty spot in the 26th minute at Park Avenue.

But the Nomads levelled proceedings 47 seconds after the restart as Callum Bratley threaded through to Max Woodcock, who coolly slotted into the net.

And they completed the turnaround four minutes later as Bratley lashed into the net from 10 yards after Cymru South leaders Llanelli failed to clear from a cross.

Scott Coughlin produced a fine save to deny Nomads captain John Disney from close range before George Ratcliffe kept out Bradley Gibbings’ effort at the other end.

And the Cymru Premier side held on for victory to keep their hopes of retaining the trophy alive as they seek to win the tournament for a third time.

The final will be held at Newport’s Rodney Parade on Sunday, 4 May.