LLANDRINDOD Wells were left a round away from the big boys of Welsh football, after prevailing victorious over Llanrug United in the second round of the Welsh Cup.
Tom Bethel was the hero over 120 minutes, with his hat-trick cancelling out goals from Rhys Roberts, Gareth Jones and David Noel Williams.
Once again it was left to penalty specialist Adam Wright to make his customary interventions during the shoot-out with two penalty saves, as Llandrindod celebrated a 4-1 win from the spot.
However fellow Spar Mid Wales League Two side Rhosgoch Rangers saw their run come to an end in a 6-2 defeat at home to Merthyr Saints.
Ian Cleary ran home a hat-trick, while further goals from Jamie Fitzgerald, James Long and Jack Harris cancelled out a brace of replies from Liam Jones.
Otherwise it was a perfect day for mid Powys, with Spar Mid Wales League One rivals Newbridge and Builth Wells both progressing against Welsh League opposition.
Newbridge stunned Gwent side Risca United 4-0 with a patched up squad, which saw striker Matthew Aubrey forced to don the goalkeeper’s jersey.
Aubrey completed several stunning first-half saves before Lee Ferneyhough fired home from 25 yards just after half-time, to break the deadlock.
Mike Hibbard converted a penalty on the hour before Ferneyhough completed his brace and Josh Hughes volleyed the villagers final goal with a minute remaining.
Builth Wells were indebted to an unlikely hero in a 2-0 win at Dinas Powys, with defender Lee James netting twice in a memorable victory.
James headed his side into an early lead from Shane Claridge’s free-kick and was on hand to blast his side into the second round with a 20 yard drive with 15 minutes remaining.
Llanidloes Town will also represent the Spar Mid Wales League in the third round with star man Jamie Breese netting two goals in the Daffodils’ 4-3 win over Glantraeth.
Nefyn Savage and Karl Seliaerts goals completed the home side’s tally, while the islanders remained in contention with two goals from Jamie Saxon and an Anthony Hughes effort.
Local rivals Carno could not join them in the second round hat as goals from Nicky McCormack and teenager Rhys Hughes settled a 2-0 win for Coedpoeth United at Ty Brith; while Aberaeron lost 3-0 at Goytre, with goals from Matthew Prosser, Tony Richards and Kristian Wharton.
A solitary Will Thomas goal was enough for Guilsfield in a 1-0 win at Rhos Aelwyd, with the former Berriew hitman netting Gareth Jones’ 73rd minute free-kick.
Caersws needed penalties to see off Alliance rivals Conwy United at the Recreation Ground, after Graham Evans’ first-half opener was cancelled out late on, with Mike Lundstrom converting a penalty after being clattered by Dave Jones.
However Jones atoned in the penalty shoot-out with two saves and the all-important conversion to ensure the Bluebirds went through.
Penrhyncoch crashed 4-0 at Buckley Town with two goals from Tim Bigland laying the foundations, before Mike Burke and Derek Taylor goals settled the outcome.
Elsewhere Mario Iaquinta dubbed Llanrhaeadr’s performance in a 6-1 defeat at home to Holyhead Hotspur as the “worst since he arrived at the club.”
Dale Wolverson’s first-half strike had kept the Waterfallmen in the game but the dismissal of defender Dan Kelly spelled the end of the challenge.
Kenleigh Owen netted twice in the first-half and also set-up Asa Thomas and Jonathan Jones, with the tally completed by Chris Saxon and an own goal.