JD Welsh Cup Q-Final

The New Saints 2

Bangor City 1 (AET)

Adrian Cieslewicz’s late winner booked TNS’s passage into the Welsh Cup semi-finals and spare the Saints their first hat-trick of defeats since 2001.

City took the lead in the fourth minute of extra time through Henry Jones but Greg Draper equalised soon after before Cieslewicz’s late strike kept TNS’s hopes of a fourth consecutive Welsh Cup win alive.

The first chance of note came in the first five minutes when Daniel Nardiello ran onto a through ball before having his effort saved by Paul Harrison’s foot.

TNS threatened on 16 minutes with Aeron Edwards heading against the post from Chris Marriott’s free kick.

However chances were few and far between for the hosts with Scott Quigley’s low left foot drive smothered by City custodian Connor Roberts on 30 minutes.

There was controversy in the 38th minute when former Manchester United man Nardiello claimed for a penalty after his progress was halted by Connell Rawlinson but referee Tom Williams instead booked the visiting striker.

The first chances came TNS’ way after the break with Edwards shot held by Roberts who also produced a smart save to deny Quigley’s effort on the hour.

City had another good opportunity on 73 minutes when Yalan Baio found former Blackpool striker Gary Taylor-Fletcher but Harrison turned his 20 yard effort superbly round the post for a corner.

A minute later, Alex Darlington’s lofted ball found substitute Cieslewicz inside the box only to fire into the side netting.

With three minutes remaining City were reduced to 10 men with Baio earning his second caution but the 10 men held out to force extra-time at Park Hall.

Bangor sensationally took the lead on 94 minutes when a free-kick from the left was flicked on by Anthony Miley and Jones crashed home from close range.

TNS levelled 10 minutes later when Ryan Brobbel’s through ball found substitute Draper to fire past Roberts.

Simon Spender was joined by Brobbel and Draper in spurning chances but on 177 minutes the City rearguard was breached with Cieslewicz wrong footing Roberts from the edge of the area.

TNS: Harrison, Spender, Marriott, Routledge, Brobbel, Fletcher, Mullan, Saunders, Rawlinson, Quigley, Edwards. Subs: Darlington, Ciewslewicz, Draper.

Att - 472