TNS 2 Guilsfield 0

TNS saw off the challenge of border rivals Guilsfield to book a JD Welsh Cup semi-final ticket and keep alive their double dream.

However the Saints were made to work for their passage against a resolute Guils side who further underlined their credentials by long frustrating the best team in the land on their own turf.

The game’s first chance went the way of the home side with three minutes gone with Ash Baker's volley fumbled by visiting goalkeeper Mike Jones before the villagers cleared their lines.

County Times: JD Welsh Cup QF, The New Saints FC v Guilsfield FC.
Picture by Phil Blagg Photography.
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Action from TNS' clash with Guilsfield FC. Picture by Phil Blagg Photography.

Ryan Brobbel fired wide before the Guils carved their first opening of the tie with Jolyon Harries testing home goalkeeper Connor Roberts.

Ben Clark kept Jones busy while Ryan Astles saw an effort ruled out following Brobbel's corner after referee Cheryl Foster spotted a foul in the build up.

The Saints gradually got on top and dictated the tie but continued to be frustrated by the well-organised Guilsfield side.

County Times: JD Welsh Cup QF, The New Saints FC v Guilsfield FC.
Pictured is Jolyon James Harries (Guilsfield)
Picture by Phil Blagg Photography.
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Action from TNS' clash with Guilsfield FC. Picture by Phil Blagg Photography.

Jordan Williams drilled into the side netting as the Saints ramped up the pressure and the breakthrough finally arrived in first-half stoppage time when Jon Routledge's effort through a crowded goalmouth found the net.

The second-half continued in the same fashion as the first with the home side dominating possession but frustrated by a staunch Guils side.

Jones comfortably gathered Blaine Hudson's 52nd minute header from Adrian Cieslewicz's corner and the Guils handed the home side a reminder of their own threat with 20 minutes remaining with Harries' 20 yard free-kick testing Roberts.

County Times: JD Welsh Cup QF, The New Saints FC v Guilsfield FC.
Pictured is Ryan Astles (TNS)
Picture by Phil Blagg Photography.
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Action from TNS' clash with Guilsfield FC. Picture by Phil Blagg Photography.

Hudson headed onto the bar with 15 minutes remaining and the Saints finally put the tie to bed on 79 minutes with Ben Clark skipping through the Guils defence before slotting past Jones.

The Saints join Penybont, Bala Town and giant killers Colwyn Bay in Monday's semi-final draw with the latter booking their place after a shock win at league champions Connah's Quay Nomads.

County Times: JD Welsh Cup QF, The New Saints FC v Guilsfield FC.
Pictured is Guilsfield Keeper Michael Jones and Callum Bromley.
Picture by Phil Blagg Photography.
PB009-2022-28

Action from TNS' clash with Guilsfield FC. Picture by Phil Blagg Photography.

SAINTS: Roberts, Astles, Routledge, Brobbel (Smith 46), Redmond (D Davies 76), Cieslewicz, Hudson, Williams, Robles, Clark, Baker (Denny 81). Subs: Harrison, Canavan

GUILSFIELD: Jones, Bromley,Cathrall, Litchfield, James, Parrish, Lloyd (Clifton 84), Matthews (Blenkinsop 50), Hyne (Cook 65), Harries, Ford. Subs: Capner, Mansell