Colwyn Bay 0 TNS 1

THE double dream remains very much alive after TNS ground out a semi-final win over Colwyn Bay at Rhyl this afternoon.

Bay were virtually rewarded with a home tie after their shock win over Connah's Quay Nomads in the previous round and their fans massively outnumbered that of the JD Cymru Premier champions.

However Bay rarely threatened a repeat of their quarter-final heroics with the Oswestry side dictating the game from start to finish.

TNS almost led after 15 minutes when goalkeeper Andy Coughlin's scuffed clearance fell for Ryan Brobbel whose attempt from distance was tipped around the post by the desperately back-tracking Bay No1.

The Saints led a minute later with Chris Marriott's inswinging left wing corner deceiving all in a packed goalmouth apart from Danny Davies who was left unmarked to net from close range.

Moments later Declan McManus rounded Coughlin only to drill into the side netting from a difficult angle.

TNS now led but their best efforts to turn their possession into further goals were thwarted by poor finishing as Keston Davies and Jordan Williams headed over before the Saints survived a care when Kristan Platt headed inches over the bar at the other end.

It would prove to be a rare chance for the Seagulls with the Saints ending the half on top as Leo Smith volleyed wide from the edge of the area.

It was a similar story after the break with the Saints dominant but struggling to carve any clear openings while the hard-working Seagulls were forced to feed off scraps.

Brobbel drilled wide on the hour before Williams saw an effort ruled offside.

Bay threatened sporadically but handed the Saints a reminder of their threat on 66 minutes with James Kirby testing goalkeeper Connor Roberts.

The match opened up in the final 20 minutes with Declan McManus blasting over from the edge of the area before Roberts was once again called upon to deny Sam Jones after good work by ex-Newtown midfielder Ryan Edwards.

Former TNS assistant manager Steve Evans, now manager at Bay, threw himself into the mix in a late effort to claw their way back into the tie.

However it was too late to derail the Saints who held firm to secure a final date against Penybont as the Oswestry club continued its return to dominance after two years of trophy drought.

COLWYN BAY: Coughlin, Williams, Edwards, Owen, Jones, McCready, Carrington, Lindfield, Platt, Edwards, Kirby. Subs: Neild, Woods, K Evans, Parry-Jones, S Evans

TNS: Roberts, Marriott, Astles, K Davies, D Davies, Clark, Redmond, Smith, Williams, McManus, Brobbel. Subs: Harrison, Cieslewicz, Denny, Robles, Baker