Greg Draper sparks comeback as TNS net trophy double

The recently crowned Welsh Premier champions had to do it the hard way after trailing to two early goals from Chris Venables, and looked out of sorts as they struggled to make any impression in the first half.

But, helped by three substitutions, they pulled the game out of the fire with three goals late in the second period to land a league and cup double for the second time in three years.

It was the fourth time they had lifted the trophy.

Draper led the fightback by scoring twice, on 73 and 78 minutes – his first was a penalty. Mike Wilde then volleyed the winner three minutes from time.

TNS' victory shattered Aberystwyth's hopes of a first Welsh Cup success since 1900, and New Zealand forward Draper was delighted to play his part after entering the fray as a substitute on the hour mark.

"I was disappointed not to start, but we only play one up front and I had to miss out, so I just had to make sure I concentrated when I came on," he said.

"In the first half, I thought we were in a bit of trouble. Aber started well and we did not create a lot, but we knew we could turn it around in the second half."

Wilde said: "It was fantastic to score a late winner in the cup final, it's what dreams are made of, but it was Greg's two goals that set us up, he took a great penalty to get us back into the game.

Sam Finley, who has signed a new contract to keep him at Park Hall for another two seasons, was the big winner at the club's presentation night that followed the cup final.

The 21-year-old midfielder won the young player of the year accolade, as well as the players' player and the supporters player awards.

The manager's player of the season went to Chris Seargeant, while Welsh Cup heroes Greg Draper and Mike Wilde shared the top goalscorer award with 16 league goals apiece.