Robbie Parry puts Saints on their way
Robbie Parry pounced for the second game running to help take holders The New Saints into the semi-finals of the Nathaniel MG Cup with a hard-earned 2-0 passage at Bangor City.
After heading the winner against Newtown in the Welsh Premier two days before, the midfielder again made the breakthrough with a terrific 64th minute free-kick.
And fellow sub Greg Draper put paid to the spirited Citizens with a second goal in the dying moments when slotting in Wes Fletcher's neat flick.
A much-changed TNS were made to battle all the way, but showed their mettle to make it 15 straight wins this season, and stay on course to lift the cup for a third successive season.
Boss Craig Harrison had urged his men to keep up the momentum that has seen them move 12 points clear at the top of the Welsh Premier, but were wary of side that have climbed into the top three of the table.
The defending champions were made to battle, but finally secured the breakthrough seven minutes from time when Robbie Parry headed in a free-kick from Chris Seargeant.
After the interval, which was extended due to floodlight failure, Brazilian Rodrigo Branco found the net for Bangor only for his effort to be ruled offside.
However, it was TNS who got their noses in front when half-time substitute Parry crashed a free kick over keeper Connor Roberts.
Henry Jones went close to a reply when his shot was met by a smart save from Andy Wycherley, but the Saints had their chances.
Bangor pushed for an equaliser late on, but the holders wrapped up the win when Draper doubled the lead in injury time.
*Struggling at the foot of the Welsh Premier, NEWTOWN look for some timely cheer when they welcome Carmarthen Town in the quarter-final of the Nathaniel Cup tonight.
