Steelmen provide TNS with tricky tie

The New Saints, chasing a treble this season, face a tricky home tie with old adversaries Port Talbot in the quarter-finals of the Welsh Cup.

The two teams should need no introductions as they have already played each four times this season, twice in the Welsh Premier and two times in the Loosemores Challenge Cup.

The Steelmen are the only side to have defeated TNS this season when prevailing in the league, but the Oswestry men -Êwho defeated Llandudno Junction 6-0 to progress last weekend - will be confident on home territory after twice defeating Talbot at Park Hall.

Bala Town, conquerors of Caersws, also have home advantage for their tie with the only non-Welsh Premier side, Afan Lido.

Holders Bangor City entertain Llanelli in the last eight while Rhyl visit North Coast rivals Prestatyn, with all the ties to be played on Saturday, February 27.

Ex-TNS midfielder John Leah, who had been a transfer window target of Newtown, netted a hat-trick as Rhyl swept aside Pontardawe 7-0 at Belle Vue.

Meanwhile, the Saints have ended their search for an additional striker by swooping for Bangor City marksman Chris Sharp.

The Citizens leading scorer for the past two seasons, with 33 goals from 40 Welsh Premier appearances, has signed an 18-month contract at Park Hall.

Sharp, 23,set a hot pace with Bangor last season, scoring 20 goals from 23 games, before being sidelined for the remainder of the campaign with a broken arm.

But he quickly returned to form with 13 goals to his credit from 17 appearances this time around. Sharp will also link up at the Saints with his former Bangor team-mate Chris Seargeant.

"We are delighted that Chris has agreed to join us at TNS, his goal scoring record in the Welsh Premier is superb and he will give us another dimension up front," said assistant manager Mike Davies.