Shropshire Star

TNS into the last four of the Word Cup

Greg Draper's double strike took holders The New Saints into the last four of the Word Cup with a 3-1 victory over Haverfordwest at Park Hall.

Published

After scoring five times in the previous round's romp against Holywell Town, Draper took just four minutes before adding to his tally.

And his second of the night 11 minutes from time sealed the quarter-final victory for the Saints who included Robbie Parry, the former Wolves and Stoke winger, in their line-up.

The Bangor-born Welshman started at Molineux before moving to Stoke City. He starred in the Potters' Under-21 side last season but was surplus to requirements this summer.

Saints boss Craig Harrison said: "Robbie clearly has very, very good quality, has spent all of his career at top clubs and represented his country up to Under-19 level.

"He maybe just needs another opportunity."

Also making an appearance in goal was Academy graduate Andy Wycherley.

TNS made the running for much of the night, with Steve Evans off target with a couple of headers, Draper flicking another effort over, and Alex Darlington also putting an effort over.

A second goal arrived for the Saints five minutes after the break, when Scott Qugley latched onto a poor back pass from Spencer Williams before slipping the ball past Morris.

Haverfordwest were given a lifeline when Luke Borrelli converted a penalty five minutes later following a foul by Kai Edwards.

Draper restored the two-goal cushion with his second of the night from the edge of the box.

Young keeper Wycherley made a couple of fine late saves to deny County's Declan Carroll, one from a free-kick which he tipped onto the bar, to ensure the Saints safely progressed to the semi-finals.