Shropshire Star

The New Saints 2 Caernarfon Town 0 - Report

Holders The New Saints stayed on course for a fourth successive Nathaniel MG Cup after booking their semi-final ticket with a 2-0 victory over Caernarfon Town.

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On a damp night at Park Hall, Chris Seargeant gave the holders a flying start with a fourth minute penalty - before Alex Darlington wrapped up victory six minutes from time.

Caernarfon defended solidly, getting men behind the ball while looking to break, but rarely suggested they could pull off a cup upset.

Making four changes from their win at Aberystwyth, TNS were always in control of the quarter-final tie after taking the lead courtesy of Sergeant's spot kick.

The Welsh Premier leaders looked to press, enjoying plenty of possession, but were closed down by some resolute defending.

Darlington was denied by a fine save from former TNS keeper Alex Ramsay in the first half, but for most part the holders were frustrated by their Cymru Alliance visitors.

After the break, the pattern continued, with TNS composed and patient on the ball, while the determined Canaries were doing their utmost to shackle their hosts.

Ramsay was by far the busier of the keepers, but Jamie Breese did force home stopper Paul Harrison into one save at the other end with a strike from the edge of the box.

But any thoughts of a cup surprise ended when Darlington added a second goal to keep the Saints challenging on four fronts this season.

Newtown are also through to the semi-finals as they made light of a recent wobble in the league with a 2-0 victory at Welsh Premier rivals Carmarthen Town

Ryan Kershaw's strike gave the Robins a 10th minute lead at Richmond Park, before Nick Rushton's header doubled the advantage on the hour,