Historic day for Bedwas after Powell sees red

THERE may well be a few sore heads in Bedwas today but those associated with the rugby club won’t mind one bit as their team proudly sits at the top of the Principality Premiership for the first time in its history.

Richard Powell’s first-half red card aside, it was a memorable day for the Caerphilly borough side, which battled to a 29-20 victory over Cardiff at the Bridge Field to take top spot in the table.

That’s because previously unbeaten Llandovery lost for the first time this season at Cross Keys who leapfrogged Carmarthen Quins and Llanelli into fourth place behind Pontypridd, also winners yesterday.

It was not looking like Bedwas’s day though as after 10 minutes they were already 14-0 down as Cardiff fly-half Joe Griffin converted a try of his own and one for No 8 Reuben Tucker.

That sprung Bedwas into life and Powell kicked a penalty to get the hosts on the scoreboard before he converted a penalty try on the half hour mark. Will Thomas took over as Cardiff’s kicker and extended the lead to 17-10 before a moment of madness from Powell.

The prolific fly-half had only just committed a late tackle when he head-butted an opponent and was sent for an early bath.

But, crucially, Ethan Davies landed a penalty seconds before the half-time whistle and Bedwas started the second period only four points in arrears at 17-13.

Despite having a man advantage, Cardiff couldn’t find a way through and it was Bedwas who surged into the lead with three further penalties from the boot of Davies. Thomas pulled one back but in injury-time replacement Matthew Pewtner crossed the whitewash and Davies converted to seal a dramatic win.

As for Llandovery, they came unstuck at Cross Keys but at the least earned a losing bonus point in a 22-15 reverse.

Tom Lampard’s try for Keys was bookended by two for Llandovery’s Sam Soul with Steffan Jones slotting five penalties for the hosts to see them home.

Pontypridd returned to winning ways with a 30-13 triumph at Aberavon as they got their title push going again after a shock defeat to Newport.

Despite going behind to a Craig Evans penalty inside the first minute, the Sardis Road side hit back with a try from Dafydd Lockyer and went on to seal the win with further scores by Rhys Shellard and Owen Williams.

Fly-half Dai Flanagan was also clinical in front of goal, converting all three tries and landing a hat-trick of penalties to take the game away from the hosts, who crossed for one try through Matthew Jenkins late on.

Luckless Swansea remain at the foot of the table following a 20-13 defeat by Bridgend at St Helen’s.

Jamie Murphy converted Luke Morgan’s try for the Ravens 13 minutes in and although the hosts closed the gap with penalties kicked by Nicky Thomas and Cameron Clement, the visitors went further ahead when Nathan Edwards crossed just after the break.

Murphy nailed a penalty and although Swansea got to within two points thanks to an Aled Jenkins score, converted by Clement, Ashley James got what proved to be the clinching try with 15 minutes left.

Neath continue to struggle and they lost 19-9 to an improving Newport outfit at the Gnoll after leading at half-time.

Three Dai Langdon penalties gave them the lead after Scott Sneddon had added the extras to Michael Poole’s early try but Sneddon and then Geraint O’Driscoll kicked Newport to victory.

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Championship weekend predictions

Blackwood v Beddau

The Green and Golds surprised many last time out when they saw off highfliers Newbridge and will be looking to build on this performance tomorrow, but will face a tough test in Glan yr Afon. The hosts have had an extended break thanks to the international fixture and a postponement, but they, too, will be hoping to carry on where they left off after convincingly beating Bonymaen at the end of October. I think this will be a close match: Beddau sit just one place higher than their opponents in the table but based on their continued improvement, I think they will start as favourites.

Verdict - Beddau by 5 points.

Bonymaen v Whitland

Bonymaen showed a dogged determination to defeat Pontypool a fortnight ago and, desperate to distance themselves from the relegation fight, they will see this as the perfect opportunity to do so. The Borderers have only won once all season and that was against leaders Ebbw Vale - the question is why aren’t they producing that type of performance every week? As we quickly approach the half way mark of the season, these matches between the bottom clubs will take on ever increasing significance and this, I feel, will be another close encounter.

Verdict - Bonymaen by 3 points.

Ebbw Vale v Bridgend Athletic

The Steelmen have recovered from their mini crisis (losing to basement boys Whitland and supremo Neil Edwards) all the better, having knocked main title rivals Bargoed off their perch last time out to once again head the table. Athletic know they need to start picking up points if they are to avoid being sucked in to the relegation dog fight, but I think this is one battle they won’t be taking anything away from.

Verdict - Ebbw Vale by 20 points.

Narberth v Llanharan

Neither of these teams have played a league match since the end of October so should be raring to go. The Otters are currently the highest placed ‘West’ side in the league and will want to continue their progress, while having had good success against the Dairymen at home, not losing to them there since 2003. The Dairymen meanwhile, who have made a solid start to the new league, face a couple of tough fixtures before the New Year travelling to both Ebbw Vale and Newbridge. The visitors will be hoping a sixth win of the season will be on the cards tomorrow to instill some confidence before the challenges ahead.

Verdict - Narberth by 7 points.

Newbridge v Bargoed

Newbridge and Bargoed both come into this game on the back of defeats and both will undoubtedly be desperate to win to ensure Ebbw Vale don’t extend their lead at the summit. Bargoed were unfortunate not to come away with a draw against the Steelmen and will be out to right wrongs tomorrow, while Newbridge had flattered to deceive in matches before they lost to Beddau last time out and perhaps the loss might inject the impetus that seemed to be missing.

Verdict - Bargoed by 8 points.

Pontypool v Glamorgan Wanderers

Wanderers captain Alex Luff has issued a stern warning to his troops: “Vital points at stake at the wrong end of the Division. It’s a must win!” With Pontypool safe from relegation this season, the Wanderers currently sit in the drop zone along with Whitland, but they know a win here tomorrow would propel them up the table. It is very much a rebuilding season for Pontypool - who, despite everything, have competed well so far - but may have lacked the killer instinct in some matches which is surely something they will look to work on as they try to add to their solitary victory. However, knowing that they are safe from relegation, you have to question when it comes down to the crunch situation at the wrong end of the table will they want it as much as their rivals?

Verdict - Glamorgan Wanderers by 7 points.

Tata Steel v Cardiff Met

I was lucky enough to witness this fixture in One West at the tail end of last season where it was Tata’s pack that made the difference on that day and I suspect that it will be the same case tomorrow. The Margam based side have got stronger as the season has progressed but they know they will face a tough challenge from the well drilled and exciting Students. However, I think with home advantage and a dominant pack, the hosts should run out winners.

Verdict - Tata Steel by 6 points.

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Horgan welcomes fitness boost for struggling Neath

NEATH coach Patrick Horgan has revealed that fitness has been his squad’s “biggest weakness” this season with the club lingering near the foot of the Principality Premiership.

The enforced lay-off due to the start of the autumn internationals, however, has given Horgan the chance to work on the players’ conditioning as they prepare for Saturday’s clash against Newport.

“The week off has really helped us,” said Horgan. “We’ve done a lot of conditioning. Our fitness levels have been our biggest weakness this season so we’ve been concentrating on strength and conditioning and will do so for the next few weeks to get our fitness levels to where they should be.

“Unfortunately we won’t see many, if any, returnees from injury this week. Gravs (Gareth Gravell) is still injured as is Gareth King. The only changes from the Cardiff game a fortnight ago will be the two new signings we’ve picked up – prop Marc Jones and centre John Leyshon.

“We’ve just been concentrating on getting the fitness levels of our fully fit players up. Hopefully we’ll have some players back in the next three or four weeks and we’ll be stronger again. The way things are working out, we’ll probably pick up another couple of injuries but that’s where we need strength in our squad.”

Neath are on a five-match losing streak in the league, going down 25-12 to Cardiff in their last outing, leaving them just two places and four points off the foot of the table.

On Saturday they face a side enjoying an upturn in form with wins over Swansea and reigning champions Pontypridd in their two most recent league matches.

“Newport are a decent side,” added Horgan. “It’ll be difficult. Last year Newport went through what we’re going through now. Having good players but not performing very well. They’ve had some good wins but every game is tough for us right now.

“Confidence is a bit low and everyone still wants to beat us as we’re Neath and we’ve been up there since the inception of professionalism.

“We’ve improved recently, we just need to keep it up. We had a good win over Bedwas (in the British & Irish Cup) and scored a lot of points, we should have beaten Bridgend but our set pieces were poor and we could have won at Cardiff too.

“We didn’t take our chances and that’s also where we need to improve. If we can take our opportunities against Newport, a bit of confidence will return which is what we need.”

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Welsh Premiership weekend predictions

Aberavon v Pontypridd

After the elation of a fantastic draw against Llandovery, Aberavon were brought back down to earth last time out at Bridgend although they did pick up a losing bonus point away from home.

Pontypridd’s last outing was at the end of October when they surprisingly lost to Newport at Rodney Parade and with an extended break they are playing catch-up on all the other teams in terms of games played.

You’d have to go for a home win in this one but not by as many points as some may expect given the positions of the clubs in the table.

Verdict – Pontypridd by eight points

Bedwas v Cardiff

There were positive results for both these clubs in their last matches with Bedwas earning a hard-fought draw at leaders Llandovery and Cardiff beating a struggling Neath side.

Bedwas will start as favourites, more so as they are at home, but Cardiff, if they can keep the penalty count down and not give the likes of Richard Powell the chance of easy points in front of goal, could well get something out of it.

Verdict – Bedwas by nine points

Cross Keys v Llandovery

Successive draws constitutes something of a crisis for Llandovery this season given that until then they had won every game with a bonus point!

The break has given them time to regroup but it will be a tough test going to Pandy Park, traditionally one of the hardest places for visiting teams to win in the Premiership.

Verdict – Llandovery by seven points

Neath v Newport

With Neath really in the doldrums Newport have to see this as an opportunity to pile more woe onto the All Blacks, who have won just twice all season.

Newport are going for a third win in a row after seeing off Pontypridd and then Swansea so will start as favourites anyway.

Verdict – Newport by eight points

Swansea v Bridgend

If Swansea want to turn their season around then the next week or so will be crucial as they host Bridgend and Neath.

Just six points from nine games represents one of the worst starts in the club’s history and if they aren’t careful they could still be rooted to the bottom of the table in five months’ time.

Verdict – Bridgend by 10 points

By David Williams

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John Leyshon rejoins Neath

Centre John Leyshon has re-joined Neath from Bridgend and is expected to take to the field this Saturday when Neath face Newport at The Gnoll (kick-off 2.30pm).

As with prop Marc Jones who returned last week, it is something of a homecoming for the strong-running midfield man who played for Neath under 21s and was a member of the senior Neath squad in 2003/04 – the first post-regional season.

A product of Crynant, John will give Neath added power in midfield where two other local lads Ryan Evans and Kyle Davies have been combining effectively since Gareth McCarthy’s premature retirement.

Coach Patrick Horgan said: “John Leyshon is a most welcome addition to our squad and he will get plenty of rugby with us as we expect Ryan to be close to the Wales Under-20’s side this year.

“Our resources behind the scrum have been badly depleted by injuries this season. We still have Gareth King, Jason Howells and Tom James out injured long-term and we are still aiming to recruit.”

Fellow coach Neil Edwards added: “With no game last week, new conditioning coach Will Rees has worked the boys hard in training and we will see the benefits in weeks to come.

“There is no quick fix but we are putting in the firm foundations for the future for Neath to challenge once more.

”If there are other players out there with the ambition and the burning desire to put Neath back at the top we want to hear from them. Signing Marc and John is an indication of how we want to move the Club forward and we will leave no stone unturned.”

Neath legend Dai Morris will be at the Newport game on Saturday 17th November to sign copies of his new book, “Shadow”. He will be in the clubhouse before the match.

Adult tickets for Neath v Newport on Saturday 17th November cost just £12 for the main stand or £10 for anywhere else in the ground. Children aged 16 and under are free of charge. The club are also selling hospitality at just £25 a head or just £15 for season ticket holders. Check out www.neathrugby.co.uk for more details and follow the club on http://www.facebook.com/NeathRugbyFootballClub or https://twitter.com/NeathRugby.

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Welsh trio set for final tour qualifier

THREE Welshmen will go in search of a European Tour card at Catalunya in Spain later this month after Liam Bond was the only golfer from Wales to get through the second stage of qualifying.

The 42-year-old St Pierre pro is joined at final qualifying, which runs from November 24-29, by Cardiff’s Stephen Dodd, the former British Amateur champion and three-time winner on the European Tour and Bradley Dredge, twice a winner on the tour.

Dodd, 46, and Dredge, 39, who won the World Cup for Wales in 2005, were exempt from the first two stages of qualifying while Bond not only safely negotiated his way through at Lumine Golf & Beach Club but won the event by three shots having also triumphed at Frilford Heath in phase one.

While Bond was celebrating his second qualifying victory in a matter of weeks, the six other Welshmen in Spain weren’t so fortunate.

Also at Lumine, former Welsh Amateur champion Garry Houston, 41, could only finish in a tie for 62^nd place a full 12 strokes off the last qualifying position. The North Walian carded a 72-hole total of 290 with the back-nine often proving to be his Achilles heel.

Mark Laskey and Matt Dearden were well off the pace at El Valle in Murcia with the former even withdrawing before the start of the final round.

Up to then, rounds of 79, 75 and 70 had taken him to +11 and despite opening his third day with a front-nine of 31, the Welwyn Garden City-born pro decided to give up the ghost.

His compatriot Dearden began with a round of 76 before signing for three successive 71s to come in 55^th on five-over-par, eight off qualification.

But for a poor third round in Valencia, Stuart Manley could well have been joining Bond and Dodd at the PGA Catalunya Resort. A 78 on the penultimate day, including a double bogey and two bogeys on three of the last five holes, did for him.

A four-under 68 on day four couldn’t repair the damage and he missed out by four strokes, finishing on four-over-par 292 as Scotland’s Jamie McLeary won by threat El Saler.

Two of Wales’s emerging talents, Rhys Enoch and James Frazer, both fell short of the mark at Las Colinas in Alicante but they know time is on their side and there’ll be plenty more chances in the years to come.

Like Manley, it was one round that caused most of the problems for Enoch as a 76 on day two, which featured a horrible run of two double bogeys and two bogeys from 14 to 17, set him back. Rounds of 68 and 66 followed to leave Cornwall-based Enoch tied for 30^th on two-under.

Pennard’s Frazer was one stroke back and although he was more consistent with his scoring he couldn’t produce one standout round to soar up the leaderboard. Scores of 70, 71, 73 and 69, however, gave him something to build on in the future.

Six rounds of golf now stand between Bond, Dodd and Dredge from a place among Europe’s elite next year. But, as Bond knows all too well, it won’t be easy, especially so given the standard of player the pair will be up against.

The likes of former Ryder Cup players Oliver Wilson, Paul Broadhurst and Jarmo Sandelin are also involved as is Phillip Archer, Markus Brier, Nick Dougherty, Steve Webster and Gary Orr.

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Scorpions sign former Brisbane Broncos rugby union junior

South Wales Scorpions Rugby League Club have signed former Brisbane Broncos academy player Kayle Connor for the 2013 season.

The 21-year old utility back has recently been playing in the Queensland Cup competition in Australia, first for Norths Devils whom he helped to the 2011 Grand Final, and last season for Souths Logan Magpies.

Connor, who holds a British passport so won't count on the club's quota of foreign players, is an accomplished goal kicker.

He was also a prominent rugby union player as a junior, turning out for Queensland schoolboys.

Scorpions' coach Dave Clark said: "We're really pleased that Kayle will be coming to Wales to play for us in 2013. He can play in many positions in the back-line and will be a massive asset to us in the challenges that we will face next year." 

Connor said: "I'm looking forward to a new challenge and I see the move to South Wales Scorpions as a good opportunity to further my Rugby League career. Dave has told me a lot about the club and I'm looking forward to playing in Wales. My goal is to eventually play in the Super League."

More signings for South Wales only professional Rugby League club who play out of The Gnoll in Neath, will be announced soon. 

Memberships / Season Tickets for 2013 are now available to buy by going to www.scorpionsrl.com or by clicking here.

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Home advantage for Saints in Welsh Cup opener

THE New Saints will begin their defence of the Welsh Cup with a third-round tie at home against Huws Gray Alliance outfit Conwy Borough while there are three all-Welsh Premier League games.

Conwy make the trip to the Park Hall astroturf next month after beating Buckley Town in a penalty shoot-out in round two on Saturday.

Welsh Premier leaders Prestatyn Town make the long trip south to the Marston Stadium to take on league rivals Afan Lido, Andy Preece’s Airbus entertain Port Talbot Town and Llanelli, looking for a new manager after Andy Legg’s departure, go to Gap Connah’s Quay.

Former winners Bangor City welcome Welsh League side Aberdare Town to Nantporth and Huws Gray Alliance pacesetters Rhyl will fancy their chances of causing an upset when they visit Aberystwyth Town.

The same could be said of last season’s runners-up Cefn Druids as they travel to Newtown of the Welsh Premier and there will be a tough test for Mark Aizlewood’s Carmarthen Town when they go to Holyhead Hotspurs.

Bala Town, beaten semi-finalists last time around, have a tricky looking clash away to Monmouth Town.

Elsewhere, Gwalchmai host Chepstow Town, Ely Rangers make the short journey to Barry Town, Flint Town Utd entertain Llanidloes Town and Llanrug Utd play West End.

There are still four second round ties to be played this Saturday after postponements at the first time of asking last weekend.

The winner of the Pontardawe-Ton Pentre game will have home advantage in the last 32 against either Caerau or Goytre, Holywell Town meet Goytre Utd or Caerau Ely and Cambrian & Clydach or Haverfordwest County will have a long trip to Llandudno Junction.

All third round ties are to be played on the weekend of December 8-9.

Round three draw;

Afan Lido v Prestatyn Town

Newtown v Cefn Druids

Bangor City v Aberdare Town

Holyhead Hotspurs v Aberdare Town

Gwalchmai v Chepstow Town

The New Saints v Conwy Borough

Barry Town v Ely Rangers

Gap Connah’s Quay v Llanelli

Airbus UK Broughton v Port Talbot Town

Aberystwyth Town v Rhyl

Flint Town Utd v Llanidloes Town

Holywell Town v Goytre Utd or Caerau Ely

Pontardawe Town or Ton Pentre v Caerau or Goytre

Monmouth Town v Bala Town

Llanrug Utd v West End

Llandudno Junction v Cambrian & Clydach or Haverfordwest County

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Students demolish Castle

Cardiff Met Ladies were the big winners of the day in the Women’s Welsh Premier when they handed out an 18-0 drubbing of league strugglers Caerphilly Castle on Sunday at Cyncoed.

The reigning champions wasted no time in stamping their authority over proceedings when striker Emily Brown pounced inside the opening minute to fire the students ahead.

Caerphilly were unable to get to grips with the dynamic striker as Brown netted eight in total, while Adele Hooper also had a fine afternoon finding the target five times. Jas Thomas, Steff Turner, Emily Allen, Dani Hinton and Hannah Billingham also found the net in the one sided affair.

It has been a steep learning curve for Castle so far this season with the Caerphilly side rooted to the bottom of the table having conceded 51 times in only four matches.

Cardiff City, meanwhile, leapt up the table to second after they saw off Swansea 3-0, with Catherine Walsh netting a brace. Walsh put the visitors ahead in the 21st minute but the Bluebirds were largely restrained by the Swans as they looked to work themselves back into the match. However, two late goals broke the hosts' hearts with Walsh and Amy Wathan finding the target for the highfliers.

Port Talbot Town had to come from behind before they comfortably dispatched Northop Hall 7-1.

An Andrea Reece spot kick put Northop in front after only three minutes, but their lead was short-lived as Town hit back through Jessica Wadey (2), Laura Williams (2), Jesci Hare, Coryn Sexton and Gaby Pughsley.

Wrexham also notched up a big win as they outclassed Newcastle Emlyn 6-1. Lowri Edwards and Lyndsey Rodger were the stand out performers for the North Walians, both grabbing braces.

Elsewhere, Llandudno Junction picked up their second win when they thumped Aberystwyth 4-0.

The day’s other scheduled fixture between Caernarfon Town and Llanidloes was postponed.

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Druids target another Cup Run

Last season’s FAW Welsh Cup runners up Cefn Druids will be targeting another successful Cup run when they travel to Welsh National League side Brymbo in the second round tomorrow.

The Huws Gray Alliance side, that bowed out of the league Cup at the end of last month, will be determined to make progress in the competition they did so well in last year and are firm favourites to progress to round three.

Llanidloes Town will be hoping for a Cup upset when the Spar mid-Wales outfit host Huws Gray Alliance side Caersws on Saturday.

Town player/manager Anthony Griffiths played over 300 times for his opponents and admitted the match will be the biggest in his time at the club, “We played each other at Caersws in the Welsh Cup a few years ago, but with us having home advantage and the fact that we are a stronger team now, this will be my biggest day at the club. We have fantastic support at Llanidloes - they are fanatical and the town is buzzing so I hope that it’s a great turn out to cheer us on.”

Elsewhere in the North section, Waterloo Road will be dreaming of giant killing when they entertain Huws Gray pacemakers Rhyl.

Moving Southwards, in an all Welsh league Division One affair, Haverfordwest County travel to highflying Cambrian and Clydach, with the Bluebirds looking to gain revenge for the 2-1 home defeat they suffered to their opponents in the league.

Meanwhile, Barry Town will be looking to forget about their off field problems when they make the trip to Huws Gray side Penrhyncoch.

The reward for the 20 victorious sides will be a possible encounter with Welsh Premiership opposition, as the 12 top flight sides come into the draw in round three.

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Big night out for Neath after great golf year

AFTER retaining their Glamorgan League crown this year, Neath Golf Club hosts its annual awards night tomorrow with an array of winners being toasted for their successes in 2012.

Prizes for more than 50 competitions are set to be handed out as the club celebrates another fruitful 12 months out on the course.

The most decorated player at the club this year has been Marita Williams, a winner on no fewer than five occasions, including in the President’s Cup, Kate Jones Cup, Hern Salver, Struels Foursomes with Margaret Pile, and the big one, the Club Championship.

She was also runner-up to Kim Lewis in the Gwyn Derby Cup while Maureen Poulton won the Doris Phillips Rose Bowl and finished second in both the Vera Davies Salver and Hern Salver.

Glamorgan County player Craig Melding was among the winners in the men’s section, his victory coming in the President’s Cup. Daniel Davies claimed the Glyn Peters Matchplay Medal and teamed up with Ann Bradley to win the Lyn Owen Mixed Foursomes.

In the juniors there was a trophy treble for Joseph Howe who triumphed in the Edgar Jones Scratch, the Charles Grimley Foursomes alongside Myles Davies, and was the Player of the Year in clinching the Junior Order of Merit.

At Ashburnham, Elwyn Hughes edged the Richard Rowlands Cup by one point from John Beynon with Simon Hill claiming third from Alan Webster on countback.

Rhydian Bowen’s margin of victory in the Junior Boys’ Stableford, however, was far more comfortable. His total of 45 points was six better than closest rival Tomos Davies with Edwards Spencer in third.

Dave Gladwin is the early overall leader in the Derllys Court Seniors’ Winter Eclectic after the second round of competition, won by John Hartley.

Hartley and Ian Robertson both posted 41 points but the former just got the nod on countback while Phillip Jones came in third just one point behind the top two.

A field of 34 men entered the second round and Hartley’s success was largely down to a superb one-over-par gross score of 36 on the back-nine. Despite missing out on the win, Robertson could be comforted by the fact that his second place saw him climb 13 places in the eclectic table.

In the overall standings, Gladwin, with a score of 65, heads Jones, Hartley and Jeff Thomas by four points although it’s still very early days. Gladwin’s steady scoring of 37 and 38 has been the reason for his four-shot lead.

The eclectic scores are very tightly bunched further down the table and as the event continues the higher handicap players should begin to take advantage.

Results

Ashburnham

Richard Rowlands Cup; 1. E. Hughes 41pts, 2. J. Beynon 40, 3. S. Hill 36

Junior Stableford Boys; 1. R. Bowen 45pts, 2. T. Davies 39, 3. E. Spencer 38

Derllys Court

Winter Eclectic 2; 1. J. Hartley 41pts, 2. I. Robertson 41, 3. P. Jones 40

RAF St Athan

Turkey Trot 1 (Texas Scramble); 1. J. Pengelly & S. Hampson net 64.8, 2. M. Edwards & K. Lewis 66.5, 3. B. Hawkins & R. Brookes 66.5

Individual Stableford; 1. C. Sherman 39pts, 2. P. Green 37, 3. K. Bowkett 37

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Saints and Carmarthen through to Word Cup final

THE NEW Saints will face Carmarthen Town in the final of this season’s Word Cup but only after a controversial dismissal at Park Hall last night.

With the semi-final level at 2-2 midway through the second-half, referee Lee Evans red-carded Airbus keeper Ben Chapman after Saints striker Jason Lampkin was brought down when in on goal.

Chris Seargeant converted the penalty past stand-in stopper Kyle Armstrong and the Saints went on to score twice more in injury-time to win 5-2.

The visitors had taken the lead in the 13th minute when Tommy Holmes headed in Toby Jones' free-kick against his former club. But the Saints surged ahead before the interval with strikes from Ryan Fraughan and Chris Marriott.

That came moments after the Wingmakers saw calls for a penalty fall on deaf ears after Connell Rawlinson appeared to push Mike Hayes in the box. However, just two minutes after the restart Hayes equalised.

But, when Chapman was sent-off on 63 minutes the whole complexion of the game changed and as well as Seargeant’s successful spot-kick, Alex Darlington and Lampkin gave a flattering look to the scoreline with late goals.

In the other semi-final, both of which were not being played at a neutral venue, Carmarthen beat Llanelli 2-1 at Richmond Park thanks to Julian Alsop’s second-half winner.

The Reds went in front on 17 minutes courtesy of Antonio Corbisiero but it wasn’t long before the home side were level with Casey Thomas equalising. It was nip and tuck during the second period but former Swansea City striker Alsop struck with 20 minutes left to send Carmarthen through to January’s final.

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