Cambrian & Clydach have reached the Nathaniel MG Cup final following a memorable extra-time victory over current holder’s The New Saints.
The Welsh League side stunned their Welsh Premier counterparts after twice taking the lead in extra-time to secure a famous 2-1 win.
Subsitutes Mark Crutch and Andre Griffiths scored either side of Greg Draper’s penalty sparking jubilant scenes at the M&P Group stadium.
The New Saints exit the competition having lifted the trophy in each of the last four season’s but spirited Cambrian, whose route to the semi-final had already seen them eliminate a trio of Welsh Premier League clubs, held firm.
The New Saints maintained a dominant share of possession throughout but were ultimately unable to unlock Cambrian, who defended resolutely on the edge of their box.
Having already stunned Barry Town, Aberystwyth Town and Newtown, the Rhondda crowd had good reason to be optimistic despite the gulf in status between the two sides.
Cambrian saw the best two chances of the first half fall their way when Liam Reed fired narrowly wide before drawing a good save from Saints goalkeeper Connor Roberts.
Against the run of play, Cambrian again seemed to have the better of the chances after the break, and a goal line clearance from Jon Routledge denied them of the lead after Carn Thomas attempted to prod the ball over the line, while Greg Draper fired wide from a narrow angle for Saints following a well-timed run.
Having held their own over 90 minutes, Cambrian & Clydach were finally rewarded 10 minutes into extra-time when substitute Mark Crutch headed home at the back post following successive corners.
That lead would last into the second-half of extra-time when Greg Draper converted from the penalty spot after being brought down inside the area.
As The New Saints ramped up the pressure, a swift counter from Cambrian saw Connor Roberts forced into making a sprawling save from Reed. Andre Griffiths arrived to thump home the rebound and secure Cambrian yet another major upset and place in the final.
Cambrian & Clydach Vale 2 Mark Crutch 100′ Andre Griffiths 113′
The New Saints FC 1 Greg Draper 107′(p)
Cambrian & Clydach Vale
1. Dan Bradley, 2. Carn Thomas, 3. Cameron Keetch (12. Mark Crutch 98′), 4. Joe Evans, 5. Kieron Coles, 6. David Thomas, 7. Camillo Strinati, 8. Kyle Jones (17. Sam Jones 85′), 9. Richard French (16. Liam Edwards 79′), 10. Corey Shephard (15. Andre Griffiths 90’+4), 11. Liam Reed Subs not used: 13. Niall Reed, 14. Mikey Jones, 18.Evan Lloyd
Red Cards: None
Yellow Cards: Coles 90+3 Griffiths 105+3
The New Saints FC
25. Connor Roberts, 2. Simon Spender, 3. Chris Marriott, 4. Tom Holland (19. Josh Hmami 94′), 6. Jon Routledge, 7. Chris Seargeant, 8. Ryan Brobbel (10. Danny Redmond 76′), 9. Greg Draper, 17. Dean Ebbe (11. Adrian Cieslewicz 65′), 20. Joash Nembhard (5. Ben Cabango 103′), 22. Kane Lewis Subs not used: 1. Paul Harrison, 21. Kurtis Byrne, 23. Aeron Edwards.
Red Cards: None
Yellow Cards: Seargeant 43′ Holland 70′
Attendance: 410 Referee: Dean John AET ; Ft 0-0
