J.Emrys Morgan Cup Quarter Finals.
Newcastle Emlyn edge out Ffostrasol, Lampeter Town beat Felinfach.
Newcastle Emlyn marched into the semi finals of the J.Emrys Morgan Cup but they were forced to do it the hard way as opponents Ffostrasol pushed them close and the game was decided in extra time.
The reds who are going well on all fronts this season enjoyed the lions share of possession from the outset but spurned a number of early chances with Adrian Hazelby almost scoring with a shot from close range that just brushed the crossbar.
Emlyn kept pushing after the break with the Wanderers looking to catch the hosts on the counter attack and the visitors took the lead when Sam Skinner got caught in possession and Owain Patterson went through to finish well.
Parc Emlyn player manager Owain Thomas switched a few players around as he went looking for the equaliser and this duly arrived when Sam Skinner turned sharply in the box and drilled the ball into the corner of the net. There were several chances after this at both ends but it was all square after ninety minutes but with the pitch cutting up badly.
Nial Millband headed the reds into the lead when he pounced after a corner was initially cleared but then chipped back in for him to nod home and the game was made safe late in extra time when Jake Kelly found himself in space on the edge of the box and he sent in a low cross for Ashely Summers to tap home at the back post.
Manager Thomas saluted Ffostrasol for all their hard work and endeavour but admitted that his team were not at their best and added:”We yet again struggled in the conditions to play our game and it suited Ffostrasol.
“ I never felt like the game was getting away as we had plenty of time to get back into it and we have shown we can do it many times this season already.
“ Hopefully the pitches will dry out a bit in the next few weeks which will certainly suit us better.”
Lampeter Town were also forced to work hard to overcome near neighbours Felinfach for a place in the last four and it took a late goal from Mark Evans to see them through. The Milkmen though fluffed a penalty with just five minutes to go and they will feel that they missed a great opportunity.
It was the current league leaders who started well and they should have scored a couple of goals early on but their dominance eventually paid off when front runner Jason Jones went on a solo run and finished with aplomb.
Felinfach then hit back when the Town defence switched off and let in Joe Jenkins for a well taken equaliser to set up an intriguing second half with the score locked at 1-1 at the break. The hosts created a couple of early chances after the interval which were well saved and with the pitch cutting up badly Town manager Terry Jones brought on some fresh legs with striker Luke Lovell holding the ball up well and he and his side started playing football much higher up the pitch.
The deadlock was eventually broken when midfielder Marc Evans headed home a cross with just ten minutes remaining but just a few minutes later Felinfach were awarded a penalty following a reckless challenge but Town keeper Dylan Evans saved the spot kick from Lee Forrester and Lampeter managed to hang on for the 2-1 win.
Newcastle Emlyn who last won this competition in 1992 and recent winners Lampeter Town will join Fordern United and Four Crosses in the semi final draw.
