JD Welsh Cup semi-final: Cardiff Met 2-6 The New Saints
- Published
The New Saints have reached the Welsh Cup final for the fourth successive season
The New Saints produced a fine comeback to beat Cardiff Met 6-2 and book their place in the JD Welsh Cup final.
Tom Vincent netted twice to put Met in control before Declan McManus' hat-trick turned the tie around.
Brad Young bagged a brace before Adrian Cieslewicz struck at the death to cap off a fine turnaround from TNS in Newtown.
Craig Harrison's men will face Connah's Quay Nomads in the final at Rodney Parade on 28 April (17:25 GMT).
Both sides created chances in what was an entertaining encounter, with Eliot Evans firing wide from distance after spotting Connor Roberts off his line in the opening stages.
Dixon Kabongo then failed to hit the target before McManus volleyed over at the other end following a lively start to proceedings.
But Met took the lead in the 24th minute as Vincent nodded Evans' cross beyond goalkeeper Roberts.
It got better for the Archers just 13 minutes later as Vincent coolly rifled across Roberts to put Met in a commanding position at Latham Park.
However, TNS were handed a lifeline on the brink of half time after Chris Craven brought down Jordan Williams, with McManus lashing into the net from 12 yards out.
And Harrison's side wasted no time in turning the tie around after the restart as McManus volleyed home from the edge of the six-yard box on 55 minutes.
Just two minutes later, Williams robbed Kyle McCarthy of the ball before teeing up McManus who swept home for his hat-trick.
It fully typified the strength and resolve of the Cymru Premier champions who went 4-2 up in the 63rd minute when Young scored his side's second penalty after he was fouled by Joe Evans.
Young scored the Saints' fifth in the 88th minute, and substitute Cieslewicz made it 6-2 in injury time as Harrison's men clinched victory in style.
They will now face Connah's Quay in the final as they go in search of a fourth successive Welsh Cup triumph and a 10th overall.