JD Welsh Cup Semi-Final: Newtown v Aberystwyth Town

JD Welsh Cup Semi-Final
Sunday 8th April (12p.m at Maes Tegid, Bala)
Newtown v Aberystwyth Town
 
Aberystwyth Town will look to book their place in the JD Welsh Cup Final as they face mid-Wales rivals Newtown at Bala’s Maes Tegid on Sunday afternoon. Aber haven’t won the Welsh Cup since 1900, but have made two appearances in the final in the last 10 years – back in 2009 and most recently in 2014, unfortunately finishing runners up on both occasion. The seasiders will now be hopeful that it’s third time lucky as they face off with 2015 finalists Newtown in a crunch semi-final clash at high noon in Bala.
 
Aber’s route to Sunday’s semi-final has been far from straightforward, and the black and greens are certainly deserving of their place in the last four of the competition. The third round draw saw Town paired with current Welsh Cup holders Bala Town at Park Avenue, in a game that saw Aber’s season well and truly kick into gear. Goals from Declan Walker, John Owen, Joe Phillips and Luke Borrelli helped Town to a thumping 4-0 victory to dump the current holders out at the first hurdle of the competition.
Following on from their victory against Bala, Nev Powell’s side were yet again handed a difficult-looking tie away at Cardiff Met. But rather than allow their hard work from the third round go to waste, Aber produced a textbook away performance with Malcolm Melvin’s deft header earning a 1-0 victory much to the joy of the noisy away supporters.
After conquering the capital, it was a quarter-final tie away at Carmarthen Town next for the seasiders. After the original fixture was postponed, Aber faced a tricky Tuesday night journey to Richmond Park, but came through the test with flying colours. Goals from Joe Phillips, John Owen and Malcolm Melvin secured a 3-1 victory and booked Aber’s place in the Welsh Cup semi-finals.
 
One man in Town’s squad for Sunday who knows plenty about Welsh Cup semi-finals in the black and green jersey is wingman Geoff Kellaway, who memorably scored two goals back in the 2009 semi-final to help defeat local rivals Carmarthen Town on the way to the final at Parc Y Scarlets. In addition, Aber’s Director of football Nev Powell will be hopeful of adding to his 100% success rate in Welsh Cup semi-finals, having won every semi-final he’s managed in throughout his career as manager.
 
In what promises to be another superb occasion for the club, kick off at Maes Tegid is at 12p.m. The green army of supporters have been outstanding in backing their team to this stage of the competition, and the players and management team will again be hopeful of a massive turnout from the fans to roar them on to another Welsh Cup final.
 
There will be a supporters coach leaving Park Avenue at 9:30a.m, and supporters are encouraged to e-mail abertownfc@live.co.uk to guarantee a seat. Welsh Cup semi-finals don’t come around too often, so be sure to get to Bala on Sunday for what could be a memorable afternoon! 
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