Welsh Premier League Football - Freddy ends 10-man Carmarthen's resistance

AN EXTRA-time goal from veteran defender Aneurin Thomas finally ended the resistance of 10-man Carmarthen in the Welsh Cup semi-final.
A first-half brace from Geoff Kellaway looked to have booked Aberystwyth's first final appearance for 109 years, but the gutsy Old Gold fought back to force extra-time with goals from Lee Hudgell and Nicky Palmer.
The Seasiders had taken the lead much against the run of play on 25 minutes when Kellaway got the final touch after Christian Edwards had miscued his attempt to get on the end of a deep free-kick from Aneurin Thomas.
But it was referee Phil Southall who then took centre stage at the New Bridge Meadow in Haverfordwest as he harshly dismissed Carmarthen midfielder Paul Fowler on 38 minutes following a tackle on Bari Morgan.
Old Gold coach Mark Aizlewood faces a lengthy touchline ban as he was red-carded for the second time in two weeks after venting his frustration at the decision on fourth official Brian James.
And Aber doubled their lead in first-half stoppage time when a sublime through ball from Graham Evans was slotted home by Kellaway again.
But 10-man Carmarthen refused to lie down and got back into the game on 66 minutes when sub Lee Hudgell scored from Nathan Cotterrall's through ball. And the comeback was completed in stoppage time when a surging run by Mark Dodds ended with Palmer netting from eight yards after keeper Dave Roberts could only parry a Sacha Walters shot.
Aberystwyth had missed a hatful of chances throughout the game but finally ended Carmarthen's hopes early in the extra period. Thomas, who was lucky to be on the pitch after a two-footed lunge on Jamie Horwood went unpunished, headed in at the far post from a Chris Venables corner and Aber hung on grimly to set-up a final meeting with Bangor City.