PLUCKY Caersws bowed out after suffering a cruel extra-time defeat against Third Division Swansea. The Welsh Premier part-timers produced a spirited display at an icy Recreation Ground and, leading 2-1, were just seconds away from a quarter-final upset in front of a 1,069 crowd. But Swansea, themselves FA Cup giantkillers just last week, spared their blushes with a last-gasp equaliser two minutes into injury time to take the game into the extra period. And much to their relief, Brian Flynn's men then sealed the victory with strikes from substitute Andy Robinson (102) and Kevin Nugent (106). Caersws had gone ahead in the 14th minute when Geraint Lewis released top-scorer Graham Evans, who slotted past Brian Murphy. Despite being pegged back on 72 minutes through Jonathan Coates, the Bluebirds restored their advantage just five minutes later when then the impressive Chris Venables lashed home a stunning effort from the edge of the box. Although the Swans pushed late on, the hosts appeared to have held firm. But two minutes into stoppage time former Wrexham man Karl Connolly headed home a corner. With Caersws running out of steam, Swansea went ahead through Robinson before Nugent sealed the victory. CAERSWS: Mulliner, A Thomas, Scott, Reynolds, Clarke, Lewis (Probert 110), Venables, Marfell (J Davies 77), G Evans (Howells 95), G Jones, Davies. Subs: Pierce, D Jones. SWANSEA CITY: Murphy, K Davies (Surman 46, Britton 77), Howard, Hyler, E Davies, Martinez, Maylett, Nugent, J Thomas (Robinson 56), Coates, Connelly. Subs: Pritchard, Freestone. |
