TWO stunning goals in the dying minutes put Emrys Morgan Cup holders Cardigan Town through the semi-finals as they secured a 3-1 win over Lampeter Town in the latter minutes of their pulsating tie.

The last team to win this prestigious trophy in back-to-back seasons were Maesglas in 1987 and 1988, but Magpies manager Seamus Doherty expects a tough test against Guilsfield Reserves or Llandysul in the penultimate round.

The Cardigan boss was forced to play star striker John Lumb at the heart of the defence due to injuries, and he was a tower of strength - but his power and accuracy was perhaps missed in front of goal.Lampeter were quick out of the blocks and they crafted a couple of early openings for Mark Rivers and Luke Lovell - but after this initial flurry Cardigan were camped at the clubhouse end for most of the first half.

The game, however, was turned on its head straight after the break when the visitors broke quickly through Terry Witts and Rivers was on hand to steer the ball home from close range.

Cardigan though came back and the introduction of teenage midfielder Tomos Toft caused the visiting defence a number of problems - and he brought the save of the match when his strong shot was palmed wide.

Toft enjoyed another soon after this, and it came as no surprise when an equaliser arrived courtesy of roving defender Alun Williams, who once again grabbed a very important goal.

With match was in the balance, Cardigan were awarded a penalty when frontrunner Liam Doherty was upended - but as Lumb warmed up to take the spot kick referee Gareth Evans had a change of heart after talking to the Lampeter assistant, and it was overruled, despite home protests.

The match appeared to be heading for extra time, but a superb goal from Iestyn Evans brought the rewards that Cardigan probably deserved overall.

Midfielder Evans, who had a fairly quiet game, latched on to a pin-point cross from Dylan Davies and his brilliant bicycle kick from an acute angle flew into the net off the woodwork.

A minute later the game was killed off when livewire Toft rounded off an excellent move to steer the ball into the net, and top a game changing performance by the talented teenager.

• CRANNOG’s dream of reaching two cup finals over the Easter weekend was ended when they came unstuck 3-2 against Llanfair Reserves.

Against the run of play, a long free kick by Llanfair’s Iwan Jones was headed into Toby Evans’ path and he finished well from close range for 1-0.

Llanfair had a goal ruled out for offside, but as the half was coming to an end, Ashley Davies slipped in Matthew Bumford down the right channel and he dinked the ball over the advancing keeper to put them 2-0 up.

Just minutes later, Llanfair were 3-0 up when Davies again squared the ball for Josh Astley to score from 20 yards out into the bottom corner.

Crannog hit back in the second half with goals from George Colvern and Ben May, to set up an exciting finale, but Llanfair held firm in the closing minutes to set up a semi-final tie with Dewi Stars at Llanidloes this week.