MALCOLM Melvin scored the only goal as Aberystwyth Town booked a place in the JD Welsh Cup quarter-finals with a hard-fought 1-0 away win at Cardiff Met on a wet and windy Cyncoed Campus.

Melvin made the breakthrough on 37 minutes, and Nev Powell’s side defended their lead admirably to reach the last eight of the Cup for the first time in four years.

Aber made two changes to the starting line-up from their victory against Connah’s Quay Nomads a fortnight ago, with Ryan Wollacott and new signing Damien Allen replacing Jonny Spittle and John McKenna, who have left the club.

With the wind at their backs in the first half, the Cardiff students had started the game on the front foot, without being able to create any meaningful chances on goal.

The Seasiders defence looked solid from the first whistle, with Ashley Young slotting into the vacant centre-back position seamlessly.

The game’s first real opportunity came on 20 minutes, as Joe Phillips failed to keep his header down after Ryan Wade’s cross into the box.

Soon after, the hosts found themselves in on goal, but former Seasider Dylan Rees fired over the crossbar as it remained goalless.

Met continued to dominate possession as the half went on, and they began to threaten Aber’s goal, as Eliot Evans’ cross-shot was almost converted at the back post.

Keeper Chris Mullock also produced a fine save from Will Evans’ deflected effort - but it was the visitors who then took the lead against the run of play on 37 minutes.

Striker John Owen was able to flick on Wade’s cross into the box and midfield maestro Melvin nodded the ball over the head of Met goalkeeper Will Fuller into the net.

Urged on by excellent travelling support, Aber defended their lead superbly until half-time, despite the hosts’ best efforts to equalise.

Aber then started the second half in much brighter fashion, with new additions Allen and Tom Owens gaining some control in midfield, and Joe Phillips and John Owen providing a pacey threat in behind.

Nevertheless, it was Met who created the first chance of the second period as Gwion Howell was denied by keeper Mullock, who produced an excellent finger-tip save to divert the ball on to the crossbar.

Aber’s goal was living somewhat of a charmed life, but Powell’s side were standing strong against everything that was thrown at them.

The visitors continued to look threatening on the break, as John Owen dragged his shot wide after being played through on goal.

On 70 minutes, with the game still in the balance, Allen was replaced by Luke Borrelli, and Geoff Kellaway came on for Phillips.

Met continued to see plenty of the ball without creating any clear cut opportunities, as Wollacott and Young handled Gwion Howell and substitute Dan Spencer superbly.

On 80 minutes, Aber made their third and final change as Craig Hobson replaced Ryan Wade, and soon after they very nearly wrapped up victory as Hobson played in Borrelli who sent his attempted lob just over the crossbar.

Aber’s supporters lifted their voices a notch with the game entering it’s final stages, as the hosts huffed and puffed without being able to blow Aber’s house down.

Hobson demonstrated great hold up play as Aber saw out four minutes of stoppage time in admirable fashion, and as the referee’s full-time whistle blew, it was evident how much it meant to the green army of players and supporters.

CARDIFF MET: W Fuller, D Rees, K McCarthy, B Woolridge, J Edwards, J Barnett (R Morgan 77’), E Evans, C Baker, G Howell (D Spencer 71’), W Evans. H Owen (H Hope 56’). Subs not used: M Swindlehurst, D Evans (gk).

ABERYSTWYTH: C Mullock, D Walker, R Wollacott, T Owens, M Melvin, J Owen, R Wade (C Hobson 80’), M Jones, A Young, D Allen (L Borrelli 69’), J Phillips (G Kellaway 72’). Subs not used: J Rimmer, A Walters (gk). Attendance: 234. Referee: D John.Read Neville Powell's comments in this week's Aberystwyth edition.