by Jordan Jones
STM Sports came from behind to seal their place in the Nathaniel MG Cup final with a 2-1 win over Aberystwyth Town.
Marc Williams gave the away side the lead but STM hit back through Calum Bateman and Josh Graham to secure a historic win for Dale Gardiner’s men – who are competing in the competition for the first time in their history.
They will entertain Connah’s Quay Nomads – managed by Manchester City legend Andy Morrison – at a neutral venue in February.
STM Sports played to their underdog status early on in the match, as Aberystwyth created a number of chances in the opening quarter.
Wide-man Lamin Conteh missed a chance to seize on a rare opportunity, shooting over the target from Chris Worsley’s through ball.
The away side scored the first goal of the afternoon through Williams. The club captain netted his sixth of the campaign, heading home following Leigh Jenkins’ flick-on.
But Aberystwyth’s lead was short-lived after they failed to deal with the pace of Lamin Conteh, who was brought down in the penalty by Connor Roberts.
The referee awarded a penalty, which Bateman dispatched with a composed finish, finding the top corner from 12 yards.
Aberystwyth were unable to retake the lead as Swansea City loanee Thomas Price could only find the side-netting with his effort.
While STM were inspired by Bateman’s equaliser as they emerged for the second half.
Chris Worsley – a handful for Aberystwyth Town – split the away defence before threading the ball through to Graham, who slotted his shot past Roberts.
Aberystwyth pushed on for an equaliser but goalkeeper Ben Boyer continued to keep the away side at bay. Adam Hughes and Tom Price were both denied by the STM shot-stopper.
And Gardiner’s men managed to hold out to claim a second victory over Cymru Premier opposition in their Nathaniel MG Cup run.
STM Sports: Benjamin Boyer, Hermon Yohanes, Dion Hamady (Geza Hajgato 49), Chris Hajgato, David Biggs, Tomas Rutherford, Joe Evans (C), Josh Graham, Calum Bateman (Sam Cawley 85), Chris Worsley, Lamin Conteh
Goals: Calum Bateman 37, Josh Graham 54′
Aberystwyth Town: Connor Roberts, Wes Baynes, Ryan Edwards (Alex Boss 68), Paolo Mendes, Marc Williams (C), Lee Jenkins, Stuart Jones (Luke Boundford 58), Mathew Jones, Adam Hughes, Thomas Price, Joe Phillips (Geoff Kellaway 58)
Goals: Marc Williams 25′
