http://www.shropshirestar.com/sport/football/publish/article_8396.sht
ml

By JOHN BRIDGWATER

Caersws took a giant stride towards qualifying for the quarter-final
stages of the FAW Premier Cup after securing a thrilling 2-1 win at
Aberystwyth Town.

An 85th minute strike from newcomer Chris Venables clinched the
victory that took the Bluebirds to the top of Group A and within
touching distance of the lucrative last eight.

Just one point from either of their last games against TNS or Bangor
will now be enough to make sure of their place while defeat meant
the end of the road for Aberystwyth in the BBC-sponsored
competition.

Victory was fully deserved although Aber had their chances early on
with keeper Andy Mulliner saving from Glyndwr Hughes and Lee Spike
and Marc Lloyd-Williams also spurned two golden openings while at
the other end Graham Evans had a goal ruled out.

But it was Caersws - with Antony Griffiths returning to defence for
ths first time this season - who made the vital breakthrough on 26
minutes when Mark Howells fired home following a Jamie Davies
corner.

But the Black and Greens were back on terms four minutes later when
Hughes took advantage following a defensive mix-up.

The second half saw Caersws hold the upper hand with Evans and
Venables both going close although John Lawless hit the woodwork at
the other end from a free kick.

The visitors continued to push and took the spoils five minutes from
time when former Shrewsbury Town midfielder Venables crashed home
his second goal in two games for the villagers after Evans's shot
had been cleared off the line.

Player boss Gary Finley was red-carded late on to add to
Aberystwyth's woe.