By Tivy-Side reporter

Character – that was what is was all about on the banks of the River Teifi as Costcutter League leaders St Dogmaels showed great quality in coming from behind against Aberystwyth League pacesetters Penparcau to spring a superb 2-1 win after extra time and book a place in the semi-final of Cwpan Coffa Dai Dynamo Davies.

The north Pembrokeshire villagers – unbeaten in all competitions – once again spelt it out to their rivals that it is going to take something a bit special to lower their colours as the business end of the season approaches.

Substitute and former Cardigan Town player Mike Diggle became the hero of the hour for the Greens after replacing Chris Morgan in the second half. The versatile replacement popped up two minutes from the end of extra time to side-foot past Dan Pritchard to the delight of home fans in a sizeable crowd at School Field.

If Diggle grabbed the limelight it was essentially a team effort that carried the day with everyone contributing to the success.

Jason Williams and team-mates were pushed to the limit by the very good visitors who kept their shape throughout.

Rhys Jones stood out in midfield for Saints but Adam Williams was below his usual high standard after suffering illness in the run up to the tie.

Pritchard between the sticks for the visitors pulled off a number of stunning stops while his opposite number Casey Walters also had to be at his best as Penparcau strove for a winner in normal time.

During a goalless opening 45 minutes the best chance fell to Saints front-runner Peter Almond whose effort cleared the crossbar.

Penparcau went ahead early in the second period when a ball over the top was palmed away by Walters but fell for Mattie Davies who slotted home.

In the final quarter of normal time Rhys Jones broke and his shot was handled resulting in a penalty taken by striker Louis Harding. Pritchard blocked the spot-kick but the ball rebounded to Harding who made no mistake to equalise.

Saints’ fitness level was a telling factor during extra time and with penalties looking likely Harding flicked on for Diggle to coolly slot the ball into the bottom corner of the net and there was no way back for the visitors.

Saints play their second big cup tie in three days tonight (Tuesday) when taking on Llandysul in the semi-final of the Easter Monday League Cup at Parc Emlyn and the visitors could be without Harding who is doubtful with a foot injury.

Llandysul joined Saints in the last four after a 3-1 win over another Aberystwyth League outfit Bow Street Reserves in north Ceredigion – the Costcutter rivals go head-to-head at Parc Emlyn tonight (Tuesday) in the Easter Monday League Cup semi-final.

It was 1-1 at half time at Cae Piod but the Swallows moved up a gear after the interval to control the second period and emerge worthy winners.

For the visitors Harri Wilson bagged a brace of goals and the other marksman was Gareth Winston.

On the league front Aberaeron notched a 3-2 win over visitors Llanboidy and even though the Black and Ambers are favourites to accompany doomed Bargod Rangers in the drop to Division Two, they could still pull out as Llanboidy and Cardigan Town are also in the relegation mix.