Calum Bateman celebrates after scoring from the spot. (Image: TL Photography)

STM Sports reached the Nathaniel MG Cup in their debut season after claiming victory over Cymru Premier outfit Aberystwyth Town.

Josh Graham’s early second-half strike gave the Cardiff side their second Cymru Premier scalp after dispossessing Newtown in the previous round.

Marc Williams had opened the scoring for Aberystwyth but Calum Bateman cancelled out his effort with a penalty.

STM Sports were without a number of key players, meaning club chairman Geza Hajgato and long-serving coach Dale Gardiner were named as substitutes.

They will play Connah’s Quay Nomads in the final after Andy Morrison’s side beat Bala Town 2-0 at Deeside Stadium.

Aberystwyth started quickly with the attacks with Thomas Price and Leigh Jenkins shooting just wide from outside the box.

Lamin Conteh had the chance to provide a shock lead for Nana Baah’s side. The pacey-winger though was unable to take his opportunity as Chris Worsley cut the Aber defence apart with a side-splitting pass but Conteh blazed over.

Chris Hajgato made a heroic effort to block youngster Matthew Jones with a block on a shot which was going goalbound.

Marc Williams puts Aberystwyth ahead. (Image: Colin Ewart)

Marc Williams – formerly a Wales Under-21 international – showed his semi-professional status with the games first goal. The Aber captain scored with a diving header after Leigh Jenkins flick-on.

Conteh had another chance to score as he found space down his flank but Roberts blocked well from Conteh’s tight-angled shot.

Calum Bateman celebrates his goal. (Image: Mike James)



STM Sports were given another chance of a leveller through a spot-kick after the motivated Conteh was tripped by Connor Roberts. Bateman in a short run-up slotted his penalty past Roberts whose fingertip wasn’t enough to keep it out.

Thomas Price hit the side netting for Aber in the last chance of the half. Matthew Jones continued to impress with his well-found ball finding the Swans loanee.

Josh Graham puts STM Sports ahead. (Image: TL Photography)

STM Sports started to write the perfect script to their story as they battled from behind to take the lead. A delicate through-ball from Chris Worsley saw Josh Graham score with a composed finish.

Bateman was denied his second as STM tried to put the game to bed after Roberts blocked well.

Aberystwyth were getting a flurry of chances. Geoff Kellaway took down Boundford’s flick-on but Boyer blocked well.

Rotational goalkeeper Boyer tipped over Adam Hughes’ goal-bound header to preserve his sides’ lead.

Boyer then pushed away Price’s lined-up shot as Aberystwyth continued to pile the pressure on.

Despite Aber’s late onslaught, STM Sports were able to see out the remaining few minutes, holding on for a memorable victory.

STM Sports: Benjamin Boyer, Hermon Yohanes, Diop Hamady (Geza Hajgato 49), Chris Hajgato, David Biggs, Tomas Rutherford, Joe Evans (C), Josh Graham, Calum Bateman (Sam Cawley 85), Chris Worsley, Lamin Conteh

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)

See how STM Sports reached the final here:

(Featured Image: Mike James)