CWMBRAN remain on course to win their first trophy in ten years after clinching a place in the League of Wales Cup final with a comfortable 3-0 win at Leckwith Stadium in Cardiff last night.

Only European-bound Caersws, 3-1 aggregate winners over TNS last night, stand in the way of Cwmbran adding silverware to their inaugural 1992/3 League of Wales victory. It will not be the success they prioritised at the start of the season. However, after such a disappointing couple of months during which their championship and Welsh Cup hopes faded following a series of poor results, suddenly the League Cup has taken on a whole new meaning.

Although Carmarthen had enough possession, struck the crossbar via a long range shot from Wyn Jones and went close on several other occasions, there was never any danger of Cwmbran letting a 2-0 interval advantage slip.

The last time they found themselves in that position, they eventually lost a Welsh Cup quarter-final tie 3-2 against non-league Ton Pentre.

But that was before the days they discovered rookie striker Jason Welsh is also an outstanding central defender, and the youngster once again proved he is the find of the season with another polished display.

Stand-in striker Sean Mainwaring (pictured) worked tirelessly up front, and it was his 29th minute header from a short corner which put Cwmbran in command at 2-0 up.

Co-striker Chris Watkins had fired them into an early lead following a fine interception and pass from wing back Richard Carter with winger Nathan Cotterrall sealing the win with a delightful 25 yard curling shot three minutes from time.

In between, there was precious little quality football on offer mainly due to sloppy passing and an extremely strong wind.

Injuries, suspensions and unavailability have contributed to Cwmbran's woes and such was their predicament last night they could name only one substitute.

However, most of the absentees are expected to be available for selection for Monday's cup final which will kick off at Aberystwyth Town's Park Avenue at 2.30pm.

Cwmbran: P O'Hagan, R Carter, N Smithers, M Pattimore (M Dunn 84), J Welsh, S Wharton (captain), N Wigg, P James, C Watkins, S Mainwaring, N Cotterrall. Booked: Welsh (75, ungentlemanly conduct), Smithers (84 foul). Carmarthen Town: A Davies, S Meredith (M Tovey 85), W Jones, W Thomas, N O'Brien, D Barnehouse (captain), T Morgan (S Davies 73), D Johnston, J Keaveney (A Lloyd 67), R Nicholls, T Hicks. Booked: Barnehouse (63 dissent), Nicholls (75 ungentlemanly conduct), O'Brien (86 foul).