THORNWELL Red & White A earned their place in the semi finals after heeding their manager Richard Jones’ warning.

“I told them it was important we took the lead,” he said later.

“When we lost 1-0 here in December, I thought they grew stronger and harder to break down after they took the lead so I told the lads we needed to score first and when we did I think we dominated from then on.”

Tafarn did have a great chance to take an early lead through Josh Downing.

After winning the race for a hopeful long ball out on the left flank, Downing cut inside as Thornwell keeper Jordan Doyle came out to narrow the angle but the striker curled his shot just wide of an unguarded net.

Minutes later, Doyle threw himself full length to his right to push a Downing free kick around a post.

But goals from the in-form Wayne Duffield and Dean Corbett settled the visitors.

“I felt that if we managed to get the breakthrough they might find it difficult especially as they were missing key players.

“I played Dan Hines in midfield and he had a great game.”

Thornwell might have gone in at half time with a third goal but for a fine save by Tafarn keeper Will Hobbs who had not been at fault with Thornwell’s goals.

He made some good stops including a double save in the second half but was helpless against a Duffield penalty and a well-worked Rob Wood goal.

But it wasn’t all one-way traffic with Jermaine Allen always busy and creative.

Tafarn manager Ashley Edinborough was disappointed that players of the calibre of Jamie Green - who headed Tafarn’s late consolation goal - and Craig Owen were unavailable until the second half because of work commitments and the earlier kick-off.

“I think the league title is beyond us now, so a cup would be a great reward for the work we’ve put in this season,” he said after the match.

“Thornwell deserved to win and we wish them good luck in the semi-final but it makes us more determined for the rest of the season.”

Tafarn are due to welcome Rockfield Rovers in a league match this Saturday (19th) and have a Gill Cup quarter final at Severn Tunnel seven days later.

Bob Cypher