Swans 1 Camarthen 0 FAW

But the 1-0 scoreline was a little tough on League of Wales high-flyers Carmarthen Town after they had kept out their Nationwide Second Division opponents for so long. In a game billed as their biggest ever, Tomi Morgan’s side acquitted themselves well, and the back three of Neil O’Brien, Wyn Thomas and ex-Swan David Barnhouse were outstanding.

Swansea did not exactly turn on the style in front of the live BBC cameras, and failed to create enough in the final third of the field to break the visitors down until the 113th minute. And when the breakthrough finally came, it could not have been much scrappier. Michael Keegan curled in a long free kick from the right-hand side and Nick Cusack, who had replaced the injured Chris Todd at half-time, managed to head the ball down into the danger area.

Then followed an almighty scramble, and with bodies flying everywhere, Verschave managed to poke the ball past Town keeper Robert Fitzgerald from close range. It was the Paris St Germain loan star’s first touch and his second goal since arriving at Vetch Field last month. His other strike was a 95th-minute winner on his debut against Connah’s Quay Nomads.

So the lottery of a penalty shoot-out was avoided, and Hollins must have been mighty relieved after his side had enjoyed so much possession. Carmarthen did come very close to breaking the deadlock themselves on 64 minutes.

Left-back Wayne Jones, who had been given a torrid time by Stuart Roberts in the first half, sent a fine cross into the Swansea box. The impressive Sion Meredith flung himself at the ball but his header was too close to Jason Jones and the young Swans keeper saved. Before that chance the underdogs had been very much in the game, but they did not threaten again in the match. Walter Boyd, Michael Keegan and Steve Watkin all had half-chances for Swansea in normal time, as did Jonathan Coates. The midfielder had an excellent game considering it was his first since last October.

Coates lasted until the 99th minute and his best effort actually came in extra-time. He played a one-two with Lee Jenkins and drove a fierce shot from 25 yards which was well parried by Fitzgerald. The best opportunities in the added period, though, fell to Jamaican international Boyd. First, he failed to get enough of his red boot on a 95th minute Jenkins cross and the ball trickled past the post. Minutes later, his nimble footwork created an opening in the Carmarthen penalty area but his shot came back off the crossbar. But because of all their chances, Swansea were good value for their late winner.

They go into the last four of a lucrative competition, but perhaps more importantly with the league in mind, their unbeaten run has been extended to four games. nIn last night’s other quarter-final tie, Wrexham beat Aberystwyth 3-0 at the Racecourse. The two remaining quarter-final ties are Cardiff v Merthyr (March 20) and Barry v TNS (to be arranged).