RYAN DAVIES and Mike Foster were Porthmadog’s heroes in a cup drama that built up into a breathtaking climax and was settled on spot-kicks.

In the nail-biting penalty contest, the Traeth hosts’ Foster held his nerve to sweep the ball into the corner of the net, although The New Saints’ Gerard Doherty managed a touch.

That crucial conversion from the 10th kick snatched Porthmadog victory over the full-timers and a quarter-final trip to Carmarthen.

Earlier, team captain Davies had scored twice during open play, both with powerful headers from set pieces – and the second strike was painful.

It was later confirmed that Davies had broken his nose in scoring the goal.

Porthmadog’s joint manager Viv Williams said: “Our team spirit was tremendous, especially as we had to come from behind twice against opponents who have quality and will always score goals.

“Now, it is anyone’s cup and to have reached the last eight is the best we have ever done.”

The Llansantffraid giants, who had been targeting a league and cup double, led twice, starting on 28 minutes, when John Toner fired just inside a post.

Resilient Port took five minutes to level thanks to Davies, who rose strongly at eight yards to meet Foster’s in-swinging free kick.

TNS went 2-1 up before half time, Greg Stones prodding a 12-yard shot beyond Richard Harvey after Jamie Wood’s cross.

The home team upped the tempo but rued several near-misses until Davies again used his head – or his nose – to score the equaliser from a corner on 82.

Extra time couldn’t separate the rivals, meaning penalties, the first five of which were missed, before the hosts triumphed 3-2.