AIRBUS striker Tony Gray has been named as the JD Welsh Cup player of the round following Saturday's two semi-finals at Newtown.

The 31-year old has been in scintillating form for the Wingmakers this season, having already broken the club’s record for Welsh Premier goals in a season with 17 to date, following his summer switch from AFC Telford United.

The Liverpudlian scored the opening goal of the game in the 7-0 thrashing of Port Talbot Town, before he claimed his hat-trick with two perfect finishes from outside the box. 

Gray also claimed an assist, as he set-up teenager James Murphy for the fourth goal of the game.

Gray beat off stiff competition from fellow-hat-trick hero Scott Quigley, who scored a treble for TNS, and his Wingmaker team-mate Murphy, who scored a brace in another fine individual performance.

"Tony is very consistent, he rarely goes very long without a goal and, if he does, he works really hard for the team," says director of football Andy Preece.

"He gets back and defends and gets his rewards with his goals which are usually quality, he is clinical and makes it look so easy.

"He creates a lot of goals for himself by making space and that's why he has been so successful."

The striker will receive his award at the club's next home game against TNS on April 16.

Photo: Tony Gray completes his hat-trick against Port Talbot.