Aberffraw into shield last four
ABERFFRAW advanced to the semi-finals of the Safeflue Shield with a 3-0 home win over Beaumaris Town.
Despite the elements being the winner in all other scheduled fixtures across the Gwynedd League, it was game well and truly on at Cae Cynlas last Saturday with the pitch in great condition despite the shocking weather.
Credit must go to all involved for their work in getting the pitch to such a good standard.
Having been knocked out of the NWCFA Junior Cup at Llanfairfechan the previous weekend, Aberffraw were anxious to set the record straight.
Berffro kicked off with the galeforce wind at their backs and it was obvious early on that the majority of the first period would be played in the Beaumaris half of the field.
The Castlemen stuck to their task well and defended bravely at times.
Despite Aberffraw’s early dominance in possession they struggled to fashion a clear opening, with only a few long-range efforts to show for their pressure.
That changed as the hosts started to create a few more openings, Connor Rees going close from a David Harper corner. Beaumaris looked to play on the counter when in possession but their were stifled quickly by Stephen Jenkins and Iwan Roberts, who were dominating at the back and were able to support in setting up attacks.
It looked like half time would arrive goalless before Gary Bolton’s shot on the turn found the net with the aid of a touch from the Beaumaris keeper and centre-half.
Aberffraw took a big step towards the points when they added a second just before the interval.
The ball was switched from left to right through Adam Hallybone, Rees and Matty Reynolds before Ieuan Lloyd fed Andrew Jones down the line.
Jones’ drilled cross looped up off a defender’s boot and Harper was quickest to react, cushioning a header into the path of Bolton, who rose well and nodded perfectly into the far bottom corner.
Playing against the wind in the second half, Berffro knew the visitors would come at them early, but as in past games the hosts fared better kicking upfield at Cae Cynlas.
Beau did carry more of a threat going forward, but the home defence were rock solid.
Lloyd was a constant danger on the right for the home side, his crosses leading to close efforts from Bolton and Jones.
Substitute Nathan Moore had a great penalty shout turned down before his goalbound left-footed attempt from 20 yards was superbly saved.
With the game entering its final 10 minutes the win was finally sealed when Rees did magnificently to produce a wonderful touch to cushion a pass which was slightly behind him right into his path.
One-on-one with the Town keeper, Rees slotted home coolly to ensure Berffro are in the semi-finals.
Blaenau Amateurs Reserves v Bodedern Athletic, Harlech Town v Talysarn Celts, Llanystumdwy v Menai Bridge Tigers. Bontnewydd v Bethesda Athletic.
Aberffraw v Llanystumdwy, Blaenau Amateurs Reserves v Bro Goronwy, Bodedern Athletic v Bethesda Ath, Menai Bridge Tigers v Bontnewydd, Nefyn Utd v Waunfawr, Talysarn Celts v Beaumaris Town.