Back on cup trail
COFIS AIM TO REKINDLE RUN AS THOMAS REACHES MILESTONE
LAST season Caernarfon Town made it all the way to the Welsh Cup semi-finals for the first time in 29 years.
This Saturday sees the Canaries begin a quest for another major run in the national competition when they host Berriew of the Spar Mid-Wales League in a second round tie at The Oval (2.30pm kick-off ).
Iwan Williams’ side’s unforgettable journey to the last four in 2016/17 ended at the hands of eventual tournament winners Bala Town.
But before going down heroically 3-1 to Colin Caton’s men after leading for a large chunk of the match, Caernarfon had already eliminated Welsh Premier clubs Carmarthen and Rhyl from the competition.
The Cofis will enter this weekend’s tie on a high having gone top of the Huws Gray Alliance League last Saturday after a 6-2 home trouncing of Gresford Athletic.
Despite suffering an energy-sapping midweek reverse to The New Saints in the Nathaniel MG Cup, the Canaries were soon flying against the Colliers.
Danny Brookwell was felled on the edge of the penalty area in the 15th minute and Town captain Nathan Craig’s free kick found the net via a slight deflection.
Jamie Breese added a second in the 18th minute after being set up by Brookwell before a Darren Thomas effort struck the post.
Just before the break some classic trickery from Thomas found Breese, who swivelled smartly and drilled home his 13th goal of the campaign.
Two minutes into the second half it was 4-0 when Ryan Williams was bundled over in the box and Craig completed his brace from the spot.
The 55th minute brought a special moment as Thomas finished confidently to record his 100th goal for the club in 170 appearances.
Iwan Williams’ home side then seemed to relax, allowing Simon Smith and Tom Freeman to pull back goals for the travellers.
However, the final word fell to Thomas, who headed in from close range at the far post. ● Caernarfon put on a superb display against The New Saints last Tuesday before eventually bowing out of the Nathaniel MG Cup 2-0 to the Welsh Premier champions.
Saints won an early penalty given against Kevin Roberts and Chris Sergeant tucked the ball past Town stopper Alex Ramsay.
The Cofis found their feet and young midfielder Ryan Williams saw one long-range effort cannon off a TNS defender before Clive Williams was inches away from meeting a Darren Thomas cross at the far post after a neatly worked free kick.
Ramsay twice produced fine stops from Alex Darlington before the break.
The second period followed a similar pattern to the first and Caernarfon certainly looked on a par with the champions.
Saints did not secure victory until the 84th minute through dangerman Darlington, who finished well after a cross from the right flank.