Late, late show clinches cup progress for battling Llanrug

TWO goals deep into added time earned Llanrug United a remarkable 4-3 home victory over Llangefni Town in the Welsh Alliance League Cookson Cup.

‘Rug started brightly and took a deserved lead in this first round tie on 14 minutes. Midfielder David Noel Williams delivered a perfect crossfield ball to Jonathan Sadler on the left.

Sadler’s powerful low drive into the danger area was diverted off the legs of the visiting goalkeeper into the path of onrushing midfielder Llion Jones to hammer in from 10 yards.

Within three minutes United doubled their total after Sadler latched onto a goal-kick from Dylan Roberts and coolly beat the advancing the keeper.

Llanrug led 2-0 at the break but it was all Cefni in the second half, playing some brilliant attacking football with goals from Craig Roberts and Dan Thomas pulling them level just past the hour. Gari Owen looked as if he had won the tie in the 78th minute, the young defender making a surging run and unleashing a 20-yard strike into the top corner.

However, two minutes into added time a Marvin Pritchard cross led to a shot by Aaron Hughes being deflected past keeper Stephen Sinclair for 3-3. Extra time loomed before Alan Mark Owen powerfully headed in a 95th minute decider via a Gethin Phillips long throw.

Llanrug are in Cookson Cup second round action this Saturday when they visit Llandyrnog United for what could be a tricky assignment.