Vale crash out
NANTLLE Vale crashed out of the Mawddach Challenge Cup to a late goal from Llandudno Albion’s Adam Hold in a 3-2 defeat at Maesdu Park last Saturday.
Vale went into the game unbeaten in Division One and looking like potential title challengers this season, while Albion had been on a very rare poor run of form.
Nantlle made a great start when Ashley Owen scored first after just three minutes.
The home side settled and the rest of the half was pretty even, but it remained 1-0.
Five minutes into the second half, the leveller came. Joel Lloyd’s volley bounced back off the crossbar and there was Lee Thomas to make it 1-1 from close range.
The tie was turned on its head when Ricky Jones’ well-timed pass picked out Thomas who finished well to edge the hosts in front.
Nantlle were far from finished, though, and Rhys Williams put away a 69th minute penalty to make it two-apiece.
It was now anyone’s tie but, just when extra time loomed, Albion’s Ashley Beacall cleared off the line and the home team launched a counter.
Albion broke fast and Ricky Jones played in Hold, who netted a dramatic late goal to send the holders through.
Elsewhere in the Mawddach, Tomos Saynor’s goal was not enough to save Llanberis from a 3-1 defeat at Llangefni Town, while Welsh Alliance Division One side Penrhyndeudraeth suffered a shock 2-1 loss at home to Division Two Holyhead Town, Meilir Williams (pen) the home marksman. Picture: Steve Lewis
Y Felinheli went out 2-1 at Pentraeth in extra time, Gruff John having edged the visitors ahead.
In the Take Stock Van Hire Challenge Cup, Pwllheli went out 4-1 at Llannefydd, Ifan Gwilym with a consolation for a visiting side missing key regulars.
Perfect Porthmadog Reserves made it 10 straight wins in the Reserves Division as they whipped Llangefni Town Reserves 5-0 at Y Traeth last Friday.
Cai Henshaw (2), Rhys Hughes, Dion Roberts and Math Roberts struck for a Port outfit which led 4-0 at half time.