Llantwit shine in the darkness to progress in cup

LLANTWIT MAJOR ...... 3 GARDEN VILLAGE ....... 2

(after extra time, 2-2 after 90 mins) BOTH sides took a dim view of playing half an hour of extra-time in semi-darkness, writes Tony Poole.

But with this first-round tie locked on 2-2 after 90 minutes, they had to go again in fading light.

Many around the ring felt the Welsh League Management Committee should look towards tied first and second round clashes going straight to penalties after 90 minutes.

In a first competitive game since winning last season’s Division Three championship, Llantwit Major looked dangerous on both flanks via Rob Jones and Josh Jones.

With front men Sam Snaith and Luke Cox the benefactors, it led to Snaith and Connor Goldsworthy both hitting a post.

And they took the lead on the half-hour mark via a Kristian Smith interception, leading to Snaith winning a penalty.

Rob Jones obliged from the spot – the strike separated the sides at half time – but Village levelled on the restart via Jack Jenkins.

And the Gorseinon side got the lead via a bizarre own-goal after Goldsworthy sliced a lob past goalkeeper Jack Landsdown.

But the Windmillers kept on pressing and levelled in the 80th minute – Shaun Barney-Williams heading home a Goldsworthy free kick.

That took the tie into half an hour of extra-time, and it was very much like a candle in a jam jar for both players and fans.

What turned out to be the winner unfolded in the 100th minute when Snaith was obstructed just outside the penalty area.

Goldsworthy took responsibility for the free kick and curled in another great goal to take the Windmillers into round two.

But with Cwmaman Utd and Goytre (Mon) ending 2-2, the Windmillers still don’t know which ground they will visit.

Permission was granted for it to be settled on penalties, but Goytre refused and will return this week for the replay.