J D WELSH CUP

LLANTWIT MAJOR ...... 2 CEFN CRIBWR BC ........ 1

LUKE Cox lived up to a fox in the box tag, as Llantwit Major eased past Cefn Cribwr Boys Club during this second-round qualifying tie at Windmill Lane, writes Tony Poole.

Last month Cox was spotted in a packed Cae Gof crowd, spying on the Riders to see what was required of him in the cuptie.

The Windmillers, also well served by Ben Cripps and Rob Jones, twice hit the woodwork via longrange efforts from Rob Jones before going in front on 20 minutes.

From a Connor Goldsworthy pinpoint corner, ex-Penybont star Cox effortlessly found the far corner of the net with a header.

But in fairness to the Riders, who tended to show the Windmillers too much respect, they grew in to the tie.

And after the home side were refused a penalty – a far from spiffin’ Tiffin tackle taking Cox out in the box – Cefn levelled.

In one of the best moves of the tie, Tom Harris threaded a delightful ball through to Dan Jenkins, and the exCornelly Utd star slotted a near-post ball past goalkeeper Jack Lansdown.

Soon after Cefn starlet Ioan Clatworthy failed to make contact with a great goal-scoring chance, and it was 1-1 at the break.

Though the Windmillers saw more of the ball during the second half, chances at either end were few and far between.

Rob Jones went close for Llantwit Major, as did Sean Barney-Williams, but the tie seemed to be heading for extratime.

But that wasn’t the case, as in the 85th minute a crafty free kick from Rob Jones hit the target without the goalkeeper moving.

Though Cefn made gallant attempts to claw their way back against a side that plays three levels above them in the FAW pyramid, their chance had gone.