Llannerchymedd lose thriller at Cefn
LLANNERCHYMEDD went out of the Welsh Cup after a 3-2 thriller at Welsh National League outfit Cefn Albion.
The Anglesey side travelled to the Wrexham area still light on players due to injuries, work commitments and the shock move of striker Mark Griffith back to Gwalchmai.
Albion attacked hard from the whistle and with only five minutes on the clock a beautifully floated free kick from out left led to captain Paul Griffith leaping highest to head past keeper David Clarke.
The visitors levelled on nine minutes when Jamie Jones found himself free on the right wing. With a quick glance Jones saw the run of youngster Ryan Wood down the centre,
Wood took the pass in his stride, slotting between defenders Foulkes and Griffiths and to the left of keeper Ryan Roberts.
This shock response knocked the hosts as Llan started to play football like they know they can, but have failed to do of late.
They attacked left, right and down the centre, but the final ball was lacking as Cefn’s big defenders cleared any danger.
An under-hit pass by Llan’s
Pic: ELFRYN OWEN Pat Roberts to Wood saw the ball snatched and a home attack began.
Defender Tomos Jones chased and clipped the heal of the attacker, down he went and a penalty was awarded.
Up stepped the cool head of Sean Jones to edge his team in front.
The hosts could have stretched the lead as an offthe-ball tussle between Pat Roberts for Llan and Alex Williams for Albion saw the referee award another spot-kick.
This time Clarke saved from Jones, ensuring it stayed 2-1 up to the break.
The second half produced end-to-end football, but also some strange decisions from the officials to the detriment of both sides.
In the 54th minute Cefn increased their lead as a slip by Dylan Owen allowed a cross to enter the box and Nathan Williams shot sweetly past the rooted Clarke.
Matthew Jones replied for Medd in the 88th minute but it was Albion who progressed.
Llannerchymedd travel to fellow WAL Division Two side Mynydd Llandegai for an FAW Trophy round two tie this Saturday.