Berffro cause second big upset in a week
LIGHTNING struck twice as Aberffraw caused a major upset in a national knockout competition for a second weekend running.
Hot on the heels of a stunning Welsh Cup win over Welsh Alliance Division One side Llanrwst United, Abergele Town from the same level perished at Cae Cynlas as Gwynedd League giantkillers Berffro recorded a 2-0 victory in their first-ever FAW Trophy tie.
The hosts lined up unchanged from the Llanrwst game and the early exchanges were tight and tense with no holds barred in the midfield.
Gele enjoyed the early share of possession, as was to be expected given their lofty status, but with the pace of front two Gary Bolton and Richard Roberts, the islanders looked dangerous on the break again.
Aberffraw keeper Gavin Roberts was forced into a superb save on 15 minutes when a free kick bobbled right in front of him, but he showed fantastic reflexes to tip around the post.
With just over 20 minutes on the clock the visitors were reduced to 10 men after their captain was sent off following an altercation
Soon after Berffro were in dreamland as they took the lead.
Connor Rees took possession midway in the opposition half and drilled in a cross, Roberts did well to challenge the onrushing keeper and the ball dropped perfectly for Bolton to drill first time into the bottom corner.
Abergele regrouped well and keeper Roberts was again on top form when he produced another outstanding save.
The next goal in the game was to be crucial and with the clock ticking towards half time Berffro struck to double our lead with a superb freeflowing move.
Ieuan Lloyd was sharp into a tackle in midfield and sped away from his marker, his ball through to Roberts was perfectly weighted and the striker fed the unmarked Bolton, who from eight yards out was never going to miss.
Abergele came out strongly for the second half, but Aberffraw defended superbly with custodian Roberts showing great handling when called upon.
The Anglesey side also had chances to increase their advantage.
Good play down the left by John Earnshaw led to Matty Reynolds picking up the ball wide and his beautifully curled shot had the keeper beaten all ends up, but unfortunately for the hosts hit the post and bounced to safety.
Bolton went close to grabbing his hat-trick late on when his header at the far post almost found the net.
As the game wore on, Abergele pushed hard for a way back into the game and threw more men forward but they struggled to break through a rock-solid defence where man of the match Steve Jenkins was outstanding.
There is yet another big cup date on for Aberffraw this Saturday when they visit fellow Gwynedd League side Y Felinheli in the Intermediate Cup.