Gaerwen joy at first win in 14
GAERWEN were on cloud nine after a first win in 14 matches put them into the round two of the Mawddach Challenge Cup.
Two weeks after losing 4-2 at home to Blaenau Amateurs in Welsh Alliance Division Two, the Anglesey side turned the tables, winning by the same score at Cae Clyd to set up a tie with Penrhyndeudraeth at Lôn Groes in the next stage.
It was a special day for Gaerwen, who welcomed back Mark Queen as joint manager last week to work with player-boss Mel McGinness.
The islanders’ only previous win this term was a 5-2 FAW Trophy success at Llanfairpwll in September.
Last Saturday’s tie saw hosts Blaenau open strongly, Tom Williams striking the bar.
But the visitors were soon on the attack and McGinness had a chance but his effort flew over the top, then team-mate Tristan Hughes went through but his final shot was wide.
In the 15th minute the visitors found the net but Gethin Rowlands’ strike was ruled out for offside.
However, it was Rowlands who opened the scoring for Gaerwen on 35 minutes.
Before the break the home side went close twice with two good attempts from David Copsey, and then Geraint Edwards burst through on goal, but his shot was blocked by keeper Mike Bentley.
The first assault on goal in the second half came from the Amateurs, Gareth Roberts’ goalbound shot looking destined for the top corner of the net until a defender’s head diverted the ball over the bar.
Within minutes the visitors doubled their lead through McGinness.
The travellers had other chances but there came a glimmer of hope for the home side as on 69 minutes Copsey made it 2-1.
Back came the away team, who should have added to their score, but on 77 minutes the teams were level as Copsey netted with a fine individual effort.
The chances continued to arrive, mostly for the visitors, as Ryan Lees’ effort came back off the bar, but within minutes McGinness made it 3-2.
At the other end Copsey nearly completed his hat-trick as his free kick struck a post.
Any hope the home side had of saving the match were dashed as Ryan Lees completed the scoring in the last minute to round off a superb individual performance.