Parry’s hits a fantastic five
FIVE-GOAL hero Sion Parry guided Gwynedd League minnows Llanystumdwy into the fourth round of the national FAW Trophy courtesy of a thrilling 5-4 victory at Meliden.
Parry made it a stunning 32 goals in just 12 matches in all competitions by going nap against higher-level opponents from Welsh Alliance Division Two.
Being the Trophy’s lowest ranked remaining team, not many thought little Llanystumdwy would progress further in this year’s competition, even after their previous round victory over Y Felinheli from the same division as Meliden.
During all the strong winds and rain at The Mine, Parry literally blew the Prestatyn area outfit away with five netfinders.
The first came after only two minutes following a through ball by Guto Gwenallt.
Over the next 20 minutes Llan could have scored another three or four goals but for Meliden’s keeper Bradley Wright producing amazing saves to keep the home side in the game.
Meliden attacked dangerously against the wind and could have scored a couple themselves but for poor finishing. They eventually broke through Llan’s defence on 32 minutes with a goal by Ashley New and took the lead a minute later via Mathew Griffiths after a mistake in defence.
Half time was approaching but instead of going in 2-1 down, the visitors were level at the break.
From a ball over the top by Tom Williams , Parry ran on to nick it past keeper Wright for the equaliser.
At the start of the second period Meliden brought on Liam Smith, and what a inspiring substitute he proved to be, netting after only four minutes on the pitch to edge the hosts 3-2 to the good.
The lead lasted only 10 minutes with Parry completing another hat-trick of a goal-packed career on 59 minutes.
The home side battered Llanystumdwy for most of the second half using the wind to their advantage and Llan’s keeper Brad Williams was called into action several times, producing a few excellent saves himself.
A crazy last 10 minutes followed with Llan’s Darren Parry winning the ball in Meliden’s half and making a run towards the box before his shot struck the bottom of the far post only for it to rebound to the lethal Parry to slot in his fourth of the game on 83 minutes.
As full time edged closer Llan thought they had done it but for Smith to score Meliden’s equaliser on 87 minutes.
Extra time was looming but Parry and Llanystumdwy’s never-give-in attitude had other ideas as the striker grabbed his fifth and 11th in two games to send the visitors through to the last 32 when they visit Welsh Alliance Division One giants Llangefni Town. Northern fourth round FAW Trophy ties: Berriew v Brymbo, Buckley Town v FC Nomads of Connah’s Quay, Chirk AAA v New Brighton Villa, Conwy Borough v Cefn Albion, Llanfair United v Corwen, Llangefni Town v Llanystumdwy, Llanidloes Town v Llanrug United, Mold Alex v Gaerwen or Greenfield, Mynydd Isa Spartans v Knighton Town, Rhos Aelwyd v Trewern or Mochdre Sports.