Mally stay on course for second four- timer
FC Mally remain on course for back-to-back quadruples after advancing to the semi-finals of the North Wales Coast Sunday Challenge Cup with a 4-1 win over Victoria Bethesda.
Cup holders Mally broke new ground last season when they won all four competitions they entered.
And the Llandudno Junction side are in contention to complete a double four-timer as they are on the verge of retaining the Rhyl and District League title and remain in the two league cups.
Last Sunday’s quarter-final brought a crunch clash with North Gwynedd and Anglesey League outfit the Vic.
Mally encountered a bad start when they lost key man Sion Watson through injury after just five minutes.
A close first half saw the Junction men take the lead on 30 minutes when consistent marksman Mazz Knight netted from 20 yards.
There was little in it for the rest of the half and the interval arrived with a 1-0 scoreline.
The second half saw Mally steadily get on top, playing the better football and they went two-up when Callum Vernon applied a close-range finish – his first goal for the club.
It was not long before the dynamic Knight made it 3-0 with a cool finish inside the box.
Five minutes remained when the Bethesda side gave themselves a little hope by scoring their first goal of the tie
However, Mally were to have the last word.
Tom Patel, who has just returned to the club after several months out injured, put away goal number four to ensure the Junction men ran out deserved winners.
Delighted Mally manager Nathan Watson paid tribute to his players, pointing out that strength-in-depth proved vital as the hosts were without numerous regulars.
Watson said: “We had 10 players missing this weekend which shows how strong the squad has become.
“It was a good solid display to get us through to the last four where we’ll play the North away.”
In the last four Mally will have a tough task as they have to visit the North. Wales Inn, a Rhyl team with whom they have enjoyed some good battles with this season.
The other semi-final will see two North Gwynedd and Anglesey League teams in action.
Anglesey side Valley will lock horns with Penbont Celts from Caernarfon district hopefuls Penbont Celts.
Manager Watson added: “The quadruple is on, but I’d be happy with a league and cup double considering the players we have lost since last season.
“Just to retain the league title would do me.
“It’s a really difficult competition to win as there’s some tough teams involved.”