Junction seal a cup double over Bermo
LLANDUDNO Junction return to league action at Llanfairpwll this weekend boosted by two successful ventures into knockout competition.
The Railwaymen followed up their Welsh Cup penalties victory at Barmouth on September 12 by beating the same opposition 2-0 after extra time in the FAW Trophy at the Arriva Ground last Saturday.
The tie started rather flat with both keepers not having much to do in the opening 20 minutes.
On the half-hour mark Ricky Jones broke down the right into the 18-yard box and looked to play in Chris Quinn but there was a great interception from Dave Linstead in the Bermo defence.
Junction went through a stage of having four corners in less than five minutes but all of these were claimed by Tyler French in the visiting goal.
The hosts stepped on the gas a little in the second half, Quinn linking up well with Jamie Jones but French was on hand to beat away any danger.
As the half went on Barmouth did come into the game more and Paul Lewis was unlucky not to give his side the lead when his header was tipped around the post by Gwydion Owen.
Into the last 10 minutes and Junction substitute Adam Hold looked like the fresh legs that were needed. He burst into the box with almost his first touch only to be hauled down by John Andrews, the referee with no option but to point to the spot.
Sam Sinkinson stepped up and his effort was saved by French.
No further chances in the 90 minutes so for the second time in a week these two went into extra time.
The rematch did see one significant difference with Junction able to score from open play, Hold doing magnificently well to beat French from 25 yards down to his right side and give the home side the lead.
Into the second period and Barmouth pretty much committed all but one of their outfield players forward which suited Junction who had chances through John Blundell and Sinkinson to get a second.
Quinn’s afternoon was rewarded just before the final whistle as he controlled a long clearance from his defence and turned on the half volley to beat French and secure the Railwaymen a place in the last 64.
Junction joint-manager Olly Walters said: “120 minutes two Saturdays in a row is never easy on the lads but credit to us, like last week we just never stopped believing and in the end I think it’s fair to say, based on chances created we are deserved winners.”
Abergele Town suffered a shock 2-0 defeat at Gwynedd League Aberffraw.
Penmaenmawr Phoenix lost 4-1 at home to Llanberis, Dan Williams with the only goal for the home side.
A Scott Roberts double was not enough to save Mochdre Sports from a 3-2 defeat at Pentraeth.