WELSH CUP FOOTBALL

EIGHT-TIME former winners Bangor City marched into round three of the JD Welsh Cup following a crushing 6-1 home win over Cefn Albion.

Bangor, who last lifted the cup back in 2010, were inspired by Alex Darlington’s four-goal salvo, including a 31-minute first half hat-trick.

Robbie Parry and Marc Williams were the Citizens’ other scorers after Connor Kendrick had earlier given Albion a shock lead.

Meanwhile Prestatyn Town, who memorably defeated Bangor in the 2013 final, are also in the hat for tomorrow’s third round draw after Alex Jones’ treble set them on the way to 6-3 home victory against Berriew in their second round tie.

Also through are Haverfordwest County after they defeated Swansea University 4-3 thanks to two goals from Ben Fawcett along with efforts from Lee Trundle and Sean Pemberton.

Nathaniel MG Cup semi-finalists Cambrian & Clydach continued their winning cup form and booked their place in the next round with a 3-2 win at Caldicot Town.

Corey Shephard, Dave Thomas as well as a first for the club for Liam Edwards secured their passage through.

There was also a big shock as Welsh League Division Two club Monmouth Town were dumped out 3-1 by Gwent County League outfit Ynysddu Welfare.

It is yet another scalp for Ynysddu who have also taken down other Welsh League outfits Croesyceiliog and Taffs Well already in the competition.

The big winners of the day were 2016 runnersup Airbus UK Broughton who crushed Llay Welfare 9-1.

Oliver Buckley scored a hat-trick, Nathan Quirk and Matt McGinn both bagged a brace while Joe Chaplin and James Hooper also had their scoring boots on. MARK Jones marked his return to the Marston’s Stadium with a stunning hat-trick to fire Afan Lido to a 4-1 win over struggling Taffs Well in Nathaniel Car Sales Welsh League Division One.

The popular Wales C international hitman re-joined Lido from Welsh Premier club Llanelli Town this week – and began where he left off when he left the club for Carmarthen Town mid-way through last season as the 20-goal leading marksman in Division One.

Another returning hero Chris Hartland, who himself recently arrived back at Lido from Gwent County League side Brynmawr, got the other goal to make it three in two for him.

Liam McCreesh also missed a penalty in the second half for Lido.

Charlie Davies replied for the Wellmen who were also denied from the spot by home keeper Rory McCreesh who saved Jason Bertorelli’s effort.

With the top two not in league action, the win moved third-placed Lido to within five points of leaders Penybont – but have now played two games more.

Penybont are a point clear of Haverfordwest County.

The only other game to beat the weather in Division One was at Port Talbot where Llantwit Major recorded a 2-0 victory with nine-men.

Anthony Rawlings and Rob Jones got the goals for Llantwit and the victory was even more remarkable given they had Jonathan Butler and Kristian Evans sent off.

In Division Two, leaders Croesyceiliog had their trip to Caerau Ely postponed but nearest challengers Abergavenny Town were held 1-1 at home by STM Sports and are five points back.