Welsh Cup: Alan Blacks a knockout again, second round draw now complete

When it comes to boxing Alan Mark Owen is so often a knockout!

And he can be just as effective at football, as he proved on Saturday with a late, late KO winner for Llanrug United at Aberffraw in the Welsh Cup.

The first round tie was in the 92nd minute when Owen, known in the fight game as Alan Blacks, headed home the decider in a 1-0 victory.

The win earned Llanrug a trip to Mold Alexandra in the second round this Saturday.

Aberffraw are renowned giant-killers and the Welsh Alliance Division Two side from Anglesey more than held their own at the weekend against Division One favourites United.

The first half was a very cagey affair with not much between the teams. Aberffraw looked dangerous from set pieces but had no real clear chances. Alan Mark Owen blasted wide following a good team move from Llanrug.

Rug had more of the possession in the second half with Owen heading wide twice. Aberffraw increased the pressure on themselves in the 70th minute by having a player sent off for a second yellow card.

Still the islanders held firm, until a deep cross from the left found Owen unmarked – and he headed beyond the Aberffraw keeper in the 92nd minute.

In the other outstanding round one tie, minnows Mynydd Isa Spartans put up a great fight before going down 5-3 at Llanfair United, from two levels higher Cymru North.

Kal Pierce (2) and Aide Davies netted for the Welsh National League Division One outsiders, but Llanfair progressed thanks to a Gethin Jones hat-trick, plus goals from Paul Griffiths and Andrew Hughes.

Despite going 3-0 down, Mynydd pulled it back to 3-2 and 4-3 before the hosts’ fifth sealed it.

The draw for round two is now complete.

Welsh Cup round two northern section

Bangor 1876 v Ruthin Town
Bangor City v Prestatyn Town
Greenfield v Flint Town United
Holyhead Hotspur v Buckley Town
Porthmadog v Gresford Athletic  
Llandudno v Llanfair United
Llannefydd v Guilsfield
Mold Alexandra v Llanrug United
Nantlle Vale v Colwyn Bay
Rhyl v FC Queen’s Park  
(Ties to be played weekend November 9-10)