Friday night football: Menai Bridge win in Junior Cup, Albion triumph, Nomads beat Saints

NWCFA Junior Cup round three
Arriva Bangor 0 Menai Bridge Tigers 4

Record eight-time Junior Cup winners Menai Bridge advanced to the quarter-finals with a comfortable win over Anglesey League underdogs Arriva at Treborth.

The Gwynedd League visitors led 1-0 at the break courtesy of a 17th minute strike from Callum Davidson – ironically his 17th goal of the season.

After the interval the Tigers were made to battle hard, but eventually closed out the tie with two goals in a minute. Ryan Owen netted in the 71st minute and soon after the hosts conceded an own goal.

Gareth Barker then added a fourth in the 76th minute to ensure the islanders will visit either Mountain Rangers or Talysarn Celts in the last eight.

Tomorrow’s round three games (weather permitting): Abergele v Caergybi, Llandudno Amt Res v Trearddur Bay Bulls, Llansannan v Rhos United, Mountain Rangers v Talysarn Celts, Nefyn United v Llysfaen.

Previous round three results: Bangor 1876 5 Llanystumdwy 0, Llangoed 4 Bro Goronwy 1.

Welsh Alliance Division One
Llandudno Albion 4 Llandyrnog United 1

Albion edged up to fourth in Division One with a clear victory at a rain and windswept Maesdu Park.

Dan Evans struck twice for the hosts, whose other goals came via Joel Lloyd and Luke Smith.

Llandyrnog replied through Ross Gilbert at 3-0 down.

Cymru Premier
Connah’s Quay Nomads 1 The New Saints 0

Craig Curran’s close range volley in the seventh and final minute of first half added time was enough to secure leaders Nomads the win which puts them four points clear of champions TNS at the summit.

In atrocious conditions at Deeside Stadium, former Tranmere Rovers and Ross County striker Curran settled this much-awaited clash of the top two.

Apart from the goal, the main incident of the first half was Kris Owens’ dicey tackle on Keston Davies, which caused the Saints defender to be carried off on a stretcher following a lengthy hold-up.

Owens was shown just a yellow card by referee Lee Evans, when TV replays suggested it should have been a red.

Quay had the wind behind them and created all the chances, George Horan having a header blocked from a Declan Poole corner before the big defender miscued another effort wide from a Callum Roberts flag kick.

Paul Harrison produced a fantastic reaction save from a Jamie Insall header early in added time before the deciding goal finally arrived.

Michael Wilde flicked on a long throw from Priestley Farquharson before Curran blasted an instinctive volley into the roof of the net.

After the break the champions had the gale at their backs, but failed to create the same amount of chances as their opponents.

All their shots lacked conviction and were directly at keeper Lewis Brass; perhaps their closest call was an injury time free kick from Ryan Brobbel which whizzed across the face of goal.

At the other end, Insall was a fraction away from converting a low cross from Roberts.

Seven rounds of matches to go and it stands: Connah’s Quay P 25 Pts 55, The New Saints P 25 Pts 51. Title race on!