Welsh Cup epics: Prestatyn Town v Carmarthen Town 2005-06 and 2012-13

Today we feature TWO Welsh Cup classics involving Prestatyn Town and Carmarthen Town.

Although the teams won one tie apiece, Prestatyn emerged from both with glory.

Carmarthen Town 2 (Kellaway 58, Hughes 78)
Prestatyn Town 3 (Parker 74, Parkinson 80, Hayes 116)
Welsh Cup quarter-finals
March 2, 2013

Proud Prestatyn player-manager Neil Gibson hailed this heroic Welsh Cup triumph at Richmond Park as one of the team’s best performances in his six-year reign.

The Seasiders travelled to west Wales as underdogs with several regulars missing, as well as a couple of players not fully fit after injuries.

And it was one of the walking wounded, captain courageous Dave Hayes, having passed a late fitness test on an injured rib, who popped up to grab the winner four minutes from the end of extra time.

The victory puts Prestatyn into the semi-finals for only the second time in their history.

Gibson’s men will meet Welsh League outfit Barry Town at a neutral venue on April 6 or 7.

“We’ve had some great wins since we joined the Welsh Premier, but this one has to be right up there and is extra special as it’s got us to the semi-finals of the Welsh Cup,” said the player-boss.

Gibson was full of praise for his players.

“It was a really galvanising performance,” he said. “Dave Hayes playing 120 minutes so soon after injury and scoring the winning goal epitomises what Prestatyn Town is all about.”

After an uninspiring first half which saw Hayes go close from a free kick and Jason Price shoot just over, the tie came to life in the second period.

Geoff Kellaway edged the Old Gold in front on 58 minutes, but Prestatyn levelled after 74 when Mike Parker finished at the back post (cue Human League song!).

Four minutes later Craig Hughes made it 2-1 to the hosts, but a lovely passing move soon after ended with Andy Parkinson equalising.

It was nip-and-tuck until in the 116th minute, a superb Ross Stephens free kick was knocked on by Greg Stones and Hayes finished at the back stick.

Prestatyn went on to beat Barry 2-1 in the semis before winning the Welsh Cup for the first time in their history after defeating Bangor City 3-1 in the final.

Prestatyn Town 1 (Gibson 70)
Carmarthen Town 2 (Dodds 31, Smothers 73)
Welsh Cup round four – February 4, 2006

Fifteen years ago plucky tier 3 Welsh Alliance leaders Prestatyn were unlucky not to force extra time at least in a match where they matched their illustrious Welsh Premier visitors all the way.

A crowd of 268 was at Bastion Road, where the S4C cameras were visiting for the first time.

They saw Steve Hoult miss a great early chance to edge the Seasiders in front before Carmarthen went ahead on 31 minutes, Mark Dodds rising highest in the box to head home a Luke Hardy cross.

The second half saw Prestatyn reach new heights and create the better chances.

Player-manager Dave Fuller and Neil Gibson forced keeper Andrew Delve into saves before the Welsh Alliance side levelled on 70 minutes.

Substitute Cameron Roberts broke to the byline and his low cross was side-footed into an empty net by midfield marauder Gibson.

Three minutes later the WPL outfit regained the advantage, Neil Smothers‘ shot from 15 yards going in with the aid of a deflection.

The hosts dominated the last 15 minutes, Steve Bowes hitting a left foot 20-yarder agonisingly wide before he and Dave Hayes had close-range efforts blocked.

And in the 90th minute Jack Lewis rattled the crossbar with a free kick.

Prestatyn went on to win the Welsh Alliance League title as invincibles – 25 wins and five draws in 30 matches.

So began an amazing adventure which was to peak when they won the Welsh Cup seven years later.