Welsh Cup: Llandyrnog find top form in a classic Cae Nant victory

LLANDYRNOG UNITED 4 (Hafal, Jones, Sharples, Williams)

LLANSANNAN 1 (Gierke)

Welsh Cup fever gripped Cae Nant as a massive crowd turned out for this all-tier 4 North Wales Coast East Premier Division tie.

Llansannan only added to the occasion by bringing a huge, faithful following to the Vale of Clwyd.

The feeling beforehand was this could be a tense affair, that could go either way, so the taking of scoring chances was paramount.

Dyrny burst into an early lead. Craig Jones played a phenomenal ball to Ian Williams on the flank, who flashed a cross across goal and Garmon Hafal found the net.

The hosts were now buzzing, and smelled blood. Almost immediately after the first goal, they found a second, Ian Williams again the provider and Craig Jones the man to tuck the ball away. Jimmy McNally’s side were flying.

The visitors responded brilliantly, showing desire and willingness, and they hit back with a great goal from ex-Rhyl and Denbigh Town striker Leon Gierke, who chipped the ball into the top corner.

Llandyrnog now knew they were In a contest.

A free kick on the halfway from Sean James found Hafal, who brilliantly delivered across goal for the dominant Tom Sharples to put away, taking Dyrny in 3-1 at the break.

Chances aplenty for both sides at the start of the second half, but Dyrny managed to keep shape well and swallow up any pressure from the visitors.

Llansannan went down to 10 men for dissent, and the hosts capitalised on the space, substitute Paul Williams delightfully lobbing the keeper to wrap up the tie and claim the game for the dominant hosts.

Winning manager McNally said: “I’m extremely pleased with how we went about our business today. We worked hard all over the park and I feel thoroughly deserved our win.

“Llansannan were always going to come and give us a game, and we had to be switched on. It’s a victory that’s been coming for us, and finally it’s here.

“Hopefully our injury problems are behind us and we can build on this result. I’d like to thank Llansannan for bringing such a a great crowd down to Cae Nant to befit the occasion, and wish my old club well going forward.”

Llandyrnog were boosted before the game by the signing of former captain Les Brophy from Ruthin Town.