Hat-trick star Luke Baum guides Talysarn Celts into NWCFA Junior Cup semi-final

Goal on the way for Llannerchymedd (green). Picture: JOHN ELFRYN OWEN

NWCFA JUNIOR CUP QUARTER-FINAL REPORT – FEBRUARY 26, 2022

CPD Llannerchymedd 2 (G Thomas 26, D Thomas 58)

Talysarn Celts 3 (Baum 11, 57, 89)

Hat-trick hero Luke Baum struck an 89th minute winner to clinch Talysarn a NWCFA Junior Cup semi-final at Llanystumdwy.

In a tie being played at the third time of asking, Baum’s treble took him up to 31 goals for the season.

Llannerchymedd went into this match without regular keeper Kenny Hughes due to work commitments, so up stepped Mr Dependable, defender Dylan Owen, to wear the gloves for the afternoon.

In very blustery conditions, Baum slotted home the opener for Celts on 11 minutes.

The teams were level after 26 minutes. David Jones brought down James Burgess and Steffan Bulkeley’s free kick was toed home by Gwion Thomas from the edge of the six-yard box past the rooted Daniel Tindall.

Celts regained the lead 12 minutes into the second half. Keeper Tindall’s wind-assisted hoof fell nicely into the path of Baum, who coolly slotted past Owen.

Great action between Talysarn and Llannerchymedd (green). Picture: JOHN ELFRYN OWEN

Llan were back on terms within a minute. This time Geth Davies’ free kick out left, floated past Celts captain Gerwyn Williams into the stride of Medd’s Dan Thomas.

His shot was blocked by Tindall, the ensuing scramble between both players seeing Dan Thomas finding the net.

With both teams now pressing hard for the win, tiredness started to show in the players. Some sloppy defending by Medd a minute from time saw Baum pounce again with the crucial goal to seal the win.

Llan’s assistant-manager Iwan Williams commented: “Hats off to both sets of players.

“The energy-zapping wind played a big part in today’s match, but well done to the Celts, they looked hungrier than us for the win and we wish them well in the semi final against Llanystumdwy.”