Nathaniel MG Cup – Gresford win thriller on pens while Nomads and Bala emerge victorious

NATHANIEL MG CUP THIRD ROUND

Buckley Town 2 Gresford Athletic 2
(Gresford won 8-7 on pens)

Astonishing stuff at The Globe as Gresford goalkeeper Rhys Williams scored in a penalty shoot-out and then saved the last home kick to put his team into the last eight of the Nathaniel MG Cup.

The Cymru North rivals stood 2-2 at the end of 90 minutes before the Colliers prevailed 8-7 on pens.

Buckley took a 12th minute lead through Connor Littler and a great Williams stop denied the hosts a second before Jacob Barratt’s in-off-the-post effort in first half added time made it 1-1.

Two minutes into the second half Athletic were in front courtesy of a Luke Douglas own goal.

George Macready prevented the hosts from levelling with a superb goal-line block, but four minutes from the end Jake Roberts equalised.

A dramatic penalties contest saw both sides miss three before Gresford glovesman Williams put his away for 8-7.

Then Williams, who had already saved one, kept out Iwan Jones’ strike and Gresford were through!

Caernarfon Town 1 Bala Town 4

Chris Venables, Luke Wall (2) and Kieran Smith grabbed the goals for more than worthy winners Bala in this all-Cymru Premier tie at The Oval.

Ben Wynne replied for the Canaries, who were well below par on the night, in contrast to their excellent league form.

Connah’s Quay Nomads 1 Holywell Town 0

Mike Hayes scored the only goal of the tie as cup holders Nomads squeezed past Cymru North visitors Holywell.

The decider came on 59 minutes at Deeside Stadium for Neil Gibson’s men when Hayes netted from a tight angle.

Hayes later headed against the bar, but underdogs Holywell created plenty of chances in the game, Tom Bibby with their closest efforts.