Stunning upset as Nefyn knock Rhyl 1879 out of the FAW Amateur Trophy at Cae’r Delyn

FAW AMATEUR TROPHY ROUND THREE – OCTOBER 29, 2022

NEFYN UNITED 4 (R Williams 31, Piper 45+1, J Jones 76, E Evans OG 83)
CPD Y RHYL 1879 2 (Atkins 24, J Taylor 77)

One of the finest wins in Nefyn’s 90-year history earned them a home tie against Swansea-area side South Gower in the last 32 of the FAW Trophy.

The Penwaig, who reached the Trophy semi-finals back in 2008/09, celebrated a stunning victory over the mighty Rhyl 1879 last weekend to reach round four. Nefyn are now targeting another big run, starting with the West Wales Premier League leaders next month.

Taking on tier 3 Ardal North West side CPD Y Rhyl 1879 last Saturday, United were facing very strong opponents who despite having a number of key players out through suspension and injuries still sent a good squad to Cae’r Delyn.

1879 manager Gareth Thomas was forced into making five changes with key players unavailable, Luke Wilmot, Warren Adam, Elliot Evans, Leon Atkins and Tom Cain all entering the starting line-up.

Opponents Nefyn of the tier 4 North Wales Coast West Premier came into the game on the back of six straight wins.

The visitors would get the majority of the ball in the opening exchanges, both Atkins and Adam down the right causing problems, but it would be the home side that would work the scoreboard first after 21 minutes, against the run of play.

Tomi Evans threaded a wonderful ball straight through the defence to find Rhys Williams, who was clean in on goal, and he shot low to Wilmot’s left to score.

It only took three minutes for 1879 to respond, Adam and Atkins linking up again on the right. Atkins was found in space on the edge of the box, carried the ball forward and lashed home.

Late into first half injury time a free kick led to Josh Piper putting the ball over the line following a scramble in the box, making it 2-1 Nefyn at the break.

Both teams seemed to cancel each other out in the second half as the conditions continued to worsen, the driving wind and rain making any ball that was off the ground sit in the air.

It was not until the 76th minute that United would go 3-1 up with a great finish from 18 year old Jack Jones, following a long ball from Guto Roberts.

Seconds after the restart 1879 would reduce the deficit back to a single goal, Jonny Taylor with a wonderful headed effort from an inviting Casey Faulkner cross.

Following Taylor’s goal United scorer Jones would be given his marching orders by referee Gareth Parry, a straight red for what appeared to be a verbal altercation between the two.

With eight minutes to go United secured their place in the next round, when a mix-up between keeper and defender led to Elliott Evans putting the ball into his own net.

Nefyn had a vital winning cushion and were jubilant at the final whistle.