North Wales Coast West League Premier Division Cup ties – Bridge beat Bethesda, Lewthwaite sinks Nefyn

Eryri Consulting North Wales Coast West League

Cwpan Snowdonia Fire and Security Premier Division Cup

Menai Bridge Tigers 4 Bethesda Athletic 2

Report: Robyn Cooke

Bridge advanced to the next stage of the Premier Division Cup at the expense of league leaders Bethesda.

A tense first half saw few clear chances for either side, the exception being Johnny Roberts for Menai hitting the bar with a header from a corner.

Bethesda were forced into an early change when captain Osian Hughes was injured after 20 minutes, replaced by Osian Pugh.

The scoring was opened just after the hour mark. Craig Roberts flicked a header into the path of Callum Davidson, who tucked the ball into the bottom corner to give the Anglesey hosts the lead.

Bethesda equalised in the 69th minute, Osian Pugh driving the ball through a crowd of bodies past Dion Lewis.. The goal energised the visitors, who began to attack with greater intent.

Tigers regained the lead when Craig Roberts fed in substitute Callum Graves, who rounded goalkeeper David Clarke to finish from a tight angle.

Two goals in quick succession extended Menai Bridge’s lead to 4-1; with Lewis Clayton showing his quality in both. The Tigers forward had his back to goal, flicked the ball over his head to break the defensive line and bear down on goal, before feinting to wrong-foot the goalkeeper and finish at the front post.

Just a minute later, Clayton back-heeled the ball into the path of Alex Cooper. The left-back then cut back on to his right foot and hit a cross/shot which nestled into the top corner for his first goal in Tigers colours.

Bethesda pulled a goal back with six minutes to go, via a Joe Todd penalty. The visitors, who have scored many late goals this season, pushed in search of further reward but Menai Bridge held on to take the spoils.

CPD Nefyn United 0 Glantraeth 1

Darren Lewthwaite’s 110th minute strike was enough to ensure Glantraeth advanced at the expense of Nefyn at Cae’r Delyn.

Former Menai Bridge Tigers, Gaerwen, Pentraeth, Beaumaris Town and Bodedern Athletic striker Lewthwaite produced a great finish in extra time to clinch the tie.