NEWFA Challenge Cup semi-final: Holywell hit Llay for six

NEWFA CHALLENGE CUP SEMI-FINAL

Holywell Town 6 (Forbes 25 pen & 54, Murray 29, Andrews 63, Buckley 90, Cooke 90+1)
Llay Welfare 2 (Roberts 4, Wright 90)

After an heroic Cymru North campaign which saw them finish runners-up to Colwyn Bay, Holywell kept their silverware hopes for this season on the boil as they advanced to the NEWFA Challenge Cup final on Wednesday night.

Johnny Haseldin’s side overcame the challenge of tier 3 Llay Welfare 6-2 at Alyn Park, Mold, to set up a meeting with either Gresford Athletic or holders Ruthin Town in the showpiece game.

There was an early fright for the Wellmen as underdogs Llay took a fourth-minute lead through Owen Roberts.

Town responded by creating a number of chances. Morgan Murray fed Danny Andrews, who controlled then fired in a shot, but Kyle Flower pulled off a great save.

The pressure eventually paid off on 25 minutes when Ryan Dacey handled the ball in the area and the referee had no hesitation in pointing to the spot. Up stepped Dave Forbes to fire in the equaliser.

Wellmen supporters had only just finished celebrating when Town edged in front. Great play by Jake Cooke down the left saw him cross the ball into the box and Murray was there to head home.

Murray hit the post before Forbes lofted a second penalty over the bar. Half time came and it was 2-1 to the Cymru North hosts.

Nine minutes into the second half, it became 3-1. Forbes made amends for his earlier penalty miss as he picked up the ball on the edge of the area and slotted it past the advancing goalkeeper for his 36th goal of the season.

Murray clipped the crossbar before in the 63rd minute Andrews’ deft chip over the keeper saw the ball nestle in the net for 4-1.

Llay substitute Matthew Wright pulled one back in the closing minutes, but any thoughts of a comeback were halted a minute later as Cooke saw his header beat Flower to make it 5-2.

Ollie Buckley soon added another as the Wellmen hit six for the second match in succession.

Ruthin Town and Gresford Athletic meet in the other semi at Brymbo SSC next Wednesday, April 26.