Giant-killing 3: Tier 4 beat Tier 3 but Bridge cane a much-weakened Barmouth

Welsh Cup first qualifying round

Menai Bridge Tigers 9 (J Jones 5, Clayton 44 & 65, H Jones 45+1. Pritchard 52, Davidson 56, C Thomas 87 & 89, Cooper 90+1)
Barmouth and Dyffryn 2 (W Jones 10, Young 61)

This was a giant-killing from the point of view tier 4 beat tier 3, but in Barmouth’s defence they have lost numerous key players of late.

Nonetheless, an impressive effort from Menai Bridge of the North Wales Coast East Premier against newly-promoted Ardal North East opponents.

Bridge manager Aaron Rowlands was absent from the touchline due to his wedding on Friday night, but there was no hangover on the pitch as Tigers celebrated with their first ever win in the Welsh Cup against a travelling side suffering from a recent exodus of players.

A flurry of early pressure resulted in a goal after just 5 minutes. An out-swinging corner from Callum Davidson fell to Jamie Ryan Jones, who hit a firm strike into the roof of the net from 25 yards.

Barmouth equalised in the 10th minute, with Billy Jones managing to lob Dion Lewis from 45 yards out.

The deadlock remained throughout the half despite several home chances, until a well-worked team move resulted in Jordan Pritchard playing in Lewis Clayton for a simple finish from six yards in the 44th minute.

The lead was extended to 3-1 in added time. Pritchard’s poked shot looped off the onrushing Barmouth goalkeeper and Harry Morgan Jones nodded in from close range.

Pritchard got on the score sheet himself 7 minutes after the restart, turning Jamie Ryan Jones’ shot past the goalkeeper.

Davidson joined the scoring 4 minutes later, receiving a pass from Harry Morgan Jones before turning and showing a burst of pace to allow himself a shot which evaded the feet of keeper George Sutherns.

Barmouth pulled a goal back just after the hour mark, the ball falling into the path of Aaron Young for a curled left-footed strike into the top corner from 25 yards.

Tigers captain Clayton grabbed his second after 65 minutes, receiving the ball from Johnny Roberts in acres of space before unleashing a 40 yard drive which flew over Sutherns into the back of the net.

The score stayed at 6-2 until 3 goals for the home side arrived in the final 5 minutes. Substitute Callum Thomas‘ curled shot was assisted by the blustery conditions, nestling into the net over the head of Sutherns.

Menai then added another when Paul Rowlands’ pass found Thomas unmarked at the back post for an easy finish.

Alex Cooper grabbed a goal with the final kick of the game, running on to his own headed flick from Rowlands’ pass, before turning two defenders and smashing the ball into the net from 10 yards.