NWCFA Intermediate Challenge Cup – Trearddur Bay and Llandudno Junction reach semis

NWCFA INTERMEDIATE CHALLENGE CUP QUARTER-FINALS

Trearddur Bay 2 NFA 0

Two teams with 100 percent records in their respective leagues clashed in the last eight of the Intermediate Cup – and it was the Anglesey hosts who came out on top.

Trearddur Bay joined Llandudno Junction, Penrhyndeudraeth and Gwalchmai in the last four of the North Wales coast knockout competition for Tier 4 clubs.

NFA were originally drawn out of the hat as the home side for this quarter-final, but the fixture was reversed after heavy rain had caused the Rhyl team’s pitch to remain unplayable.

Bay were looking to bounce back after a disappointing loss to Cefn Albion in the FAW Amateur Trophy the previous weekend.

Much of the first half at Lon Isallt on Saturday was back and forth with both defences limiting any clear cut chances.

The visitors attempted to play themselves out from the back but were pressed heavily by the home side and with a little more composure Bay could have found themselves ahead at the break.

After not much goal action in the first half, it did not take long following the restart for that to change.

Some good work by midfielder Myles Jones forced a corner. He then swung in a delightful ball which was met by the high rising Jay Gibbs, who headed emphatically into the top corner to give the Bay the lead.

The islanders, expecting a reaction, kept possession really well and moved the ball around.

Their calmness on the ball is what led to the second of the game. Some neat passing from the back and through the midfielders saw Matty Reynolds slide in fellow strike partner Asa Thomas, who unleashed a left-footed wonder strike that cannoned in off the underside of the bar to make it 2-0.

Again the hosts managed the game well as NFA piled the pressure on with a series of quick breaks in an attempt to claw back a goal.

The visitors appealed for a penalty after Liam Bowers went down at the back post but the referee adjudged there was not enough contact to warrant a spot-kick.

This incensed the away side, and in the aftermath a red card was issued to Bowers.

A tough task was made even tougher when poor discipline led to the second NFA red of the day – this time to skipper Tom Kemp.

Even with nine men NFA never gave up and they thought they had a goal back four minutes from time against the run of play, but it was ruled out for offside.

Glantraeth 1 Llandudno Junction 2

Jack Nettleton’s 84th minute goal sent Junction through to the last four at the expense of Anglesey hosts Glantraeth.

The Railwaymen led 1-0 at half time courtesy of a 31st minute strike from Tomos Rhys-Williams.

Winners of this cup in 2010-11, Glantraeth equalised in the 52nd minute when Iwan Sawicz found the net, Will Hughes with the assist.

The game hung in the balance until Nettleton settled it six minutes from time.

PREVIOUS QUARTER-FINAL RESULTS

Menai Bridge Tigers 0 Gwalchmai 2
Penrhyndeudraeth 2 Mochdre Sports 1