FAW Trophy round five: Llannefydd see off tough test to make last 16

Llannefydd (red) on the attack against Risca. Picture: MEDWYN DAVIES – many thanks indeed

FAW AMATEUR TROPHY ROUND FIVE – DECEMBER 16, 2023

CPD LLANNEFYDD 2 (Morgan Jones 81, E Jones 90+2)

RISCA UNITED 1 (Morris 90+3)

All the goals came late on in a hard-fought tie at Cae Llannefydd.

Hosts Llannefydd progressed to the last 16 of the FAW Trophy with a determined performance against the much-fancied Risca United.

The side from South Wales are currently sitting in 2nd place in Ardal South East and were unbeaten in their last 10 games.

They had narrowly missed out on promotion to Tier 2 last year after defeat in the Ardal South promotion play off and made the four-hour journey as favourites for the tie.

Llannefydd started well, playing into a strong wind, and moved the ball quickly. Chances were few and far between and it was the visitors who came closest.

Risca’s Connor Hanford hit a great free kick that was destined for the top corner but Llan stopper Dylan Jones was equal to it as he made a stunning save to tip it over the bar.

Llannefydd (red) on the ball. Picture: MEDWYN DAVIES

Jones had to be at his best again shortly after when Hanford once more brought out the best of the Llannefydd keeper. It was goalless at half time.

Llannefydd changed their shape at half time and introduced Llion Morris and with 3 up top, started to cause Risca problems.

Morgan Jones did well to find space, cut inside, but his shot was straight at the keeper. And Tom Jones went close with a header.

The deadlock was broken in the 81st minute when Mathew Jones got himself on the end of a cross, only to see his header come back off the post but Morgan Jones was there to knock in the rebound and score his 13th goal of the season.

Goalmouth action from Cae Llannefydd. Picture: DAVID COLLINS – many thanks indeed

Llannefydd continued to pile on the pressure and were unfortunate not to be awarded a penalty when Llion Morris appeared to be taken down in the box.

The tie then appeared to be safe when Ed Jones found the top corner from a free kick in the 91st minute.

However, Risca had other ideas and when Jake Morris got himself on the end of a long ball to pull one back in the 93rd minute, the momentum changed.

The South Walians piled on the pressure in search of an equaliser, but Llannefydd held firm and the final whistle saw them into the hat for Round 6 (last 16).