Welsh Cup: Huge upset as Tier 5 Gaerwen beat third-tier opponents away for second round running

WELSH CUP QUALIFYING ROUND TWO

Rhos Aelwyd 0

CPD Gaerwen 2 (C Thomas 4 & 13)

Unbelievable!

History repeated itself as for the second time in this season’s Welsh Cup, tier 5 underdogs Gaerwen travelled to third-tier opponents and won.

It was an amazing effort from the Ynys Môn side, lying fifth in North Wales Coast West Division One, to beat cup veterans Rhos Aelwyd, 13th in Ardal North East.

The Auctioneers had already caused a major upset in the previous round by eliminating Ardal North East outfit Llanfair United on penalties after a 3-3 draw.

And it was an even better achievement to win inside the 90 minutes against Wrexham team Rhos, past winners of the FAW Trophy and finalists as recently as 2018.

Gaerwen are now into the first round proper of Wales’ premier national knockout for just the third time in the club’s history – and need fear no-one.

The management team of Vinny Walker, Alwyn Thomas, Gavin Thomas, John Paul Jones and Anthony Hughes can feel extremely proud of their players this evening.

While the whole squad played their part in today’s famous win at Ponciau Park, perhaps star billing went to 17-year-old two-goal hero Calum Thomas, grandson of Llangefni Town, Llanfairpwll and Glantraeth legend Ali Jones, one of Anglesey’s finest-ever defenders.

Calum made it seven goals in his last four games for the Auctioneers with this afternoon’s magnificent double.

It took just four minutes before teenager Thomas was put through by an Allison-like pass from keeper Tom Hughes to slot the ball under onrushing custodian Daniel Roberts.

It was double delight for Thomas and Gaerwen on 13 when Gwion Parry produced some immense work on the right flank, rounding the full back and squaring for the No 99 to roll in his second of the game.  

Rhos Aelwyd were finding a bit of joy with some long balls, but the Auctioneers back-line were limiting the home side to little but half chances. On 33 minutes, Gaerwen’s Keiran Williams smashed a 35 yard shot which went just over the bar.  

Aelwyd came out strongly for the second half, but again the more likely team to score was the young islanders, but although going close with efforts which included Jay Finter clipping the bar from 25 yards and Thomas nearly getting a second hat-trick on the bounce, only for a great save by Roberts, the rearguard of Ioan Sandison and captain Huw Evans, alongside Mabon Williams and Aaron Evans and Dylan Jones held strong

The midfield of Keiran Williams, Brooklyn Jones and Callum Hughes were non stop for the 99 minutes of the tie and the scenes at the final whistle were joyous.

Gaerwen’s management said: “For us to reach the first round proper for only the 3rd time in the club’s history is a massively proud achievement for everyone involved and also thanks to the travelling fans and Thomas & Sons Roofing Contractors Ltd (Gavin Thomas) for a donation towards the bus.”

GAERWEN SQUAD

Tomos Hughes
Dylan Jones
Mabon Williams
Huw Evans
Ioan Sandison
Callum Hughes
Keiran Williams
Brooklyn Jones
Jay Finter
Gwion Parry
Calum Thomas
Jason Owen
William Edwards
Robert Boyes
Luke Waller
Aaron Evans