Match of the Day: Surprise at Belle Vue as tier 4 Lex knock Rhyl 1879 out of FAW Trophy

FAW AMATEUR TROPHY LAST 64

CPD Y Rhyl 1879 1 (A Jones 70)
Lex XI 2 (Massey 14, Griffiths 48)

Dave Jones reports from Belle Vue

In a week where they rejoiced after securing ownership of Belle Vue, the mood fell flat for Rhyl 1879 when they were dumped out of the FAW Amateur Trophy by tier 4 underdogs Lex XI.

Ricky Evans’ North East Wales League Premier Division hopefuls produced a fine mix of stubborn defending and effective counter-attacking to produce one of the shocks of the last 64.

All tier 3 Ardal North West side Rhyl could reflect on at the final whistle is what might have been. Too much inaccurate passing and not enough efforts on target.

MATCH HIGHLIGHTS

14 MIN – GOAL: Lex build on strong start by taking a 14th minute lead. Tom Huxley floated a brilliant ball into the path of HARRY MASSEY, whose deflected effort loops over backpedalling keeper Adam Reid into the next. RHYL 0 LEX 1.

24 min: Rhyl striker Jonny Bravo makes a menace of himself in the box, winning possession and trying to round keeper Joey Jones, who does well to claw the ball into his grasp.

29 min: Yellow card for veteran Lex defender Steve Evans after a clash with Calum Proctor which leaves the 1879 right-back writhing on the floor.

32 min: So nearly 2-0 to Lex. Adam Griffiths heads over from point blank range at the back post from a Huxley corner.

33 min: Huge shouts for handball in the box against Lex, but referee Colin Dukes waves play on.

39 min: Tom Kemp releases Bravo with a fine ball, but the striker’s first time shot is beaten away by Jones.

45 min: James Jones back-pass almost lets in Finley Dyer, but keeper Reid saves the day.

HALF-TIME: Rhyl 0-1 Lex

Lex substitute Jonny Taylor is red-carded following an incident as the players were leaving the field.

48 MIN – GOAL: The Law double lead when Massey crosses low from the right and ADAM GRIFFITHS lashes home from eight yards. RHYL 0 LEX 2

53 min: Big opportunity for 3-0 when Massey races into the box, but Reid denies him.

69 min: Huxley corner to the back stick from the right sees the ball strike the post and the Lilywhites desperately clear.

70 MIN – GOAL: Lifeline for Rhyl. ALEX JONES heads in a cross from the right. RHYL 1 LEX 2

75 min: All Rhyl now as Lex defend for their lives. Alex Jones balloons over from a great position.

80 min: Lex are still a danger on the break. Sub Cameron Thomas bursts into the box, but from an angle whips his effort just wide

86 min: Almost a wonder goal from Rhyl’s James Stevens as he zig-zags his way into the area, but his left foot strike rolls just wide.

90+5: Late pressure from Rhyl comes to nothing. Final whistle blows and Lex players celebrate a famous victory wildly.

FULL-TIME: Rhyl 1-2 Lex