Sion Tudor was the proudest football manager in North Wales after his Tier 3 Llanuwchllyn side knocked Cymru Premier outfit Newtown out of the Welsh Cup on penalties at an emotional Cae Llan.
It was the biggest win in the history of the Bala-area club, which competes in the Ardal North West League.
For Newtown, it was the latest shock Welsh Cup defeat for a club which has regularly been giant-killing victims in recent seasons.
Although a Welsh Premier club since the league was founded in 1992-93, the Robins have exited the national knockout against the likes of lower level Holyhead Hotspur, Bridgend Town, Holywell Town, the former Rhyl FC (twice) and Carmarthen Town in the past 15 years.
Llanuwchllyn became the latest ‘David’ to stay ‘Goliath’ on a weekend which also saw Tier 3 Holyhead Hotspur knock out CPL opposition in Caernarfon Town.
Winning manager Tudor said: “It’s the club’s biggest win. I couldn’t be prouder of them all, a fantastic performance all round.”
Newtown, who finished the game with nine men, had an early chance from a header which flew just wide.
Llanuwchllyn carved out many opportunities in the first half but could not find the back of the net.
The visitors suffered a major setback in the 23rd minute when goalkeeper Alex Swindell was red-carded for handling outside the area. Samuel Ussher replaced him between the sticks, coming on for Hanoch Boakye.
Ussher made some very good saves, including one from an Ilan Hughes’ free kick which was tipped over the bar in the first half. He also did well to stop Steffan Dolben’s shot when he was through on goal.
A second Robins player saw red on 77 minutes, Callum Roberts receiving his marching orders.
Newtown could have stolen it in the 90th minute when a cross came to Josh Lock, who from the edge of the box just missed the target.
No score at full time, so penalties were needed.
It was 3-2 to Llan when Rob Dascalu saved from George Hughes. At 4-3, Gwydion Ifan stepped up with a chance to win it for the underdogs and he succeeded – cue jubilant scenes involving players and fans alike.
Llanuwchllyn: Rob Dascalu, Sam Evans (Gwydion Ifan 84), Steffan Dolben, Garmon Hafal, Joe Vaughan, Ilan Hughes, Tomos Roberts, Meilir Williams, Tomos Evans (Dan Dascalu 59), Will Owen (Gwydion Roberts 70), Ceri James. Unused subs: John Evans, Jack Evans.
Newtown: Alex Swindell, Callum Roberts, Shane Sutton, Jason Oswell (Tarran Hollinshead 81), Josh Lock, Aaron Williams, Hanoch Boakye (Sam Ussher 24), Jolyon Harries, George Hughes, Ryan Pryce, Ben Guest (Robert Evans 46). Unused subs: Calvin Smith, Iwan Smout.
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