MATCH OF THE DAY: Llanrwst United reach Dragon Signs FAW Amateur Trophy semi-finals

Llanrwst United’s two-goal hero Julian Williams

DRAGON SIGNS FAW AMATEUR TROPHY QUARTER-FINAL – MARCH 1, 2025

Llanrwst United 3 (S Thomas 27, J Williams 36 & 45+1)
Goytre 1 (Green 89)

A dynamic first half performance set up a victory for Llanrwst which booked them an FAW Amateur Trophy semi-final against tier 6 outsiders Penygraig United later this month.

The Roosters’ win kept alive the possibility of an all-North Wales final against fellow tier 3 Ardal North West side Trearddur Bay, who will meet Port Talbot in the other last four clash.

Both semis will take place at neutral grounds to be confirmed on the weekend of March 21-22.

To reach the penultimate stage, Llanrwst needed to get past Goytre, currently sixth in T3 Ardal South West. The Gwent side had not lost since November, when they exited the Welsh Cup 7-1 at Airbus.

Llanrwst, eighth in Ardal North West, have twice been beaten finalists in the Trophy, the last time in 1998.

The Conwy Valley side needed to make a good start and did just that, their positive approach putting the visitors under pressure from the first whistle.

Callum Parry, Conor Davies and Julian Williams caused no end of problems and created opportunities.

The hosts deservedly took the lead on 27 minutes when Leon Doran delivered the ball for Sam Thomas to break the offside trap and finish well.

Llanrwst doubled their lead after 36 minutes through a Julian Williams header, Cai Evans assisting.

Williams added a third before the break – his 19th goal in all competitions this season and sixth in four Trophy ties.

The visitors had their first meaningful chance right on half time, hitting the foot of the post with a header from a corner.

With one foot in the semi-final, the hosts managed the second half well but in fairness the visitors kept going and created a couple of half chances.

They eventually took one when Lewis Green netted in the 89th minute, but it was a case of too little, too late.

The Roosters had opportunities to stretch their lead late on through Davies and Parry, but neither could convert.

A great day all round, and Llanrwst manager Leighton Griffiths said he could not be any more proud of his team, also wishing Goytre all the best for the rest of the season.

LLANRWST UNITED

Cian Williams
Cai Evans
William Owen-Ford
Gruffudd Evans
Chris Beardmore
Math Thomas
Leon Doran (c)
Sam Thomas
Julian Williams
Conor Davies
Callum Parry
SUBS USED
Cian Hughes
Math Hughes
Matthew Mullender

ATTENDANCE: 186