NEWFA Challenge Cup semi-final: Sullivan’s last- gasp winner clinches Holywell victory

NEWFA CHALLENGE CUP SEMI-FINAL – APRIL 17

Holywell Town 3 (Breese 51 & 80, Sullivan 90+6)
Mold Alexandra 2 (Roberts 31, Gregson 90+4)

Danny Sullivan’s dramatic winner six minutes into added time clinched Holywell a place in the NEWFA Challenge Cup Final for a second time in three seasons.

Johnny Haseldin’s side booked a date with either Airbus UK Broughton or Corwen, who meet in the other semi on April 29.

Thursday night’s all-Cymru North last four tie at Deeside Stadium was a close-fought fourth encounter of the season between Holywell and Mold, the Wellmen winning all three previous tussles.

Town’s first real chance came just before the half hour mark. Jamie Breese was brought down on the edge of the box and the resulting Ilan ap Gareth free-kick forced keeper Michael Crossley to save well low to his left. Alex cleared the ball with Breese ready to pounce.

A few minutes later, Mold took the lead. From a corner, the ball found Morgan Roberts, who drilled home through a crowd of players.

With 36 minutes on the clock, Mold should have doubled their lead. A good ball over the top put James Davies clear, but he placed his shot wide of the target.

Trailing 1-0 at the interval, the Wellmen began the second half much stronger.

After plenty of possession and playing good football, they got their reward on 51 minutes and equalised through Breese. Tom Bibby fed a great ball into the box, which Breese fired home.

The goal lifted the Wellmen and Brady McGilloway nearly added a second but was foiled by a last gasp tackle from a Mold defender.

Town piled on the pressure and Danny Andrews forced Crossley into a good stop, then Jake Roberts fired in a low cross which had to be cleared with Breese in a dangerous position. Sullivan was soon thwarted by another fine piece of work from Crossley.

In the 80th minute that man Breese struck again with his 27th goal of the campaign. A good move saw the ball picked up by Ryan Edwards, who released a great shot which the keeper could only parry onto the crossbar, and the ball fell kindly to the onrushing Breese who tapped home the rebound.

The game entered injury time and the Wellmen looked like they had done enough, but with 95 gone, Alex grabbed an equaliser through Lucas Gregson in a crowded penalty area.

Holywell to their credit didn’t drop their heads, and with the majority of the good crowd gearing up foR extra time, Sullivan had other ideas.

Sullivan’s fierce low drive from 35 yards beat everyone, giving the keeper no chance as the ball nestled into the back of the net.