WELSH CUP GIANT-KILLING: Sensational Sychdyn knock out Tier 3 opponents

JD WELSH CUP QUALIFYING ROUND TWO – AUGUST 22, 2025

CPD Sychdyn United 4 (J Walker 5, 26, 90+1; Puckey 62)
Lex XI 1 (K Jones 39)

Tier 5 village side Sychdyn pulled off what must be one of the greatest wins in their history as they advanced to the Welsh Cup first round proper at the expense of third-tier Lex on Friday night.

Jordan Walker was a hat-trick hero for the North East Wales Division 2 underdogs against their illustrious Ardal North East visitors.

Unlucky to go out on penalties at Llanberis in last season’s competition, Sychdyn’s 3-0 first qualifying round victory over Tier 4 Abermule of the Central Wales Northern Division was their first Welsh Cup win since beating FC Penley 2-1 away in the 2016-17 opening stages.

They were second favourites to overcome Lex on Friday, even though the Lawmen have lost most of last season’s promotion-winning squad and are rebuilding, having faced a tough start to life in Tier 3.

However, Jordan Ashley’s side were out to make it four straight wins in all competitions this season and looked on the money from the first whistle.

It took only five minutes for star man Jordan Walker to net the opener with a brilliant finish across the keeper on his weak foot.

Shortly later Lex were given a penalty following some mistakes at the back but captain Nathan Bradbrook made a remarkable save from Ben Williams’ kick to keep it 1-0.

The second goal soon followed for Sychdyn. After some persistent play a great delivery from in-form man Ewan Whitley found Walker in behind and he laced the ball high into the net at the keeper’s near post, a super finish to make it 2-0.

Fifteen minutes later the visitors gained another penalty and the same result followed, Bradbrook saved from Kieron Jones, however the rebound was followed in and the taker this time scored.

Nonetheless, incredible by the goalkeeper – three penalty saves from three kicks this season.

Half time: Sychdyn 2 Lex 1

The second half saw the hosts settle down superbly shooting at the park end.

It was 3-1 when Linden Puckey got on the end of a brilliant free kick delivered by Pat Hird, who was immense and gave a man of the match performance himself.

Some key game management from players and staff saw Sychdyn weather a storm from Lex, who did everything they could to get back in the tie, but to no avail.

Then in the 91st minute came the coup de grace. Walker struck a thunderous volley from 25 yards out to all but seal the win and complete his hat-trick. 

CPD SYCHDYN

Nathan Bradbrook (C), Iwan Mitchell, Pat Hird, Harry Gates, Linden Puckey, Harri Mitchell, Joe Mitchell, Ewan Whitley, Jordan Walker, Harvey Hammersley, Callum Hughes. Subs used: Liam Edwards, Joe Robins, Matthew Turner.

LEX XI

Andrew Parry, Malakai Thomas, Sam Colley, Keiron Jones (c), Nicky Chesters, Joise Fernandes, Ben Williams, George Baxter, Tiler Moorcroft-Jones, Rudi Suckley, Phil Stott. Subs used: Bradley Wynne, Lucy Filby, Alex Sheriff, Rafael Nogueira.

Wimpole’s Welsh Cup fact

Six of the 14 players who entered the pitch for Sychdyn on Friday night were aged 24.