MATCH OF THE DAY 2: JD Welsh Cup round 1 – Llanfair United v Kinmel Bay

JD WELSH CUP ROUND ONE

Llanfair United 1 (Warren 32)
Kinmel Bay 2 (C Jones 5, Morris 13)
Attendance: 72

Calling all the heroes, they’re shooting up the town boys! 🎶🎵🎵🎶

They’ve done it again!

Giant-killers Kinmel Bay of Tier 4 have knocked a third-tier club out of a national competition for a third time already this season.

Leon Field, Alex Craig and Andy Thomas’ side made the long trip to Powys to take on Ardal North East outfit Llanfair United and returned home heroic 2-1 winners.

That made it seven straight wins in all competitions this term for the Grassroots North Wales Club of the Month for July and August 2025.

After a week’s rest, Bay arrived in good form and ready to test themselves against higher-level opposition.

The contest was played in torrential rain at Mount Field from start to finish, but the conditions didn’t dampen the football on display in what proved to be a thrilling, end-to-end encounter.

Bay started on the front foot, moving the ball well and putting pressure on the hosts’ back line. Their bright opening was rewarded after just five minutes when Josh Parry delivered a superb corner and Charlie Jones rose highest to power home a bullet header.

The momentum continued, with Kinmel Bay pressing hard and denying Llanfair any time or space. Their efforts paid off again on 13 minutes when James Hay split the defence with an outstanding through ball to Connor Morris. Morris beat his man with a clever touch before rifling a low strike into the bottom corner to make it 2–0.

Llanfair gradually grew into the game and began to find joy in midfield. On 32 minutes they pulled one back, Nyasha Mwamuka swinging in a corner which found Zac Warren unmarked at the back post to nod in. The hosts pushed for more, but Bay’s defence remained resolute, and the visitors went into the break 2–1 ahead.

The second half began with Llanfair on the front foot, pressing hard for an equaliser, but once again Kinmel Bay stood firm under sustained pressure.

Fresh legs were introduced just after the hour mark, with Ben Crawley and Anthony Jones replacing Liam Jones and Josh Parry.

Ryan Roberts was forced off through injury and was replaced by Josh Williams 72nd minute, before further changes saw Tate Walker and Jacob Jones introduced for Mason Richards and Morris on 79 minutes. Both substitutes made an impact, going close to extending the lead.

The final minutes were tense, with Llanfair pushing hard. Goalkeeper James Roberts produced several vital saves, the standout being a brave one-on-one stop at the edge of his box in the dying moments.

At the final whistle, Kinmel Bay emerged 2–1 winners in extremely difficult conditions, booking their place in Round 2 of the JD Welsh Cup for the second successive season.

Man of the Match: Mackenzie Slaven (pictured above)

Kinmel Bay would like to thank Llanfair United for a fantastic game and wish them the best of luck for the rest of the season.

TEAMS

Llanfair United
Sion Williams, Rob Andrew, Owain James, Jack Jones (c), Zac Warren, Tomas Jones, Ryan McVeagh, Josh Astley, Karl Seliaerts, Harvey Morris, Nyasha Mwamuka.
Subs used: Toby Roberts, Gethin Stephens, Paul Griffiths
Kinmel Bay
James Roberts, Charlie Jones (c), Josh Parry, Liam Jones, Mason Richards, MacKenzie Slaven, James Hay, Ryan Roberts, Connor Morris, Sean Sheridan, Matthew Rees.
Subs used: Ben Cawley, Josh Williams, Tate Walker, Jacob Jones, Anthony Jones.
ATTENDANCE: 72