Giant-killers Llandudno Amateurs upset script again in FAW Trophy

DRAGON SIGNS FAW AMATEUR TROPHY ROUND TWO

Llandudno Amateurs 4 (Hansom 33, Hince 39, J Jones 47, 83)
Dolgellau AA 3 (Thomas 1, Morris 58, Gruffydd 60)

Heroic Tier 4 underdogs Llandudno Amateurs celebrated successive wins over third-tier opposition to advance to the last 32 of the FAW Amateur Trophy.

The North Wales Coast East Premier Division side will now face either Llanuwchllyn or Llanrwst United at home in the third round on the weekend of October 31-November 2.

Wednesday’s tie at Go Goodwin’s Stadium was a thriller of many twists and turns but it was Joe Jones’ 83rd minute cracker which settled the issue.

Yet things could hardly have started worse for the Amateurs when Ardal North East outfit Dolgellau grabbed a first-minute lead, Wil Gruffydd setting up Dan Thomas to score.

Gradually, the hosts settled and on 33 minutes were level, David Hansom netting from a Jack Kearney assist.

Then in the 39th minute it was 2-1, defender Euan Hince applying the finish with Danny Hughes the supplier.

Half time arrived with the Tier 4 side ahead but still with lots of work to do in the next 45 minutes.

Early in the second half, Amateurs fans were in dreamland. New signing Will Davidson created the chance for Joe Jones to make it 3-1.

However, Dolgellau are one of the stronger Tier 3 teams and they battled brilliantly to be back on terms by the hour.

Osian Morris reduced the deficit, then two minutes later Gruffydd made it three-apiece.

Both sides now chased the win and to their full credit the Amateurs fought their way back to lead with seven minutes left.

Billy Bibby was involved before Joe Jones made it 4-3 with a sublime chip from 25 yards – a goal worthy of winning any cup tie.

Dolgellau tried to rally, but the Amateurs held on for a famous victory.

TEAMS

Llandudno Amateurs

Kyle King, Euan Hince, Kyle Johnson (c), Danny Hughes, Joe Jones, Azz Rogers. David Hansom, Scott Kearney, Lee Savings, Jack Kearney, Morgan Thomas. Subs used: Anthony Tidswell, Will Davidson, Jamie Grimshaw, Billy Bibby, Mike Williams

Dolgellau

Tyler Andrews, Dion James, Guto Pugh, Joey Jones, Robert Evans, Dan Thomas, Dennis Bates, Gerwyn Williams (c), Osian Morris, Wil Gruffydd, Paul Lewis. Subs used: Nathan Morris, Gethin Evans, Ben Fisher, Rob John Kimberley, Jake Jones.