MATCH OF THE DAY 2: Acton victorious in NEWFA Trophy tussle

NORTH EAST WALES LEAGUE – NOVEMBER 1, 2025
NEWFA TROPHY – LEAGUE PHASE
Acton 3 (Davies 3, Giles 36, 45+2)
Holywell United 0
REPORT: SHAUN BEST

A first half blitz helped Acton to a comfortable 3-0 victory against Holywell United in the NEWFA Trophy.

Both teams were playing their second games in the league format of the inaugural competition being contested between Division 2 and 3 sides and came into this match with a point apiece.

There was an autumnal setting at Spider Park and Acton’s Liam Davies was in the wars early on following a robust tackle.

As Davies lay holding his knee in the leaves, the referee didn’t seem too interested in calling play back and effectively told the player to shake a leg and get up.

Davies did just that, running onto a through ball and coolly slotting past goalkeeper Jac Williams. Definitely one way to run off an injury!

Davies was at the heart of Acton’s attacks. He nearly turned provider when his corner was headed over by Alix Godfrey.

Acton were denied a penalty when Philip Roberts chopped down Davies. The contact looked to be inside the area, however, the referee thought otherwise and the resulting free kick came to nothing.

Acton’s Ashley Ryan put in a timely intervention to dispossess Holywell striker Gethin Skates as he was about to shoot, then the hosts added a second goal.

Michael Pugh’s long throw in evaded the Holywell defence and Samuel Giles was on hand to hook the ball in off the bar from only a few yards out.

Davies should have had his second when he ghosted into the box unmarked, but his touch went awry and the ball rolled the wrong side of the post.

The hosts effectively sealed the game right on half time. Another Michael Pugh throw in once again found Giles, who this time poked the ball in from close range.

Davies was given the second half off. Team-mate Sean Price rose highest to head over from a corner, then Giles – chasing a hat-trick – stretched to send a diving header wide of the post.

Philip Roberts thought he’d headed Holywell a lifeline and was busy conducting his shirt over the head celebration, but the referee called play back for an offside.

Niall Challoner flashed wide from a tight angle, then fired a half volley over the bar as Acton chased a fourth goal.

Holywell substitute James Story created some space down the flank, only to find home shot stopper Finlay Wilson was equal to his low drive during a rare call to action.

Both sides will have another chance to put points on the board when the Trophy resumes next weekend.

Attendance: 25

ACTON

Finley Wilson, Ashley Ryan, Sean Price, Liam Davies, Michael Pugh, Alix Godfrey, Ryan Jones, Luke Pugh, Sam Giles, Luke Hughes (c), Niall Challinor. Subs used: Ethan Callaghan, Aaron McGregor, Dale Williams, Andrew Bithell.

HOLYWELL UNITED

Jac Williams, Ryan Bradley, Rhys Powell, Matthew Mullarkey (c), Leo Finnan, Philip Roberts, Gethin Skates, Dylan Williams, Ezekiel Thomson, Jordan Bedford, Jack Edwards. Subs used: Wesley Kerry, James Story.