NATHANIEL MG CUP SEMI FINAL: Debateable ref decisions cost Llandudno dearly

NATHANIEL MG CUP SEMI-FINALS

The New Saints 2 (D Williams 19, J Williams 27)
Llandudno 1 (Callum Stephens 48)

Fine margins…..

Lady Luck did not smile on underdogs Llandudno in their Nathaniel MG Cup semi-final at holders and Cymru Premier champions The New Saints on Saturday.

Not only did the Seasiders, top of Tier 2 Cymru North, hit the woodwork twice, including from the last kick of the match, they were also denied a blatant penalty and saw a goal controversially ruled out for offside.

Nonetheless, Tudno did North Wales football proud on a memorable day for the club in which they more than matched their full-time hosts.

Having fallen two goals behind before the half-hour, the visitors could have crumbled, but instead rallied superbly to push the hosts all the way.

Saints took a 19th minute lead when a low cross from the left via Jordan Marshall was drilled home by Daniel Williams.

Eight minutes later, sub Jack Nadin threaded a neat pass through for Jordan Williams, who sprang the offside trap, rounded keeper Shaun Pearson and found the empty net.

Adam Stephens was unlucky for Llandudno when his shot ballooned up off keeper Jack Edwards and bounced off the top of the bar.

Pearson did well to grasp a low Nadin strike and then denied Jordan Williams with his legs, while at the other end Callum Stephens volleyed inches wide.

Tudno came out all guns blazing at the start of the second half and halved the deficit within three minutes.

A great cross from the right and Callum Stephens scored with a neat header – game on!

There was controversy when Ben Maher floated a free kick into the box, Anthony Stephens brought the ball down and scored, but was adjudged offside – debateable.

Jordan Williams turned smartly for the hosts and was in on goal but fired against the outside of the post. Dan Williams then lobbed Pearson but saw the ball hit the bar.

Llandudno were unlucky not to receive a spot-kick award when Harvey Bennett chipped the ball forward, Mark Cadwallader headed on and Adam Stephens was shoved over in the box by Ben Clark. Referee Alex Livesey appeared to have the whistle in his mouth, but then changed his mind.

These bits of luck always seem to go the bigger teams’ way.

Bennett’s low effort was well saved by Edwards, then Saints’ Rory Holden was found in space in the box, but Pearson closed him down quickly.

In the dying seconds, Llandudno caused panic in the TNS box, the ball ran to Jordan Pownall and his attempt agonisingly came back off the post.

Sometimes in life we don’t get what we deserve.

The New Saints advanced to the final where they will meet Barry Town United.