NWCFA JUNIOR CHALLENGE CUP: Kick from a Rose seals it – Llandyrnog rally from 3-0 down to win epic semi

NORTH WALES COAST FA JUNIOR CUP SEMI-FINAL
Llanfairpwll 3
Llandyrnog United 3
(Llandyrnog won 5-4 on pens)

Llandyrnog reached their first Junior Cup Final since 1990 with a stunning fightback which saw them wipe out a three-goal deficit and then win on penalties.

Llanfairpwll looked well on course to reach a second final in three seasons – sadly in 2023-24 they were cruelly denied a chance to play the showpiece match due to an unresolved dispute between the other semi-finalists – when they went 3-0 in front in the first half, but Dyrny turned the tables to win the day.

The second semi between CPD Aberffraw and CPD Mountain Rangers takes place this Saturday.

Llanfairpwll struck first on 17 minutes at Treborth, Bangor, on Saturday, Ryan Heywood finding the net from an Ashley Davies assist.

Jake Turnbull added a second on 26, helped by good work from Ywain McGuire-Jones, who himself notched number three after 28, Davies the assistant for a second time.

Llandyrnog were far from finished, though, Luke Appleby pulling one back on 32 minutes, Nathan Rose assisting.

And before the break Appleby became goal-maker, setting up top-scorer Alfie Harrison to reduce the arrears to 3-2 with his 21st goal of the campaign.

Ten minutes into the second half, Sion Davies levelled the tie to set up a fascinating climax.

However, there were to be no more goals, although ‘Pwll suffered a blow on 87 minutes when Lewis Allford-Williams’ red card reduced them to 10 men.

It all came down to penalties, and after the Anglesey side missed their third, Rose stepped up to slot the decisive kick which made the North Wales Coast East Division One heroes the victors 5-4 on pens.

Llandyrnog manager Sion Morris said: “I think it’s safe to say the neutrals got their money’s worth.

“Personally I hope we never have to go through a game like that again as it was a complete Jekyll and Hyde game.

“We were dreadful for half hour and fair play, Llanfairpwll wanted it.

“They deservedly went 3-0 up before we finally woke up and showed what we can do.

“To come from 3-0 down and find a way to win away from home, the lads deservedly should get credit!

“Every single one of them gave us absolutely everything and I can’t ask for more than that.“