Tier 4 braves exit to top flight opposition in NEWFA Challenge Cup semi-finals

North East Wales League involvement in this season’s NEWFA Challenge Cup is over after both underdogs went out on their shields in the semi-finals tonight.

Tier 4 hopefuls FC Queen’s Park and Penyffordd Lions truly gave Cymru Premier League bound opponents Holywell Town and Airbus UK Broughton tough tests.

With 22 straight wins in all competitions behind them dating back to early October, the Park were finally beaten – but only on penalties by Holywell Town.

Tom Freeman gave the visitors a 26th minute lead, only for Craig Lindfield to equalise early in the second half.

It went to pens and the Wellmen scraped through 4-2.

Cup holders Airbus set up a repeat of last year’s final against Holywell with a 3-1 verdict over North East Wales League Division 1 battlers Penyffordd Lions.

Joseph Palmer and Daniel Collins put the Wingmakers 2-0 ahead before Alister Randles pulled one back prior to half time.

Jake Roberts’ 25th goal of the season after 62 minutes sealed it for Mark Allen’s men, who lifted the WBS League Cup for a second consecutive season on Saturday.

RESULTS – INCLUDING NORTH EAST WALES LEAGUE

NEWFA Senior Challenge Cup Semi-Finals

Airbus UK Broughton 3 (Joseph Palmer 23, Daniel Collins 25, Jake Roberts 62)
Penyffordd Lions 1 (Alister Randles 32)

Holywell Town 1 (Craig Lindfield 47)
FC Queen’s Park 1 (Tom Freeman 26)
Holywell Town won 4-2 on penalties

NEWFA Reserve Division One

Llay Welfare Reserves 1 (William Roberts 21)
Penycae Reserves 5 (Lewis Clamp 38, 44, 49, Dylan Power 72, Callum Dutton 83) Lewis Clamp missed penalty 56