NWCFA Junior Cup: 10-man Meliden rally from 2-0 down to win on penalties

NWCFA JUNIOR CHALLENGE CUP ROUND ONE

Meliden 2
Amlwch Town 2
(Meliden won 3-2 on penalties)

Meliden fought back from 2-0 down to progress in the Junior Cup via a penalty shoot-out.
Visitors Amlwch brought a large group of supporters who helped make it a lively occasion at The Mine.
The Anglesey side took a 12th minute lead when striker Tomos Williams brought down a long ball beautifully and slotted past keeper Richard Hillier Evans.
Only a tremendous save from Hillier-Evans denied Amlwch a second soon after.
The first half became feisty, a large scuffle breaking out after a bad tackle with Rio Ross of Meliden going in the book.
In the 40th minute Ross saw red for his reaction to a fierce challenge.
Just before half time, Town went two-up when Williams fired into the bottom corner.
At 2-0 down and with 10 men, The Miners faced a major uphill task in the second half.
However, the hosts came alive and nearly scored via a Cale Kemp long range effort.
Home defender Elliot Smith then brillianty cleared off the line to keep the tie alive.
In the 85th minute, Meliden grabbed a lifeline when Kieran Garnett-Hughes headed in.
Then in the 90th minute Paul Brady somehow found the net in a scramble to make it 2-2 and force spot-kicks.
Meliden’s Ray Knight missed the first penalty, Amlwch scored their next 2 with Jake Twist converting for the hosts.
Hillier-Evans then saved the following three penalties, with Brady and Gareth Walsh scoring theirs to send the 10-men through.

• This result remained listed as 1-0 to Meliden on the Cymru Football App into Sunday morning. Such things make life so difficult for those of us trying to report on local football.