WELSH CUP MATCH OF THE DAY: Giant-killing Tier 4 stars Coedpoeth stun Guilsfield to reach last 32

FAW WELSH CUP ROUND TWO – OCTOBER 17, 2026

Coedpoeth United 3 (Taylor 16, Roberts 39, Reynolds 68)
Guilsfield 3 (O’Donnell 54 & 90+3, Cook pen 87)
(Coedpoeth won 9-8 on penalties)

What a result for Coedpoeth United!

The Tier 4 club from the Wrexham area caused a sensation by knocking out Cymru North visitors Guilsfield on penalties to reach the last 32 of the Welsh Cup.

The achievement was even more remarkable by the fact the underdogs looked to have lost their best chance of a giant-killing when they lost a 3-1 lead in the closing minutes.

With the momentum heavily in Guilsfield’s favour, Coedy faced the prospect of a heartbreaking defeat via the lottery of penalties..

Yet, the North East Wales League Division 1 side converted all nine spot kicks to edge past the Powys men 9-8.

On an afternoon where other Davids narrowly failed to overcome Goliaths, Coedpoeth beat the odds to fly the flag for Tier 4 alongside Mochdre Sports in round 3.

United took a 16th minute lead when veteran Mike Taylor found the net with a clinical finish via a Tom Williams assist.

Williams supplied the goods again in the 39th minute when Cal Roberts made it 2-0 after the home side broke from a corner at the other end..

At half time, things were going well for the side managed by Jack Pawley and Carl Partington.

Guilsfield, who struck the bar via Billy Clarke in the first half, had other chances to score but couldn’t convert them. The visitors had a lot of work to do if they were to turn things around.

Gavin Allen’s side did find their shooting boots after the break when Jake O’Donnell pulled a goal back in the 54th minute.

Guils pushed for an equaliser, Dion Kelly forced to make a great save, before Coedpoeth tore up the script again by making it 3-1 on a counter.

Williams provided his third assist of the game, setting up Rob Reynolds to score on 68 minutes.

Coedy were nearly there, 3-1 up and entering the 87th minute.

However, the travellers won a penalty which Jake Cook converted, then with seconds remaining, O’Donnell made it 3-3.

Was this too much for Coedpoeth to bear? Had they fluffed their chance of a famous victory?

Not a bit of it. Callum Wakefield, Tom Williams, Alex Whiting, Mike Taylor, Matty Bithwell, Joel Gray, Oliver Jones, Tom Lloyd and Luke Peters all converted to make it 9-8 before Jack Jones stepped up for Guilsfield and hit the bar.

Cue frantic celebrations in the home camp! One of the greatest days in Coedpoeth’s history was complete.

COEDPOETH UNITED

Dion Kelly, Cal Roberts, Joel Gray, Alex Whiting (c), Cam Lewis, Tom Lloyd, Tomos Williams, Mike Taylor, Rob Reynolds, Tom Williams, Callum Wakefield.
Subs used: Matty Bithell, Luke Peters, Oliver Jones, Not used: Billie Ellis, Sam Colley, Adam Taylor.