Football: Llandudno Junction FC pull off Welsh Cup shock

Oct 8 2009

LLANDUDNO JUNCTION and Llandudno will fly the flag for the area in the third round of the Welsh Cup following a thrilling weekend of knockout action.

Junction sprang a major surprise when Jake Cassidy's 90th minute goal secured a 2-1 victory at Cymru Alliance leaders Llangefni Town, while Tudno needed extra time to see off Berriew 3-0 at Maesdu Park.

In the last 32, Shane Cartwright's side must travel again to face Cymru Alliance opposition in Llangollen Town and the Seasiders have a long journey to Pontardawe Town.

Saturday's second round ties also saw an heroic performance from rank outsiders Conwy United, who took Welsh Premier giants The New Saints to extra time at Y Morfa before losing 2-0, while Glan Conwy were defeated 1-0 at Llangollen, Matt Holmes netting the only goal after eight minutes.

LLANGEFNI TOWN 1 LLANDUDNO JUNCTION 2

Few outside of the visiting club would have bet on this result at Talwrn Road, but to their credit Junction were positive from the off and reaped the rewards.

Paul Cassidy was denied what looked a certain penalty before Llangefni took a 10th minute lead when keeper Liam Ewing kept out a Grahame Austin header from a corner, but Marcus Orlik snapped up the rebound.

Five minutes before the break Junction equalised when Jake Cassidy's shot was saved by Sean Pearson, but he was able to square the loose ball to Paul Cassidy who slotted home.

Ewing produced some excellent second half stops to keep Cefni at bay and in the final minute Joel Hewitt's through ball was taken on by Jake Cassidy who left defenders in his wake then coolly slotted past Pearson to win the tie.

Junction assistant manager Lee Thornton said: "Llangefni are a fantastic side and have the best facilities around; their players are excellent, but then so are ours!

"Shane and I came here and got our tactics spot on and our players executed them perfectly. Llangollen away in the next round will be a tough fixture, but we've shown North Wales football what we're capable of now and look forward to the challenge."

LLANDUDNO 3 BERRIEW 0 (AET)

This all-Cymru Alliance tussle should have been put to bed by Llandudno long before they settled it with three extra time goals.

"We carved out so many chances, but either our finishing was poor or their keeper was outstanding," said Tudno joint manager Grant Montgomery.

"As the game went on, I felt more and more like they (Berriew) might break away and do a smash and grab, and sure enough with about two minutes to go their striker hit a cracking shot, but thankfully our keeper Paul Whitfield pushed it past the post."

It was obvious Berriew were tiring, though, and in extra time Ben Dews took advantage of assists from Gwyn Peters and Toby Jones to score twice in four minutes, then Alan Roberts sealed it with a fine individual effort.

Tudno's third round opponents are Welsh League Division One basement side Pontardawe.

"It's a long journey, but it could be worse – it's a game that's winnable," added Montgomery. "They might be bottom of Welsh League Division One, but they won 3-0 against the top team (Goytre) in the Welsh Cup on Saturday, so might be in a false position."