LLANDYRNOG UNITED 5
LLANLLYFNI 1
(After extra time)
ANOTHER weekend, but it was the same outcome as far as Elfed Lloyd’s Llandyrnog were concerned.
For the second week running, the Cae Nant side needed additional time to dispose of cup opponents and yet again Llandyrnog squandered enough opportunities to have killed off the opposition inside 90 minutes.
In a nervy opening, the hosts found it difficult to get into any rhythm, giving possession away far too easily in every area of the field.
Gaz Pope was soon called on with a crucial save as the Llanllyfni striker found himself with a free run on goal, only to de denied by Pope’s great block.
Llandyrnog failed to heed the warning and found themselves a goal behind on nine minutes having given the ball away cheaply, for the visiting striker to break through the back line with ease, this time calmly slotting the ball past Pope.
The first half continued with Llandyrnog struggling to overcome the early setback and only in glimpses did they show the type of football that gave them so much of the game the previous weekend.
When the hosts did get around the back of the Llanllyfni defence, too often they squandered certain goal opportunities by lack of composure at critical times.
However, they struck back on 33 minutes as Si Brown floated in a great cross, which Liam Jones cleverly headed on over the advancing keeper to make it 1-1.
The second half started with Llandyrnog forcing the issue a bit more, but chances still went begging.
Gareth Roberts seemed the most likely to trouble the visiting defence as Llandyrnog started to pose more searching questions of the rearguard.
With chances not being taken, the tie went into extra time.
Llandyrnog soon took control and just three minutes in Roberts gave them the lead.
Llanllyfni were handed a lifeline in the form of a penalty award two minutes later when Tom Evans was adjudged to have handled, but Gaz Pope pulled off a tremendous save, diving low to his right.
From then on, Llandyrnog found their impressive form and tore the opposition apart with formidable football.
On 105 minutes, Danny Jones put the tie beyond doubt when he fired in a penalty given for a foul on the lively Roberts who got his deserved second goal five minutes from time.
The rout was complete when Danny Jones played the ball across the six-yard box for the oncoming Dan Lloyd to slot home.