LLANSANNAN 2

LLANFAIRFECHAN TOWN 0

IT was a case of third time lucky for Llansannan over the weekend.

Following back-to-back cup losses over previous weeks, it finally went right for Llan.

The resurgent villagers booked their place in the final of the Normac Precision Engineering Premier Cup by overcoming a strong Llanfairfechan Town side 2-0 in a tense semi final encounter at the Llan Siro.

The tie was in some doubt prior to kick-off as a morning downpour threatened yet another postponement, but the Llansannan groundstaff were on hand to ensure the pitch was in adequate condition for the match to go ahead.

The home side went into the contest in poor form after two cup defeats in the last two games.

This means that the Premier Cup is their last chance of knockout success this season.

The pace in which the hosts started the tie suggested they were going to give their all to ensure they weren’t going to exit another competition.

Ifan Jones and Gruff Roberts gave the visiting defenders a torrid time initially and Llansannan could have been 3-0 up in the first quarter-of-an-hour.

However, the ball just wouldn’t fall kindly for Gwion Evans, who was unlucky not to put the home side ahead on more than one occasion.

The home Llan continued to put pressure on their opponents and Town were struggling to cope with the pace and power of the energetic forwards.

It was no surprise when Llansannan took the lead in the 42nd minute.

Ifan Jones made a darting run down the right wing and put the ball into the danger area.

After the visitors failed to clear their lines, Jones picked up the loose ball and slotted it into the bottom corner to the delight of the Llan Siro faithful.

The home side went in 1-0 up at the break and the half-time message from manager Gari Evans was more of the same.

The second half began with Llanfairfechan having a decent amount of possession, but they failed to test home keeper Luke Jones.

Llansannan's defence was in control, with Gerallt Lyall and Dafydd Williams winning everything in the air.

Town kept knocking on the door and the wet conditions meant it was becoming difficult for both sides to retain possession.

Llanfairfechan started to commit more men forward in their search of that all-important equaliser and they felt aggrieved when they had a big penalty shout turned down in the 88th minute.

Robin Jones put in a strong challenge, with the referee feeling he got enough on the ball and he waved away the Town appeals.

The hosts then took advantage of the visiting defenders pushing forward.

Elis Vaughan’s persistence resulted in him charging down the goalkeeper’s clearance and the ball ricocheted into the net to the delight of the home crowd.

The final whistle heralded joyous scenes as Llansannan made it to the final of the Premier Cup.

They will be expecting a large following to make the short trip down to Denbigh Town's Central Park for the final on April 26.

Llansannan's man of the match was Liam Jones.

Match sponsors: Gareth Jones (Cae Goronwy) and Pro Active driving school.