CEFN DRUIDS 3

CORWEN 0

CORWEN'S fine run in the NEWFA Challenge Cup has drawn to a close.

The club's first NEWFA Cup semi-final since 2008 saw them face Cefn Druids of the Welsh Premier League, which is two leagues above Corwen’s current status.

The neutral venue chosen for this game was Maes Tegid, the home of Bala Town FC.

Druids created an early opportunity to break the deadlock.

A good cross was played to Jordan Evans, who shot at goal from just side the penalty area and his effort struck the frame of the goal.

Five minutes later Alun Morris got his head on to the end of a corner, but he could only force a good save out of Corwen keeper Dylan Jones.

At the other end, a low shot from a Corwen player was on target, however keeper Niki Lee Bulmer was able to pull off a save.

Cefn Druids then had two chances to open the scoring in quick succession midway through the half.

James Davies and Matthew Owen both sent their efforts over the crossbar.

Corwen’s next chance came when Sam Henry saw his shot being blocked and go out to Eilir Edwards, whose rasper of an effort was saved by Bulmer.

The deadlock was finally broken in the 33rd minute and it was Cefn Druids who were celebrating.

Jordan Evans' effort was saved well by Dylan Jones, but the goalkeeper was helpless as the rebound fell to captain Jack Kenny, who fired the ball into the net.

Corwen almost had an instant response from the kick-off.

The Wrexham Area League leaders ran at the Cefn defence and Kyle Jones unleashed a pinpoint cross.

This was met by a diving header from Joe Williams eight yards from goal, however the ball smashed against the post.

On the brink of half-time, a free kick from Scott Evans caused a scramble in the Cefn box.

Eventually, the ball fell at the feet of Joe Williams, but his powerful shot was saved.

Cefn Druids threatened when the second half got underway.

Just after the restart, the ball was played to substitute Arek Piskorski.

He took a quick shot from a tight angle, which forced a good save out of Dylan Jones.

Corwen were left with a mountain to climb when Druids doubled their lead in the 51st minute.

The ball found its way to Jack Kenny, who slotted home for his second goal of the evening.

The Corwen players were claiming that Kenny was offside, but the referee and his assistant were not in agreement, and they awarded the goal.

Five minutes later and Dean Rittenberg got through on goal, but under pressure from Kyle Jones, his shot was saved by the feet of the impressive Dylan Jones.

Corwen looked to respond and just after the hour-mark, Joe Williams took on Alun Morris, who took the striker wide of the target.

Williams crossed to Ryan Billington, who controlled it with his chest and saw the ball go through to Fisnik Hajdari, who was able to make a clearance.

A backpass to keeper Niki Lee Bulmer caused some anxious moments in the Druids' defence.

His touch was poor and the ball went out to Sam Henry, who crossed it to Scott Evans.

However, he hesitated with his shot, which enabled the defenders to recover and prevent a shot.

Corwen were looking to set up a grandstand finish and they did go close to pulling a goal back.

Sam Henry found substitute Iorwerth Jones, who curled an effort at goal.

His effort had Bulmer beaten, but it went just wide of the post.

Cefn Druids had the opportunity for checkmate with six minutes left to play when they were awarded a penalty.

Matthew Owen made no mistake from the spot and he blasted the ball into the back of the net to make the scoreline 3-0.

Not prepared to throw in the towel, Corwen went close to finding a consolation goal late on.

Scott Evans' floated free kick into the box was met by the head of Harry Pooler, who sent the ball narrowly wide of the post.

The final whistle confirmed Cefn Druids place in the final, where they will meet Gresford Athletic.

Despite the defeat, Danny Jellicoe’s side can take a lot of pride from a good performance against top flight opposition.