GAERWEN 0

DENBIGH TOWN 1

(After extra time)

MARK Roberts was spot-on as Denbigh Town battled their way through to the third round of this season's Mawddach Cup.

Denbigh went into the tie as favourites as they stood third in Division One of the Lock Stock Welsh Alliance League, with Gaerwen holding the same position in Division Two.

The game was played in extreme weather conditions, which changed from gale force winds to lashing rain and finally a torrential hailstorm.

Town had the advantage of playing with the strong wind in the first half, but they didn't capitalise on this advantage.

Jake Walker had a shot from 18 yards blocked and Denbigh’s best chance of the half fell to Mark Roberts.

A superb through ball by Jonathan Terry saw Roberts beat the offside trap and he headed for goal with only keeper Clarke to beat, but the Denbigh striker could only shoot against the keeper.

The second half saw Gaerwen have the early pressure and Denbigh keeper Joe Griffith was forced to make an excellent save from Chris Bennett.

Minutes later and Denbigh were relieved to see Andrew Wannop’s shot go over the bar from 12 yards.

As things progressed, so the challenges became more intense.

Denbigh introduced Will Ashley for Jacob Barratt and for a while, Denbigh had the better of the possession, but they could not create a clear-cut chance.

Their best effort was a Moses Barnett free kick which flew just over the Gaerwen goal from 20 yards.

At the other end, keeper Joe Griffith did well to fingertip a dangerous corner away to safety.

With full time approaching, both teams had opportunities to win the tie, but neither had that finishing touch and the game went into extra time.

Denbigh started the extra half-an-hour well and the influential Paul Fleming had a great run to set up Mark Roberts for a shot from 10 yards, but the effort went away for a goal kick.

Dan Clarke was thwarted by keeper Clarke, before the key moment arrived.

After 101 minutes, Mark Roberts was brought down in the area by Gaerwen defender Paul Bryant, who received his marching orders after picking up his second yellow card.

Jake Walker's penalty was saved by David Clarke, but Roberts fired in the winner from close range with Gaerwen defenders hot on his heels.