Football

Nefyn stunned by giant-killers

Barritt Cup Quarter-Finals

Nefyn United 1

Gwalchmai 4

NEFYN United’s involvement in the Barritt Cup was brought to a premature end as Gwynedd League visitors Gwalchmai produced a shock win over the home side at Cae’r Delyn.
Already the slayers of Welsh Alliance sides Llanrug United and Llanrwst United, Gwalchmai were worthy winners against a Nefyn outfit, who stumbled their way through one of their poorest shows of the season.
Gwalchmai will look forward to a semi-final tie against Llandudno Junction, as the cash awards in the inter-league cup become more significant.
Nefyn offered token resistance in the early stages, notably when Rhodri Scott embarked on a strong run, only to shoot directly at Gwalchmai’s captain and keeper Kenny Hughes.
A purple patch by the hosts midway in the first half also featured Scott, who agonised when a goal-bound header was scrambled off the line.
Otherwise, United were contained in their own territory and, after Gwalchmai’s Paul Tilbury had raised an effort just over the bar, Mark Griffiths opened the scoring from a corner.
The margin was doubled five minutes later by Corey Sinnott, who pounced close-in to score when Nefyn’s Neil Perkins spilled the ball.
In the second half Gwalchmai virtually monopolised the exchanges, mainly through their far superior possession play, although without penetrating the home team’s danger area.
In counter-attacks, the lively Scott again tested Gwalchmai’s keeper, who reacted with a quality save, and Llyr ap Gruffydd blazed too high.
Gwalchmai developed their authority to a 4-0 tally, with more strikes on 65 minutes, with Tilbury’s close-range header and on 78 when Gerallt Jones rushed into space to beat Perkins.
In addition, Nefyn’s Tom Macauley cleared the ball off the line to deny Sinnott and, when Gwalchmai raced out of defence, the same visiting raider fired over the home side’s target.
Nefyn’s fans were offered slight consolation on 81 minutes, when Scott pounced to gain the only reply but all round this was a disappointing effort.

Pictured above: Nefyn’s Llyr ap Gruffydd in cup action against Gwalchmai. Pic: Dewi Wyn.