LLANUWCHLLYN and Dolgellau Athletic booked their places in the next round of the FAW Welsh Cup on Saturday after both came through difficult ties.

Llanuwchllyn progressed in dramatic fashion at Penllyn, overcoming CPD Llanberis 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in normal time.

With several regular players rested, the hosts made the brighter start, although clear-cut chances were at a premium. The breakthrough arrived after 35 minutes when Gwydion Roberts cut in from the wing onto his left foot and fired a precise effort beyond the goalkeeper to give Llanuwchllyn a deserved lead.

James Davies had an opportunity to double the advantage before half-time but was unable to find the target. Aside from that, both sides were largely restricted to long-range efforts as the game remained a tight and scrappy affair.

The second half offered little improvement in quality. Llanuwchllyn struggled to find their usual rhythm and, despite dominating possession for long periods, found it difficult to create meaningful opportunities. Danny Holland came closest to extending the lead, only to be denied by an excellent save from visiting goalkeeper Jac Taylor.

That miss proved costly. With just minutes remaining, Llanberis capitalised on a lapse in concentration and levelled through Huw Owen, whose header sent the tie straight to penalties.

Young goalkeeper Efan Parry emerged as Llanuwchllyn's hero, producing a series of fine saves in the shoot-out before Warren Duckett converted the decisive spot-kick.

Despite progressing, it was far from a vintage display by the hosts, whose overall performance fell below the standards they have shown in recent weeks.

Dolgellau Athletic were involved in one of the ties of the round as they edged a thrilling 4-3 victory at Gaerwen.

The hosts struck first through a Keiran Williams set-piece, but Dolgellau responded immediately. Gerwyn Williams delivered a dangerous cross into the area and Tomos Jones met it first time, his effort finding the far corner.

The visitors then took the lead from a set piece of their own when Jake Jones picked out Dion James, who finished confidently.

Gaerwen levelled on the stroke of half-time through a Jay Finter penalty, leaving the tie finely balanced.

Playing with the wind after the break, Dolgellau regained the lead when Ioan Roberts launched a deep free-kick into the box. The delivery evaded everyone, including the goalkeeper, and flew straight into the net.

The game then took another twist when Jake Jones and Keiran Williams were both shown red cards following an off-the-ball confrontation.

Dolgellau extended their advantage when Gethin Evans unleashed a superb strike after being set up by Aaron Young's intelligent first-time lay-off. Although Gaerwen pulled a goal through Callum Hughes back to ensure a tense finale, Dolgellau held firm.

Elsewhere, Pwllheli were knocked out after losing on penalties at Mochdre Sports. The hosts raced into a two-goal lead through Adam Hold and Niall Owen inside the opening 13 minutes.

Deio Williams reduced the deficit just before half-time and 17-year-old substitute Osian Thomas struck an important equaliser to force a shoot-out, but Pwllheli were unable to complete the comeback.

Nantlle Vale also bowed out despite leading 1-0 at half-time through Ashley Owen. The visitors eventually ran out 6-3 winners, with Alex Williams, Isaac Dawson, Thomas Edwards, Ben Buley, Benjamin Dawson and Zad Davies on target. Aled Williams and Dylan Williams added Vale's other goals in an entertaining contest.