A HAT-TRICK from Mike Latham dumped Penrhyncoch out of the Huws Gray Cymru Alliance Cup as Gresford Athletic produced a clinical display to progress 3-0 in their quarter-final at Aberystwyth’s Park Avenue.

Despite losing home advantage after two postponements, the Latics were up for it, and they took their chances to set up a semi-final trip to Llandudno Junction.

The Roosters, having suffered their first defeat in five outings, now turn their thoughts to their chief aim of securing Cymru Alliance survival in Saturday’s trip to take on Holywell Town.

“The scoreline may have flattered them, but the better team won on the day,” said Penrhyn boss Gari Lewis.

“It was tough, with six players out, but they played a good game and showed what a good side they are.

“We had one great opportunity when we were 1-0 down, but we missed Steff Davies against their two big lads at the back, and I thought they defended well.

“It’s disappointing to go out, but that’s the way it goes. We now need to regroup and hopefully we’ve got four of five back against Holywell, which is going to be a massive test for us.

“We’ve got five games left, and we’ve got to try and get as many points as we can, and maybe climb a couple of places in the league table.”

Penrhyn had made a positive start against Gresford, with Rob Murfet having an early shot punched over the bar by keeper Joey Jones.

Antonio Corbisiero then headed wide from Jonathan Evans’ cross, but the visitors were ahead on 16 minutes when Latham’s free kick found its way into the net through a crowd of players.

Buoyed by the goal, Tom Freeman forced keeper Thomas into a couple of saves, while Max Peate planted a header just past the post.

The Roosters threatened with Jonathan Evans whipping a free kick just wide, while an Owain James header was kept out by keeper Jones right on half time.

Early in the second half, Evans saw a powerful drive thwarted by a superb point blank save from Jones as the Roosters chased a leveller.

Having defended resolutely in the opening 15 minutes of the second half, the Latics struck a crucial second goal as Latham bagged his brace, courtesy of a deflection.

Penrhyn battled to get back into the tie, but any hopes finally ended in the closing moments when Latham completed his hat-trick.

PENRHYNCOCH: A Thomas, J Foligno, S James, M Mousley, E Evans (N Warren 82 minutes), O James (captain), C Jones, R Murfet, N Blake, A Corbisiero, J Evans. Substitutes not used: W Mills, G Lewis, G Allen.

GRSESFORD ATH: J Jones, B Burrows, J Jones, M Peate (captain), A Davies. T Freeman, J Chalinor, C Daley, T Williams, J Eyre, M Latham. Subs, all used: M Cole, M Thompson, J Collo, W Roberts, T Williams.