PWLLHELI’s hopes of winning the Welsh Alliance’s coveted Mawddach Challenge Cup for a third time were shattered with a first round knockout by Greenfield, who won 5-1 at the Recreation Ground.

Deesiders’ striker Sam Jones led the way by scoring four goals, two in each half, as the former winners crashed out.

Pwllheli, who had been among the Barritt Cup’s early winners, in 1979, and captured the trophy again in 2010, were left stunned by an early double whammy.

Sam Jones pounced to find the net after 18 and 21 minutes and the same player completed his well-taken hat-trick on 70.

A late flurry of goals followed, from Pwllheli’s Paul Lewis on 84 minutes, and then Greenfield’s Connor Hughes on 87 and Sam Jones again, with his fourth, on 89, to seal victory.

Penrhyndeudraeth, the winners in 2016, and losing finalists in 2013, were beaten 2-1 at Welsh Alliance title contenders Holyhead Hotspur by a stoppage time goal.

After a goalless first half, Penrhyn shocked the division one leaders by taking the lead on 52 minutes, through Stephen Josh Hughes, but the hosts equalised on the hour, thanks to Harri Lewis.

Penrhyn were pressed back in the closing stages of the game with keeper Rob Watson called into action several times, and the woodwork saving him twice. Then, with 90-plus-two minutes played, Rob Jones met a cross from the right to steer home Holyhead’s dramatic winner.

Barmouth and Dyffryn United’s tie at Mochdre Sports was called off because of a waterlogged pitch, as was Blaenau Ffestiniog Amateurs versus Amlwch Town, and holders Llanrwst against Amlwch.

Bodedern Athletic piled up an 8-0 tally against Pentraeth at their own Panton ground, after six goals in the first half. Adie Clarke hit four goals, on 12, 17, 38 and 42 minutes, and doubles were credited to Ryan Taylor on 2 and 32 minutes, and Dean Redmond after 52 and 58.

Denbigh Town won 6-0 against St Asaph City, with Jake Walker netting a hat-trick on 49, 54 and 80 minutes, along with goals from Paul Fleming on 40, Mark Roberts on 51 and Daniel Clarke on 56.

Llanrug United beat Nantlle Vale 5-1, with goals from Carl Griffiths on 14 minutes, Gavin Lloyd Jones on 55 and 65, and Kevin Lloyd on 71 and 84 from a penalty, with Vale’s Rob Daniels replying on 33.

Llandudno Junction defeated Llandudno Albion 3-2, Aberffraw beat Prestatyn Sports 2-1,Llanberis beat Llandyrnog 2-1, and Llannefydd also won 2-1 at Felinheli.