PWLLHELI’s belated start to the new campaign continued with a Welsh Cup first qualifying round triumph over Llannefydd on penalties.

The two sides were inseparable at 3-3 with 90 minutes played, and after extra-time, but Pwllheli kept their nerve to win 5-3 on spot kicks.

Goalkeeper Gethin Roberts made a brilliant save to fend away a penalty from Ed Jones during extra-time, and followed this up by executing two more stops in the penalty shoot-out.

Ben Ogilvey’s hosts must have feared the worst when Llannefydd produced an early goal from Tomos Jones, and doubled the lead through the same player in the first half, before Carl Jones netted a timely reply near the break.

Pwllheli then drew level, again thanks to Carl Jones converting from the spot on the hour, and defender Martin Smith then used his head from a corner to open up a 3-2 lead on 72 minutes.

Llannefydd, however, netted an equaliser through 16-year-old Nico Llwyd four minutes into added time to force the extra half-hour, in which the teams continued to be deadlocked.

Jamie Underwood, Lukacs Baltovic, Dafydd Gwyn Jones, Tom Mahoney and Jake Jones all converted their penalties, while keeper Roberts made those two vital stops to secure victory.

Nantlle Vale, the Welsh Alliance’s early leaders, extended their winning ways by beating Gaerwen 2-0, with a goal in each half, from Aaron David Thomas on 37 and Jason Banks on 51.

Prestatyn Sports produced late goals to overcome Pentraeth 2-0, and the match winner was Dave Collins, with a penalty on 75 minutes and another netted effort in open play right on 90.

Holyhead Town came from behind to beat Gwynedd League leaders Menai Bridge Tigers 3-2, with goals by Asa Thomas on 10 minutes, Sam Roberts on 76 and Anthony Parry on 85.

Previously unbeaten Bridge replied via Kevin Roberts on 48 minutes and Shaun Lock on 55.

Aberffraw’s Richard Roberts scored on 10 and 17 minutes to win 2-1 at Bodedern Athletic, whose James Burgess replied on 49, while Llandudno Amateurs won 6-0 at Amlwch Town.

Dave Edwards scored twice as Dolgellau marched into the next round with a 5-2 win over Churchstoke. Jon Sutton, Aron Burrough, Kieran Jones also netted, after goals from Kieran Mulloch and Lee Grady had fired the Stoke into a 2-0 lead.

Machynlleth meanwhile avenged their 4-0 midweek defeat against Montgomery a with a 3-2 away win. Drew Page impressed with a brace, and Sion Jones scored a penalty, whilst Tom Evans netted both replies.