Druids shock Prestatyn on Alliance day of pride
Saturday 28 January 2012
Aberystwyth v Llandudno HUWS Gray Alliance Cefn Druids produced the only upset of the Welsh Cup's fourth round, winning 2-0 away at Welsh Premier Prestatyn Town.
But three other clubs did the Alliance proud by taking their top flight opponents into extra-time, with Llandudno and Rhyl only going down in penalty shoot-outs.
Defender Adam Hesp gave Druids the lead at Bastion Gardens and a Joe Price goal in stoppage time sealed a miserable afternoon for Neil Gibson's men.
Rhyl were gallant 5-4 losers in a penalty lottery after Llanelli keeper Craig Richards saved Shaun Dowling's weakly-struck spot kick at Belle Vue and Craig Williams hit the winning penalty for Andy Legg's men.
But, after being reduced to 10-men after only eight minutes, the Lilywhites gave the Reds an almighty scare. Neil Coverley was sent-off before Tom Rowlands netted at the far post for the hosts from a Mike Pritchard cross.
Rhys Griffiths equalised from the spot after Stefan Halewood had felled Kris Thomas and Stuart Jones had the visitors in front from a Chris Venables pass, but Greg Strong's men refused to lie down and Ryan Williams took the game into extra-time.
Venables volleyed Llanelli back in front early in the extra period after Griffiths had nodded down a Williams cross but, when Jones fouled Pritchard, a Williams penalty ensured the penalty drama.
Llandudno led at Aberystwyth thanks to a Lee Jones goal after 27 minutes and had chances to seal a victory before 16-year-old sub Alex Samuels netted his first for the home side to take the tie into extra-time and a 5-3 penalty shoot-out win.
Buckley Town hit back from two goals down to also take Bala Town to an added 30 minutes.
A Lee Hunt penalty and a Chris Mason goal had the Lakesiders sitting pretty at Globe Way, but the Bucks hit back through Anthony Williams and a Mike Burke spot kick. Hunt then completed a hat-trick in extra-time to spare manager Colin Caton's blushes.
Photo: Llandudno's Lee Jones celebrates his goal at Aberystwyth [Alexander Mills].