PICTURE by Richard Gregson.
LLANGOED’S predominantly young side continue to impress under manager Mark Thomas and Saturday was no different.
In what was the only game to be played on the island in the midst of Storm Dennis on Saturday afternoon, the home team knocked holders Bro Goronwy out of the NWCFA Junior Cup with a convincing 4-1 win.
A free-kick from Wayne Thomas just before the half hour mark put them on their way to a win. The forward struck his 20th goal of the season in all competitions (with a little help from the wind it has to be said!) as the ball found its way past Bro goalkeeper Jordan Edney who was caught out by the movement of the ball.
Things went from bad to worse just two minutes later for the visitors when the rapid Tom Zalot broke through and finished well for 2-0. Having impressed for Llanfairpwll earlier in the season, the 18-year-old returned to Tyddyn Paun in January and has been influential upon his return.
Bro restored a glimmer of hope just before half time when Jac Thomas pounced onto a mistake from Llangoed keeper Rhys Owen to make it 2-1.
In the second half, Zalot went close to adding a third when his well-hit effort rattled the post and was cleared away. However, minutes later (53rd min), Llangoed’s two-goal lead was restored through an Arwyn Morris stunner.
A poor clearance from Edney in the Bro goal led to Morris hitting the ball straight back over him from outside of the box into the top corner with what was a fantastic finish.
It was done and dusted when the talented Sam Gregson, 16, bagged a “backwards header” from a corner just four minutes later. The midfielder jumped highest to head backwards over Liam Billington who was stood on the line for Bro.
Llangoed into the quarter finals of one of North Wales’ most prestigious competitions then and looking in good stead to really challenge for the cup. They will face either Abergele or fellow Gwynedd League side Caergybi in the last eight.
Mark Thomas has worked wonders at the club since switching from playing for Anglesey League side Cefni and has instilled a real sense of hard work into the side. The mix of youth (Sam Gregson, Tom Zalot, Jay Finter, Nathaniel Evans etc) and experience (Wayne Thomas, Rhys Owen, Matty Owen etc), is working well and the belief is clear to see.
Question now is; can my local club become Champions of North Wales?!
All goals from the game can be viewed here thanks to Richard Gregson who braved the storm to get the footage!
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