GAERWEN & VALLEY BOOK SEMI FINAL PLACE

The first two semi-finalist of the KonX Wales Darcie Cup to have their names going into the hat are Valley and Gaerwen Reserves, both winning through their quarter-ties with differing degrees of difficulty.

Valley were involved in an eight goal bonanza at Trearddur Bay, scoring five against the three of the Bay. Sion Boylan set them on their way blasting home a free-kick from all of 25 yards, and top marksman Shaun Jenkins doubled their lead, but the left foot of Gwion Owen gave the hosts renewed hope when he volleyed home from outside the box after good work by Jason Jones, but Valley were determined not to let it slip after their slip-up at Cefni in the nwcfa Junior Cup, and further goals from Mathew Jones and Boylan again kept them in control, despite a long range strike by Jason Jones sandwiched in between which was very fitting as he was later acclaimed the man of the match. Valley made it five when a corner kick found the net via a `cruel deflection off a defender.

Llanfairpwll, after last week’s excellent performance at Bro Goronwy where a goal deep in injury time robbed them of a win, travelled to Gaerwen with renewed confidence. But that took a jolt when the free-scoring Dave Jones put the hosts ahead and they held the lead at half-time.
The visitors came out looking to level matters but soon found themselves two goals down with Dave Jones again doing the damage. A month ago, Llanfair would probably have capitulated but Manager Mark Jones has installed a belief in his squad and it was no surprise when Steve Hughes stuck to pull a goal back. Now it was `game on’ as the hosts struggled to retain their two goal lead –and the visitors began to take a grip on the game. Llanfair were rewarded for their determined fight back with Rhodri Williams striking the equalizer, leaving both sides looking for the winner. With the referee checking his watch and the game in injury time everyone was getting ready for extra-time, maybe even penalties………………………….but no, as he saying goes, when your lucks out… and Llanfair’ luck was most certainly out as for the second week in succession they suffered a cruel ending when Gaerwen grabbed a `last minute’ winner…..who says lightning doesn’t strike twice and ironically it was Sion Morris, who once wore the Llanfair shirt who clinched the semi-final slot for Gaerwen.