Gresford Athletic defeated Llanidloes Town 3-2 in late fashion to confirm their place in the next round of the Nathaniel MG Cup.
Sam Molyneux netted two minutes from time to earn Eddie Maurice-Jones his first victory back in charge of The Colliers.
Llanidloes had taken the lead through Ashley Owen but Joe Chaplin responded in the 30th minute. Gresford then went ahead through Matt Worrall however Drew Reynolds equalised for the Daffs.
Proceedings began with a strong start from the hosts who caused problems for Gresford early on and took the lead after ten minutes of play. Elliot Jones was bundled on the edge of the box to be awarded a freekick which Owen Jones stepped up to take and his strike deflecting off the Gresford wall to deceive Williams and trickle into the net.
Not disheartened by going behind, Gresford tried to hit back immediately when Daniel Holland struck from range but his effort limped wide of the upright.
Llanidloes were dominating play in the opening stages as they looked to attack down the wing through George Clarke but it was Gresford who came closest to scoring next when Luke Evans in the Llani net almost allowed Joe Chaplin’s shot to fly through his hands but the strikers went inches wide of the post.
The visitors were growing into the game, forcing successive corners but failing to capitalise on their opportunities until just before the half-hour mark as an excellent delivery from the byeline by Simon Smith was tucked in at the back post by Chaplin to bring the match level.
Smith managed to shake off his marker minutes later to put another superb ball into the box to meet Matthew Worrall who was brought down but the referee waved play on regardless of Athletic’s protests.
Down the other end, Craig Harris almost forced a mistake out of Robbie Williams but saw his chance go begging prior to a Llani freekick from 40 yards out being caught offside when the ball was swung in.
Athletic were finishing the half well with Smith picking out Holland once more but his powerful drive flew high and wide just before the interval.
Much like the first half, Llanidloes started better as Clarke’s powerful opportunity was brilliantly stopped by Williams who palmed it away only four minutes into the second period.
A freekick on the halfway line allowed Smith to link up with Worrall who from a narrow-angle fired over the crossbar for the visitors.
Gresford went ahead towards the hour mark when Nathan Williams’ delivery found Chaplin who then saw Worrall free on the edge of the six-yard box to flick the ball towards Evans who mishandled it and the ball falling into the back of the net.
The game opened up with Gresford looking to further their lead and Llanidloes looking to level with much of the play in the middle third of the pitch.
Play levelled with fifteen minutes remaining as a long throw by the corner flag arrived onto the head of an unmarked Drew Reynolds who flicked his header into the far corner to make it 2-2.
A period of pressure came from the visitors as they finished the Cup tie strongly. Blocks in the box and wasteful corner kicks saw fresh legs introduced in the form of Sam Molyneux and Alex Buxton.
Substitute Molyneux made an immediate impact and became the hero of the day in the final minute as he latched onto the end of Aaron Hassall’s brilliant delivery and slotted in at near post to book Gresford’s spot in the second round of this years Nathaniel MG Cup.
Llanidloes Town: Luke Evans, Ryan Biggs, Edward Clarke (C), Dewi Allen, Drew Reynolds, Adam Worton, Ashley Owen, Thomas Goodwin, Elliot Jones, Lance Jones, George Clarke.
Goals: Ashley Owen 10, Drew Reynolds 77,
Yellow Cards:
Gresford Athletic: Robbie Williams, Simon Smith, Nathan Williams, Adam Hesp, Jack Jones, Joshua Griffiths, Joseph Sullivan, David MacIntyre, Joe Chaplin, Matthew Worrall, Daniel Holland.
Goals: Joe Chaplin 30, Matthew Worrall 60, Sam Molyneux 88’
(Photo by Hannah Gwenllian)
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