Caernarfon dispatched of lower league opposition for the second round in a row in the Welsh Cup with a 3-0 win at home against JD Cymru North side Prestatyn.
Goals from Ryan Williams, Mike Hayes, and Gruff John saw the Cofis comfortably through to the fourth round.
Caernarfon suffered a blow just before kick-off as Steve Evans pulled up in the warm-up and had to be replaced in the starting lineup by Ryan Williams.
As the saying goes ‘every cloud has a silver lining’. This was proved to be the case as just seven minutes in, Ryan Williams was on hand to head Caernarfon into the lead with a great header from a Rob Hughes corner.
Prestatyn tried to get back into the game however were wasteful in front of goal. Mason Blackwell-Jones’ pace was proving to be a problem for Bobby Beaumont. Prestatyn should have had equalized just before the half-hour however Kai Wallis was denied by a brilliant save from Jakub Orzynski.
The home side had chances to make it two, however, Josh Bailey fired wide from a tight angle and Mike Hayes fired wide with only the keeper to beat. It was 1-0 at the break and both sides would’ve felt that the scoreline could’ve been different.
Caernarfon made a half change with Josh Bailey being replaced by Cai Jones. The Home side started the second period brightly and 10 minutes in were awarded a penalty after Aaron Simpson was judged to be fouled by Jacob Wise.
On a second look, it might have been a harsh decision as it looked like the centre-back won the ball. However a penalty it was to be.
Mike Hayes made no mistake from 12 yards out as he smashed the ball past Coates and made it 2-0 to the home side. Caernarfon had chances to make it three however couldn’t quite bury the game.
Rob Hughes did everything he could to get on the score sheet, a mesmerizing run from the midfielder from his own half saw three Prestatyn players on the floor but he cut on to his weaker right foot and was unable to finish what would’ve been a memorable goal.
Prestatyn had their chances but Jamie Reed and substitute Ashley Ruane were unable to capitalize. 10 Minutes from the final whistle, the game was sewn up for the Cofis as Hughes again swung the ball in and Gruff John was on hand to head home to make it 3-0.
Moments later, Prestatyn had a glimmer as they were awarded a penalty of their own after a foul on Charlie Mann. That glimmer went as soon as it arrived as Jamie Reed’s strike was blasted over and that compounded a miserable night for the JD Cymru North side.
Caernarfon had their chances to make it four, Gwion Dafydd had the best of those but the youngster was denied by a fine save from Coates.
A 3-0 victory for Caernarfon who progress to the next round of the Welsh Cup with a comfortable home victory. Prestatyn were left to rue missed chances while Huw Griffiths will be happy with how his side bounced back from a disappointing midweek defeat.
Next up for Caernarfon is a trip to The SDM Glass Stadium to face Penybont while Prestatyn travel to Ruthin in a midweek fixture in the JD Cymru North.
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