WHAT a start to the new campaign it has been for Llay Welfare!
The Cymru North new boys opened up with a terrific 3-1 triumph at home to Denbigh Town in the first round of the Welsh League Cup.
It was Denbigh who took the lead after 20 minutes as Dan Parry-Jones launched a lofted ball over to Owen Davies, who brought it down and squeezed the ball into the bottom corner.
Llay’s response was first rate, though, with Matthew Worrall heading in a leveller just before half-time.
David MacIntyre went close when the second half got underway and Llay had the lead when Ruben Lima made the most of a Denbigh defensive lapse.
Then, soon after, Welfare had their third courtesy of Worrall’s second goal of the evening.
Llay boss Phil Hudson told Cymru Sport: “It was a fantastic win.
“To be fair, I thought the first 20, 25 minutes, we couldn’t get to grips with their shape and once we pulled the lads in and had a chat with them and we told them how to deal with the shape, I think from that point onwards we were fully worth our win.
“I think we could have scored a few more goals as well. We created plenty of chances and every man to a tee was superb there today.
“They put a shift in for the badge and worthy winners.”
Gresford Athletic impressively progressed in the competition with a 3-0 triumph at Flint Mountain.
Following a first half of few opportunities, Gresford got their noses in front seven minutes after the restart.
Paul Johnson fired home from close range after Haci Ozlu knocked the ball back into the box.
Mountain keeper Reece Thompson tipped Dominic Deacon’s effort over the bar as Gresford sought to stretch their lead, while the hosts were reduced to 10 men following the dismissal of captain Ryan Kershaw.
Alex Smith set up Deacon for Athletic’s second goal midway through the second half and Gresford added their third in stoppage time.
Deacon finished off a great team move by sliding the ball into the net from Charlie Mann’s fine assist.
Buckley Town booked a second round meeting with Connah’s Quay Nomads after easing to a 5-1 success at home to Prestatyn Town.
The bulk of the damage was done in the first half, with Asa Hamilton’s side 4-1 to the good at the midway point.
Max Moore and Rhys Edwards had the home side in control in the opening 11 minutes, before Oliver Buckley managed to pull one back.
However, the impressive Moore added two more to complete his hat-trick for Buckley prior to the interval.
Connor Littler fired into the top corner with Buckley’s fifth goal 20 minutes from time.
Other results: Taffs Well 1 Merthyr Town 3; Cwmbran Celtic 2 Trethomas Bluebirds 3; Caerau Ely 2 Trefelin BGC 1; Penrhiwceiber Rangers 1 Goytre United 4; Carmarthen Town 2 Cambrian United 1; Llantwit Major 2 Newport City 0; Baglan Dragons 1 Swansea City 1 (Baglan won 5-4 on penalties).
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