Conwy United 2 Glan Conwy 1.
TOBY JONES booked Conwy United’s ticket to the Welsh Trophy Final after his last gasp freekick secured a 2-1 win over local rivals Glan Conwy.
Fans from both sides of the Conwy river turned out in force at Llandudno Town’s Maesdu Road ground for this eagerly anticipated semi-final, with both teams contributing to a frantic opener.
Chris Beardsmore’s shot over the bar and a scuffed Mark Orme header from a corner represented the best of both side’s early endeavours, and it was Conwy who broke the deadlock on the half hour mark.
A right wing run and cross from Jones was met by the head of Connor Tierney, who’s sweet volley left Glan Conwy keeper Aaron Peel with no chance.
Shaun Shannon went within a whisker of levelling matters, but his explosive free-kick skimmed the bar to round off an entertaining first half.
In the second half, Glan Conwy piled on the pressure, and both side’s dangermen came within inches of scoring, as Glan’s Paul Cassidy and Toby Jones went close.
With just ten minutes left on the clock, Glan must have thought that their efforts had paid off when Ashley Smith pounced to equalise after his initial effort was saved by United keeper Daniel Stanton.
Nathan Smith went close to snatching a win for Glan, but when Paul Cassidy was felled on the edge of the box two minuets from time, the stage was set for Jones to win the tie.
The Conwy marksman curled his effort into the top corner, sending the Musselmen through to a final showdown with fellow Welsh Alliance outfit Holywell Town.
Despite reaching a cup final that continues an outstanding season for the Tangerines, Conwy United manager Paul Moroney said he was remaining focussed on his team’s title charge.
“We have now to knuckle down to the league and win our games in hand over Holyhead."
"The tension that was about meant we played well only in patches but I was delighted with our determination.