Rhyl 1879 1-2 Caernarfon Town
- JD Welsh Cup Semi-Final
- Blue Turtle Arena, Colwyn Bay
- Sunday, 8 March
Caernarfon Town reached the JD Welsh Cup Final for the first time in their history with a 2-1 win over Rhyl 1879 at the Blue Turtle Arena.
It was top-flight Caernarfon who started the game stronger, with January signing Adrian Cieslewicz looking most dangerous. The Cofis’ best chance came as the former TNS man crossed for Brad Young, who headed just wide of the target. Danny Gosset also came close after good work from Darren Thomas.
However, Rhyl grew into the contest and were in the ascendancy going into the break. Morgan Murray went close on a number of occasions in the final five minutes of the first half, stinging the palms of Connor Roberts with a fierce drive before seeing an effort deflect just wide of the post.
Half-time therefore arguably came at the right time for Caernarfon and they regrouped before taking the lead six minutes into the second half. Sion Bradley delivered a corner from the left which was flicked on by Rio Owen, with in-form Young in the right place to turn the ball home from close range.
Rhyl almost responded straight away when Archie Jones’ glancing header was tipped wide by Roberts, but Caernarfon soon began pushing for a second as Young’s back heel set up Owen to blaze over the bar before substitute Zack Clarke also sent an effort too high.
The pressure eventually paid off in the 73rd minute when Richard Davies’ side doubled their lead. Josh Lock played through Young down the right and he squared for Clarke to tap home in front of the jubilant Cofi supporters.
It was a goal that would prove crucial as Rhyl halved the deficit deep into stoppage time when Ben Lightfoot unleashed a stunning strike from the edge of the box that flew past Roberts.
The Lilywhites threatened to score a dramatic late equaliser, but Caernarfon held on to seal their place in the Final against Flint Town United at Rodney Parade on Sunday 12 April.
