Gresford Athletic 1 - 5 Holywell Town

FAW Trophy Round 5
Gresford Athletic 1-5 Holywell Town

On a cold and windy Saturday afternoon, Town put in a heart warming performance to progress into the Quarter Finals of the FAW Trophy after thumping Gresford Athletic by 5 goals to 1 at their Clappers Lane ground.

The first chance of the afternoon fell to the Wellmen as Tony Roebuck’s free kick was lofted into the penalty area and Matty Harvey rose well to get a head to the ball but it flew over the bar. The next attack of the game went the host’s way as Owen Roberts’ shot was easily saved by Mike Platt. Town then broke clear and a great run by Phil Lloyd saw him beat his marker and cross the ball in towards the oncoming Paul Williams but he was unable to get the important touch on the ball.

Gresford’s Lee Phelan then put in a dangerous cross towards the Wellmen’s goal and Mike Platt dealt well with the cross. A few minutes later, Town’s John Leonard was brought down by Jack Mountford, and from the resulting free kick taken by Roebuck, Phil Lloyd’s header was saved well by John Hill Dunt in the Gresford goal. A few minutes later, Town had taken the lead through Tony Roebuck. Tom McElmeel ran through the Gresford defence before crossing into the box and at the far post was Roebuck to strike the ball home, much to the delight of the Wellmen’s supporters.

Just after the half hour mark, Phil Lloyd, who was causing problems for the Gresford defenders saw his shot strike the cross bar but Lloyd soon got himself on the scoresheet, as he doubled Town’s lead on 42 minutes. Lloyd was put through on goal by McElmeel, and his initial shot was saved by Hill -Dunt but the keeper had no chance with the rebound and Lloyd fired the ball home. Lloyd was again put through on the stroke of half time and was brought down by Hill-Dunt, who was fortunate to be on the pitch for that challenge. McElmeel stepped up to take the spot kick and fired the ball home to give Town a 3 goal advantage at the break.

The players came out for the second half and Gresford knew they needed an early goal to possibly get anything out of the game. That goal came on 47 minutes as Sam Richardson broke clear and slotted the ball passed the onrushing Mike Platt to give the hosts a glimmer of hope. The goal spurred Gresford on and Mountford watched as his free kick was saved by Platt. Town’s first chance of the half fell on 51 minutes. A high ball up field for Lloyd to chase and the ball bounced into the path of Lloyd who rode the challenge of the defender before shooting goalwards but his effort was well saved by Hill – Dunt. Gresford then built up a move from the centre of the pitch and the final ball let them down as Platt was able to gather and clear the ball to safety. Just under the hour mark, Town increased their lead. Roebuck, who was having a great game, kicked the ball upfield for Lloyd to chase and as Lloyd controlled the ball, he was able to round the advancing keeper and slotted the ball into the empty net, to the delight of the Wellmen Supporters who had gathered behind the goal.

Tom McElmeel was then brought down by Kevin Hope, who received a yellow card for the challenge, and Tony Roebuck stepped up to take the free kick. He noticed Hill-Dunt off this line and attempted a cheeky shot towards the goal, and seemed to be going in until Hill-Dunt was able to back track and tip the ball over the bar for a corner. Roebuck was involved in the next attack as his powerful shot was saved well by Hill-Dunt. Lloyd broke clear a few minutes later and as he attempted to round the keeper, Hill –Dunt got down well and saved the ball at Lloyd’s feet. Gresford’s Mike Latham then had a shot go inches wide before Sam Richardson’s cross come shot nearly beat Platt but he saved well.

McElmeel was then replaced by Graham Boylan and shortly afterwards, Lloyd was replaced by Dan Sim and both players received a rapturous applause by the Town’s Supporters for their performance during the game. Boylan was then involved in Town’s 5th goal, as he set the ball up to Dan Sim, and with his first touch since coming on the pitch, he passed the ball out to Graeme Williams who controlled the ball well, before turning and shooting and the ball flew into the bottom corner with Hill-Dunt well beaten.

The referee then brought the game to an end and Town were worthy winners and in fairness, could have won by a bigger margin if it wasn’t for Hill-Dunt in the Gresford goal. Town’s unbeaten record continues into February and next up for the Wellmen is the visit of Aberystwyth Town for next Saturday’s Welsh Cup tie.