COLWYN BAY will play Porthmadog in the northern regional final of the Welsh Blood Service League Cup after two late goals sealed a 4-1 semi-final victory over Guilsfield.
Porthmadog beat Chirk AAA on penalties (after a 1-1 draw) in the other semi-final.
The Seagulls dominated much of the first half of their game and led 2-0 at half-time.
Kristian Platt bundled in the opening goal on 20 minutes after his initial header, from a Tom McCready free kick, was saved on the line by the keeper.
Twelve minutes later Alex Downes scored his 13th goal of the campaign with a great strike into the top corner of the net from the edge of the area after great work by Lewis Sirrell.
Only the finger tips of Guils keeper Williams prevented a Downes cross setting up a tap in for Craig Lindfield.
In the second half Dylan Allshorn hit the post following some great build-up from the Bay, but Guilsfield got themselves back in the game at 2-1 with a close range header by Steve Blenkinsop on 53 minutes and put the home side under some pressure.
Bay had big chances to put the tie to bed, but Kristian Platt hit the bar from a penalty and Cai Owen blazed over the bar from Dylan Allshorn’s pass.
Guilsfield, however, couldn’t force an equaliser and Colwyn Bay sealed victory late on when Sam Downey curled a shot into the bottom corner of the net on 87 minutes to make it 3-1 and Tom McCready made it 4-1 from the spot in added time when Bay were awarded a second penalty.
Guilsfield had both manager Nathan Leonard and defender Jolyon James Harries red carded.
“I thought we were dominant in the first half, went 2-0 up and were well worth the lead,” manager Steve Evans said.
“We gave them something to cling onto second half, which is disappointing from our point of view.
“They put us under a bit of pressure second half but I thought we rode it well and then we’ve seen the game out. We deserve to be in the final.”
See manager Steve Evans’ post-match interview on Manager Interview – CPD BAE COLWYN vs GUILSFIELD – 18th March 2023 – YouTube
COLWYN BAY: Jack Crichton, Cai Owen, Lewis Sirrell, Tom McCready (c), Matty Hill, Dylan Allshorn (Stefan Edwards 70), Craig Lindfield (Tom Creamer 81), Guto Williams, Sam Hart, Kristian Platt, Alex Downes (Sam Downey 64). Subs not used: Cameron Darling (G), Sion Davies (G), Will McKinley, Joel Giblin.
Attendance: 511
The southern regional final will be between Barry Town and Briton Ferry .
Venues, dates and kick-off times for the regional finals – and the overall Welsh Blood Service League Cup final – will be confirmed in due course.
