CPD Y RHYL 1879 are into the next round of the FAW Amateur Trophy after a thrilling 3-2 Round 5 win against Flint Mountain FC.

At a blustery Belle Vue, it didn’t take long for the home side to break the deadlock as Macauley Taylor broke clear and found an unmarked Adam Hold, who made no mistake to put them ahead in the first minute.

Both sides defended well for the remainder of the first half, with Mountain started to show some of what was to come with yellow cards for poorly timed challenges.

The visitors came out after the break with a fresh impetus and started to dominate, causing problems for the Lilywhites’ backline.

Lloyd Ellams eventually levelled the score, with the equaliser giving them more confidence and soon after, the lead, Tom Ruffer capitalising on a loose ball to slot home on the hour mark.

However, the visitors then imploded in spectacular fashion, with the first of their four red cards for defender Rowan Brooks, who received a second yellow card for abusing the referee.

With just under 10 minutes to go, Ieuan Hewitt also saw red, taking the visitors down to nine players with seven minutes plus stoppage time to play.

Further chaos ensued, and following an incident in the penalty area, referee Michael Gray pointed to the spot, giving the Lilywhites the opportunity to level the score.

The visiting bench, furious at the decision, appeared to request their team to leave the field of play in protest of the awarding of the penalty.

Following a lengthy delay, Alex Jones stepped up to coolly slot the ball past goalkeeper John Danby.

In the 90th minute, Rhyl’s James Cairns found himself in space on the wing, and found forward Oli Buckley, who bundled the ball over the line as the Belle Vue erupted

Flint’s Joe Holt was next to receive his marching orders, who ended the game with just eight players.

After the final whistle, Dom McHugh was also given a red card as Mountain players and coaches approached the referee to question the decisions.

The Lilywhites will advance to the next round of the cup, with manager Gareth Thomas praising his side’s discipline.

He said: “Really pleased with the togetherness of the squad, I thought first half we were excellent.

“Really pleased with the discipline of the lads in what was not an easy scenario to play in.”

Rhyl next play Llanrwst in a league fixture at the Belle Vue on December 30 at 2pm.

CPD Y Rhyl 1879

Joseph Griffith (GK); Chris Bennett; Casey Faulkner; Miles Todd; Reece Fairhurst (C); James Jones; Sam Ashton; Alex Jones; Macauley Taylor; Oliver Buckley; Adam Hold  

Subs:

James Cairns; Sion Williams; Daniel Sim; Luke Griffin; Meirion Pughe

Flint Mountain

John Danby (GK); Dom McHugh; Ieuan Hewitt (C); Rowan Brooks; Mike Hayes; Calyn Spencer; Joe Holt; Aaron Simpson; Chris Li; Lloyd Ellams; Sam Henry;

Subs:

Tom Ruffer; Corey Smart; George Woodburn; Taylor Edwards; Rowan Whelan