LLANDUDNO Junction caused a major upset with a 3-2 victory at Llandudno Albion to reach the Barritt Cup second round.

The Railwaymen secured their best result in some time against the Lock Stock Welsh Alliance Division One title hopefuls and previous cup winners to book their place in the hat, which is further indication that the club is heading in the right direction after a difficult few seasons.

The home side opened the game on the front foot and took a one-goal cushion midway through the first period thanks to prolific forward Dave Maddock, who demonstrated his trademark composure to put away a chance on 22 minutes.

This provoked a strong response from the visitors, who went into the break all-square when a period of possession on 42 minutes presented an opportunity to Harry Parke-Smith, who managed to hit the target to leave the tie finely balanced heading into the second half.

After the interval saw Darren Jones’ side regain the initiative through influential playmaker Ricky Jones on 54 minutes, but Junction once again fought back impressively and restored parity to the score-line through Jack Williams with an hour on the clock.

With the game heading for extra-time, the away side managed to dig deep and pull off a major giant-killing two minutes from time when squad mainstay Jack Nettleton came up with a moment of magic to give his side the lead for the first time and send them through.

There was no such luck for an under-strength Penmaenmawr Phoenix, who bowed out of the competition in heart breaking fashion following a penalty shootout loss to Gaerwen.

The game ended one apiece after an enthralling tie between the Lock Stock Welsh Alliance Division Two championship contenders, with the visitors emerging victorious 4-2 on penalties.