LLANDUDNO Albion manager Darren Jones was beaming with pride after his side reached the FAW Trophy semi-finals with a 1-0 win at Risca United.

The Lock Stock Welsh Alliance Division One outfit emerged victorious from a tight affair that was decided in the second period with two sensational strikes, putting them within touching distance of the final and a chance at national silverware.

Jones, said: “The lads were absolutely brilliant.

“We started a little slow and were under a bit of pressure first 15 minutes, but once we got to grips with it, I feel we were the better team and deserved the result.

“Joel Lloyd’s goal was a neat finish and James Hobson’s was a wonder strike from about 25 yards.

“It’s probably the biggest game in the club’s history and the financial reward will be a massive help towards keeping the club running.

“The lads can’t wait for the draw now to see who and where the next challenge is.”

The visitors had to withstand a barrage of attacks in the early stages following a dominant start from United, but they weathered the storm in tricky conditions and gradually grew into the tie as the first half progressed.

After the break saw Albion seize the upper hand on 47 minutes thanks to a fine effort from Joel Lloyd, who latched on to a corner to brilliantly steer the ball past the home stopper and give the away side a crucial advantage.

A strong response from the hosts saw them lay siege to the visiting goal late on with a view to sending the game into extra time, but once again they repelled the danger and managed to book their place in the hat with a moment of magic late on.

James Hobson was the man of the moment, picking the ball up midway in the opposition’s half and unleashing a ferocious long-range strike that secured a memorable victory for the visitors.