LLANDUDNO Albion reached the FAW Trophy final thanks to a thrilling penalty shootout victory over Holyhead Hotspur.
The Lock Stock Welsh Alliance Division One side reached this stage of the competition for the first time in their short history on a memorable afternoon at Maes Tegid, the home of Bala Town.
Darren Jones men recovered well from an early setback to book their place in the showcase, and they will contest for national silverware against Penydarren later this year.
Despite the eventual result it was the Holy Islanders’ that began the brighter and they went ahead just three minutes when prolific striker Chris Jones pounced to give Darre Garmey side an early lead.
Albion grew into the game as the half progressed and mounted some considerable pressure late on, with Jack Williams’ goal-bound effort that was hacked off the line the closest they came to restoring parity.
After the break saw Jones’ side finally get back on level terms in the game’s final quarter when Williams was presented with another opportunity on 74 minutes.
This time the talented youngster made no mistake with the finish to send the game into extra time.
Both sides found it difficult during the first 15 minutes of additional time, but Spurs’ missed a golden chance in the tie’s final attack when Sam Ashworth’s attempt went agonisingly across the line and away from danger.
That meant the tie would be decided on penalties, and Albion held their nerve to emerge victorious by a 4-3 score.
This represent another significant milestone for the club, who have enjoyed a phenomenal rise to prominence since their inception that has seen them go from the Vale of Clwyd and Conwy League to a side competing for third-tier honours.
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