In the opening round of the NEWFA Challenge Cup, the Rhos Aelwyd versus Gwersyllt game failed to go ahead due to a player shortage in the Gwersyllt camp and all that the Chirk versus Borras Park cup tie needed was a match referee.

There was quite an epic at Brymbo who got edged out 4-3 by Overton whose jewel in the crown was Richard Jones who converted a hat-trick but it was a Will Evans effort that proved decisive. Giving Brymbo hope was Leighton Roberts with a brace of goals and Harry Jones.

Castell Alun Colts were made to sweat a bit but they came through unscathed against Llanuwchllyn in the end when they ran out 4-2 winners. Richard Driffield and Dave Bullough notched two goals apiece with the plucky visitors were Ifan Jones and Elfyn Dafydd.

The match of the day clash between Coedpoeth and Venture at the Adwy lived up to its top billing, the game ended all square at 4-4 after 90 minutes but Venture stole the show in the end to progress 6-4. Venture’s Neil Evans won the man of the match award for his four goal haul and ensuring their progress were Shane Griffiths and Enion Edwards. Worthy also of a special mention was old warhorse Robbie Roberts who came out of retirement to pack in a splendid performance as an emergency centre back. Coedpoeth’s contribution to this game must not be underestimated either and Kevin Breeze, Nicky McCormack and John Griffiths had this game evenly poised.

Corwen only just about shaded their clash with Brickfield who took an early lead in a feisty affair, Rhys Llwyd levelled and Mark Wilson went on to bag a winner.

Will Eastwood (2), Ben Roberts and Ian Oliver Davies combined for FC Cefn to dump out Llay Welfare 4-3.

Due to the Cup action there was just the one Premier Division fixture and Hawarden Rangers were savaged 4-1 in their own back yard by Penycae. Securing a lone consolation goal was Lewis Cunliffe with a deflected shot.

In Division One, Johnstown have gone clear at the top after beating Mold Juniors 5-1. Making up their nap hand were Chris Baddeley with a brace of goals, Wayne Vernon, an OG and Nathan Jones.

In the Reserves Division League Cup, Llangollen Town progressed 4-3 against Chirk AAA’s but they needed extra time to resolve matters. Dave Booth(2), Simon Williams and Rob Claybrook’s goal saw the hosts safely through.

In the Reserves Division, Ruthin Town flopped 7-2 in their own back yard to Hawarden Reserves.

Gresford Athletic Reserves got their season back on track with a 3-0 victory over Buckley Town, a sublime 25 yard strike from Huw Jones separated the sides at the break but Luke Taylor and Midi Khalil sealed the victory in the second half.

Llay Welfare had to be content with sharing six goals and the points with Borras Park Albion who hit back for a point with strikes from Matt Rowlands, Richard Evans and Mike Gilpin.

Penycae took a two goal lead through Ged Edwards and Barry Martin before Colts player boss Damien Wilkins replied just before half time. Graham Dessington with a superb volley, and Wilkins again earned the Colts maximum points

In the Reserves and Colts league, Ruthin Town go marching on, goals from Jack Newall(2) and Dylan Hughes gave them a 3-0 success against Acrefair.

New Brighton Villa flopped badly and were sunk 4-1 by Penyffordd whose marksmen were Gareth Lloyd and Gavin Mathias who shared two goals apiece.

Overton defeated Garden Village 2-0 with efforts from Ellis Bennion and Jack Rennie.

Borras Park Albion went down 3-1 at home to Johnstown Youth who were on target through Ricky Wright(2) and Lee Hanmer with Gareth Topham responding.

Goals from Steve Jones and Dave Anderson enabled Brymbo to defeat hosts Brickfield Rangers 2-0.