Match Report: CPD Y Felinheli (H)

Written by Sab Muthusamy 

Llandudno produced a commanding attacking display to cruise into the next round of the Welsh Cup with an emphatic 6–1 victory over Felinheli at Maesdu Park on Saturday afternoon.

A brace from Harvey Bennett, alongside goals from Cammron Morris, Liam Higgins, Mark Cadwallader and Marc Williams, ensured a comfortable afternoon for Jordan Hadaway’s side, who dominated possession and created a host of opportunities in front of a lively home crowd.

Having enjoyed a full week to prepare for the encounter, the Seasiders arrived with a clear attacking intent and wasted little time in asserting their authority.

Indeed, barely a minute had passed before Llandudno found themselves ahead. Harvey Bennett stepped up to take a free kick and produced a superb finish into the bottom corner, leaving the visitors with an immediate uphill task.

The early breakthrough set the tone for what would become a relentless attacking display from the hosts, who continued to move the ball confidently and exploit spaces in the Felinheli defence.

Their advantage was doubled in the 16th minute following some excellent attacking play down the wing. A flowing move opened up the visitors’ defence, allowing Cammron Morris to apply a composed finish into an unguarded net and put Llandudno firmly in control.

With the Seasiders enjoying the lion’s share of possession, Felinheli struggled to establish any meaningful foothold in the contest. Llandudno continued to create openings, with their movement and attacking combinations causing problems for the visitors.

However, despite the hosts’ dominance, Felinheli managed to find a route back into the game in the 36th minute.

Winning possession in midfield, the visitors launched a swift attack, with a powerful run towards the Llandudno penalty area creating an opportunity. The initial effort was well saved, but Jonathan Thomas Sadler reacted quickest to bundle home the rebound and reduce the deficit against the run of play.

The goal briefly threatened to give the visitors renewed belief, but Llandudno remained composed and continued to press forward. Their persistence was rewarded in first half stoppage time when the Seasiders were awarded a penalty. Bennett stepped up to convert from the spot, securing his second goal of the afternoon and restoring the hosts’ two goal cushion.

Llandudno headed into the interval with a deserved 3–1 advantage, having controlled much of the opening period.

If the first half had demonstrated the Seasiders’ attacking quality, the second was an even greater exhibition of their dominance.

Felinheli found themselves pinned back for prolonged spells as Llandudno dictated the tempo, enjoyed almost uninterrupted possession and continued to create chances. The visitors were afforded little opportunity to venture forward, such was the intensity of the hosts’ attacking pressure.

Liam Higgins, who impressed throughout with his energy and attacking contributions, added a fourth in the 58th minute. Following another sustained spell of pressure around the Felinheli goal, Higgins was on hand to finish from close range and put the contest firmly beyond the visitors.

The Seasiders showed no intention of easing off and continued to push forward in search of further goals. Kieran Lloyd impressed from full back, contributing to Llandudno’s control of proceedings, while the hosts’ attacking players continued to find space and create openings.

In the 69th minute, Mark Cadwallader added his name to the scoresheet, applying another close range finish following continued pressure on the visitors’ goal. It was a milestone moment for Caddy, marking his 50th goal for the Seasiders in all competitions.

With the result beyond doubt, Llandudno maintained their attacking approach into the closing stages, refusing to allow the intensity of their performance to drop. Their persistence was rewarded once more in the first minute of added time when Marc Williams completed the scoring, finding the net from close range to seal a comprehensive 6–1 victory.

Despite the chilly November conditions, both sets of supporters were in excellent voice throughout the afternoon, with a lively crowd at Maesdu Park providing a fitting atmosphere for the cup encounter.

Speaking after the match, Hadaway expressed his satisfaction with what he considered a complete performance from his players. Having anticipated that Llandudno would enjoy the majority of possession, the emphasis during the week’s preparation had been on making that dominance count in attacking areas.

The Seasiders certainly delivered on that objective, with six goals and numerous further opportunities reflecting the control they exerted over the contest. Hadaway was also encouraged by the overall display and believes there is plenty for his side to build upon as they prepare for a demanding winter schedule.

For Llandudno, it was an afternoon where attacking intent was matched by clinical finishing and sustained pressure, securing their place in the last 16 of the Welsh Cup in convincing fashion.

Everyone at Llandudno FC wishes CPD Y Felinheli all the best for the remainder of the season.