Gresford Athletic won away against Ruthin Town to progress to the semi-finals of the 2023/24 Macron NEWFA Men's Senior Challenge Cup on Tuesday night.

The game began with Adam Taylor, who stepped in for the cup-tied Lewis Dutton, making a good early save in the fifth minute to ensure there was no early lead for Ruthin Town.

Harvey Ellis then put a fantastic into the box in the 11th minute, finding Joe Chaplin, but the forward's headed effort went into the hands of Ruthin Town's Daniel Goldston.

Ruthin Town continuted to knock on the door, with a flurry of efforts late into the first half, but Gresford Athletic defended bravely, with a key tackle from substitute Adam Hesp stopping a dangerous attack from The Town in the 34th minute.

The teams went in at the scoreline of 0-0 at half time, with both sides having some chances, but Gresford Athletic were determined to find that opening goal in the second half.

Substitute Callum Mannion worked hard and had a good shot on goal in the 64th minute, but Ruthin Town goalkeeper Daniel Goldston did well to make the save.

The battle continued throughout the second half, until James Smith made a crucial block in the 82nd minute to deny a Ruthin Town opportunity.

Charlie Mann then had a great run in midfield, flying past Ruthin Town players in the 84th minute, but he was unable to find the power behind his shot and Ryan Goldston in goal made another save for The Town.

Then, in the 88th minute, substitute Alex Buxton finally broke the deadlock, picking up a loose ball, driving forward and finding a breakthrough to put Gresford Athletic ahead late in the game.

Gresford Athletic saw out the final minutes of the game and secured a good win away from home, as well as progression into the semi-finals of the Macron NEWFA Men's Senior Challenge Cup.

Jordan Pownall was named Gresford Athletic Man of the Match, putting in a superb performance to help secure the win and clean sheet.

Ruthin Town

Starting XI: Goldston (GK), Nash, Giblin, Mbolokele, E. Davies, O. Davies (C), Martin, Owen (Molmans - 90'), Morris, Pearson (Butler - 77'), Jones (Hampson - 62')

Yellow cards: Morris, Martin

Subs not used: Hughes (GK), Clark

Gresford Athletic

Starting XI: Taylor (GK), Smith, Bennett (Hesp - 6' (Roberts - 59')), Williams, Ellis, Griffiths (C), Pownall, Mann, Gallagher-Keenan, Deacon (Mannion - 53'), Chaplin (Buxton - 59')

Goalscorers: Buxton

Match Officials

Referee: John Jones

Assistant Referees: Ryan Hughes, John Palmer