MATCH REPORT | Caerau Ely 3-3 (4-3) Gresford Athletic | 2023/24 JD Welsh Cup, Round Three

Gresford Athletic were knocked out of the 2023/24 JD Welsh Cup in round three after a defeat to Caerau Ely on penalties on Saturday.

Caerau Ely kicked off Gresford Athletic's trip down to South Wales with a blow, as they took the lead through Brandon Griffiths just 10 minutes into the game.

Gresford Athletic did struggle to get into the game in the first 20 minutes or so, with Caerau Ely managing to keep their lead well.

In the 34th minute, Gresford Athletic responded well and Charley Edge grabbed the equaliser, making it 1-1, with Paul Johnson providing the assist.

However, Caerau Ely swiftly regained the lead in the 42nd minute through George Sheppard, ensuring they were ahead at the half time break.

The second half saw a much improved performance from Gresford Athletic, who looked to use the remaining 45 minutes to turn the tie around and progress into the next round.

In the 50th minute, Charley Edge aimed for his second goal of the game with a good effort, but the shot went just wide of the post.

Then, in the 52nd minute, Gresford Athletic were awarded a penalty and a big chance to level things up for a second time. Haci Ozlu stepped up to the spot and placed the ball into the right of the net.

Gresford Athletic's improved second half performance paid off in the 61st minute, when Toby Gallagher-Keenan completed a full comeback and scored the fifth goal of the game to make it 3-2 to The Colliers, with Haci Ozlu credited with the assist.

The last 25 minutes of the game consisted with Gresford Athletic keeping hold of their lead and having their eyes on that progression into the fourth round, but Caerau Ely didn't lie down and grabbed an equalising goal in the 85th minute, with Brandon Griffiths earning a brace.

The full time whistle blew with the score at 3-3, meaning the tie would have to be decided by penalties.

Haci Ozlu stepped up for the first penalty and scored it nicely, with Caerau Ely's Jack Ashford doing the same.

Harvey Ellis unfortunately had his penalty saved by Harry Johnson and then Daniel Bowen made it 2-1 to Caerau Ely.

Gresford Athletic scored their third penalty through Charley Edge, with Clayton Farrah ensuring Caerau Ely stayed in the lead at 3-2.

Substitute Sam Spridgeon put his penalty away before George Sheppard followed suit, making it 4-3.

It was all down to Toby Gallagher-Keenan to score to keep Gresford Athletic's hopes alive, but unfortunately, it was another good save by Caerau Ely's Harry Johnson and they progressed into the fourth round of the 2023/24 JD Welsh Cup. The effort of the Gresford Athletic squad cannot be faulted and the lads can be proud of their performances in this competition.

Haci Ozlu was voted as Gresford Athletic Man of the Match, with him scoring a penalty in normal time, providing an assist and scoring his penalty in the shootout.

Caerau Ely

Starting XI: Johnson (GK), Turner, Sheppard, Garrett (Bowen - 80'), Ashford (C), Farrah, Williams (Redhead - 74'), Shephard, Griffiths, McLean (Ingram - 62'), Davies (McNamara - 80')

Goalscorers: Griffiths (x2), Sheppard

Yellow Cards: Turner

Subs not used: Jones (GK)

Penalty Shootout Scorers: Ashford, Bowen, Farrah, Sheppard

Gresford Athletic

Starting XI: Jones (GK), J. Smith, Killilea (Spridgeon - 75'), Bennett, Ellis, Griffiths (C), Johnson, Mann (Buxton - 75'), Edge, Gallagher-Keenan, Ozlu

Goalscorers: Edge, Ozlu, Gallagher-Keenan

Yellow Cards: Johnson, Hill-Dunt (Assistant Manager), Buxton

Subs not used: Hill-Dunt (GK), Deacon, Chaplin

Penalty Shootout Scorers: Ozlu, Edge, Spridgeon

Match Officials

Referee: Tegid Richards

Assistant Referees: Cilan Thomas, Kevin Bungay