RADNOR VALLEY (The Bypass)

FAW WELSH CUP 1st ROUND, RADNOR VALLEY 0-4 GRESFORD ATHLETIC, ATTENDANCE: 102 (h/c)

After travelling to Kington in midweek, I found myself travelling along the A44 once again this afternoon, this time though I remained firmly on the Welsh side of Offa's Dyke, in the former county town of Radnorshire.

The first round proper of the Welsh Cup drew me to the village of New Radnor, where Ardal North East Radnor Valley were hosting Cymru North Gresford Athletic at The Bypass. This was the first ever meeting between the two clubs, so you could say it was an historic occasion.

The Bypass has been home to The Goats since 2021 when they were forced to leave their previous home at School Lane. The ground is accessed from the A44 and fortunately, for me, the entrance was marked with a couple of high-viz poles otherwise I would have driven straight past the ground. The new ground has a small seated stand, plus hard standing down two sides of the pitch, and is a vast improvement on their previous home.

Gresford started as favourites for the tie and those predictions were justified as The Colliers eased into round 2. That said Radnor put up a spirited performance and did have a couple of half chances before James Smith bundled in the opener after 37 minutes.

The game was effectively over just after half time when Toby Gallagher-Keenan (49) made it 2-0. Smith headed home his second goal on the hour mark and Gresford were then on easy street. 12 minutes from time Radnor were awarded a penalty and a chance of a consolation but Joe Price's spot kick was sent over the bar and into the tree behind the goal. Haci Ozlu (81) then made it 4-0 to make it a comfortable win for Gresford.

I was definitely glad to get back in the car after the game after standing out in the cold and wet - this was the first time this season the woolly hat made an appearance - it felt ridiculous after burning in the heat of the hottest day of the year last Saturday!