NEWFA Challenge Cup – eight-goal Gresford storm into semis at expense of spirited underdogs Ruabon

Ruabon Rovers 2 (Kebell 21, Swarbrick 49)
Gresford Athletic 8 (Gallagher-Keenan 33, 36, 43, 45+2; Deacon 52, Mann 66, Jenkins 73, Spridgeon 90+1)
Toby Gallagher-Keenan was star of the show with a first-half four-goal salvo as Gresford progressed to the NEWFA Challenge Cup semis with an 8-2 beating of tier 5 underdogs Ruabon on Wednesday night.

Cymru North visitors Athletic now take on holders and fellow tier 2 outfit Ruthin Town in the last four at Brymbo FC’s ground on April 25.

Gresford saw an early effort cleared off the line but it was North East Wales League Championship underdogs Rovers who struck first, Dan Kebell grabbing the opening goal of the game in the 21st minute.

Athletic immediately looked for the equaliser, Alex Burton’s strike well saved by Tom Coffin in the Ruabon net.

Coffin was also called into action in the 30th minute, when Gallagher-Keenan was played through on goal and had his shot kept out.

Gallagher-Keenan did quickly get his reward though, when in the 33rd minute he was through on goal again and calmly slotted the ball home to claim the equaliser.

It was a quick turnaround for the Colliers, who took the lead when Gallagher-Keenan tapped in his second in the 36th minute.

Gallagher-Keenan was on fire and completed a hat-trick in the 43rd minute, then bagged a fourth in added time.

Similarly to the first half, Ruabon notched the first goal of the second to make it 4-2 in the 49th minute, thanks to Andrew Swarbrick.

However, Gresford were quick to respond and substitute Dominic Deacon scored in the 52nd minute, finishing off Sam Spridgeon’s saved effort.

In the 66th minute, Charlie Mann made it 6-2.

Athletic continued to press, Deacon’s angled attempt rattling the post in the 70th minute, before Tom Jenkins scored his first goal for the club with a brilliant finish from outside of the box.

Spridgeon earned a well-deserved goal to ensure a six-goal advantage in the 91st minute.

NEWFA Challenge Cup semi-finals
Gresford Athletic v Ruthin Town (at Brymbo FC, April 25, 6.30 pm)
Holywell Town v Llay Welfare