BARMOUTH & Dyffryn United's FAW Welsh Cup campaign came to an abrupt end on Saturday as they were edged out 2-1 by giant-killing Llysfaen in a dramatic first-round tie.

The Magpies travelled to The Bananabeu in confident mood after dismantling Corris United 13-1 in the Emrys Morgan Cup the previous weekend, but they found themselves on the wrong end of another memorable chapter in Llysfaen's remarkable season.

The hosts, who compete in the North Wales Coast East Division One, had already made club history by reaching the first round proper of the competition for the first time. Their latest victory means they have now become one of the few Tier 5 clubs to advance to the second round proper of the Welsh Cup.

Backed by a large and vocal home crowd, Barmouth started brighty and took the lead on 20 minutes through Ossian Owen.

The Magpies continued to look threatening and carried their advantage into the break, but Llysfaen emerged after half-time determined to extend their cup adventure.

The hosts steadily increased the pressure and eventually found an equaliser on 68 minutes through Ryan Roberts, whose goal lifted both his team-mates and the home support.

Barmouth appeared to have been handed a golden opportunity to regain control when Llysfaen were reduced to 10 men seven minutes from time. Defender Ben Rawlinson was shown a red card, leaving the hosts facing an uphill battle in the closing stages.

However, the dismissal only seemed to galvanise the home side. Rather than retreating, Llysfaen continued to push forward in search of a winner and were rewarded in dramatic fashion when substitute Ryan Watson made a decisive impact from the bench.

Watson struck late on to send the home crowd into raptures and seal another famous victory for the giant-killers, while bringing Barmouth's cup run to a disappointing end.

Barmouth will now turn their attention back to league matters and will look for an immediate response when they host Abermule in the MMP Central Wales League North on Saturday.

Cambrian Tyres Aberystwyth League

Llanilar Reserves maintained their two-point advantage at the top of the Cambrian Tyres Aberystwyth League with a battling 3-2 victory over Dolgellau Reserves on Saturday.

The Castle Hill Park outfit made a superb start, taking control of the contest with first-half goals from Jayden Hopkins and Tomos Benjamin to establish a deserved two-goal lead at the interval.

Dolgellau fought their way back into the game after the restart when Samson Young reduced the deficit on 54 minutes. However, the league leaders responded positively and Daniel Dowse restored their two-goal cushion 10 minutes later.

Rhys Jones ensured a nervous finish when he pulled one back late on, but Llanilar showed their resilience to see out the closing stages and maintain their perfect record of four wins from four matches.

Tywyn Bryncrug Reserves produced another impressive comeback to claim a 3-2 victory over Machynlleth Reserves.

The hosts looked firmly in command after Jonah Crompton and Davey Vaughan struck inside the opening half-hour to put Machynlleth two goals to the good.

But Tywyn refused to be beaten and hit back before the break through a brace from Bryn Jones to restore parity. With momentum on their side, they completed the turnaround 15 minutes from time when Dane Ashford found the decisive goal to secure all three points.