Denbigh Town’s treble hopes remain very much alive as the Reds reached the Final of the Lock Stock Ardal Northern League Cup with victory over Builth Wells at Central Park .

Four second half goals followed Jake Walker’s first-half opener as Matthew Worrall (brace), Nathan Brown and Ollie Hansen secured victory in the sunshine. Tommy Rowlands gave the visitors hope by reducing the deficit to 3-1 but Denbigh proved too strong and reach their second cup final of a fantastic campaign.

Manager Dewi Llion Jones - who was presented with the March Manager of the Month award by the league pre-match - named five changes to the starting XI that beat Felinheli seven days previous with Craig Rogers, Morgan Thomas-Sadler, Craig Pritchard, Sam Haddon and Jake Walker entering the side.

After an opening 15 minutes where both sides got a feel for the game in boiling conditions at Central Park, it was Denbigh who had the first real sight of goal when in-form striker Worrall danced through the visitors’ defence before forcing goalkeeper Zeke Vivian into a great save down to his left.

Moments later Builth broke from Denbigh’s corner and forced Aaron Jones into action who made a smart save to thwart an effort from range.

With the pace of the game well and truly accelerating, Town sought the opener and it came on 19 minutes. Walker - back in the starting line-up - picked the ball up with his back to goal before shooting on the turn and beating a hapless Vivian.

The Builth shot-stopper was kept busy as he denied a long-range effort from Paul Fleming as well as repelling Brown’s low effort. The returning Craig Pritchard showed his class by skilfully slithering his way past several defenders before rifling an effort into the side netting.

Denbigh custodian Jones wouldn’t have a quiet first-half himself, tipping an effort from north of 40-yards over his bar whilst Gavin Rowlands forced him into a smart stop down the left-flank.

Five minutes before the break Worrall almost doubled the Denbigh advantage when meeting a cross with his head, only to find the crossbar whilst Fleming’s follow-up couldn’t find the target.

Half-Time: Denbigh Town 1-0 Builth Wells.

Denbigh began the second half with a purpose with Walker denied a second when his effort was deflected wide for a corner following some strong work provided by the cross of Ben Lockley. Nine minutes into the half Denbigh would eventually find that second breakthrough.

Worrall found himself in the box taking a touch before firing home to double the advantage and relieve some pressure from the visitors.

Three minutes later the score would increase with a genuine goal of the season contender. Ben Lockley crossed from the right and Nathan Brown hit a volley first time on his right foot with the ball coming across him to put one foot in the final ( see photo).

However, Builth Wells were resilient and fought back hard just after the hour mark. Lyndon Jones’ shot from the right was parried away by goalkeeper Jones before the resulting corner was swung in and rattled the crossbar.

Eventually the voiceful away supporters had something to cheer as a mix-up at the back led to Rowlands slotting home to an empty net after confusion between Jones and Billy Holmes. Suddenly hope sprung for the Bulls.

Going into the last ten minutes both sides were pressing but the game was surely put to bed when Dan Parry-Jones crossed from the right and Worrall smashed home a superb volley to make it a quartet of excellent finishing from Denbigh. As the game entered the dying embers substitute Hansen found the ball deflected towards him just inside the box to hammer home a fifth.

Town now progress to the final but are yet to discover their opponents, with the second semi-final taking place between Bow Street and Llangefni, the latter of which won 1-0 at Llanrwst this afternoon.

The chance at a famous treble continues for Dewi Llion Jones’ side with the showpiece of the FAW Trophy, Ardal Northern Cup and of course the league title challenge.

Article by DTFC reporter Ollie Williams

Denbigh Town Football Club

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