The opening period was a totally drab affair played out in torrential rain as Llan struggled to get any rhythm going in their passing game which, apart from a couple of good chances spurned by Aaron Hughes and Aaron Griffiths, resulted in a very untidy first half performance. The teams went in scoreless at the interval where the Llan manager, Craig Thomas, awaited his charges with some kind and, mostly, not so kind words!
The half time rocket from the manager must have hit a note with the home players as Llan only took 6 minutes to take the lead. Aaron Hughes, last season’s top scorer, converting an excellent through ball by the excellent Terry Watkinson on 51 minutes. Llan then went further ahead on 53 minutes as Aaron Hughes turned provider when Iwan Wyn Jones headed home expertly (no jokes please!!!) his cross to leave the keeper with no chance.
Llan were by now completely dominant as Terry Watkinson again, unselfishly, was the provider for Hughes’ further two goals (67 and 80 minutes) to complete what must have been his easiest hat trick ever. The energetic Dyfan Coles then took advantage of lax defending by the home defence to score a consolation goal for Bethel on 82 minutes. Llan’s response was imminent as substitute Alex Hickey transported his 39 year old frame 50 yards up field to finish off a move that he started in his own half (85 minutes) to apply some gloss on the score line and performance that, at times, veered from extremely sloppy to excellent one touch football.