Saturday saw Halkyn entertain current league leaders Mynydd Isa Spartans in the quarter final of the Queensferry Sports Presidents Cup. Halkyn came into the cup game on the back of some defeats but with some good performances to go by. Notably last week's cup game against Caerwys, where Halkyn found themselves 2-0 down going into the last five minutes when Ryan Oldfield and Sêan Wilkes scored to take the game to extra time. Unfortunately Halkyn Utd FC conceded with minutes to go, giving Caerwys the narrow 3-2 victory AET.
The game began with Halkyn having probably their strongest squad to select from in weeks gone by, with Shane Wellings back after work commitments and Nathan Jones taking his place in midfield, Daniel McCarthy back to slot in at right back and also in defence Anthony Jonesand Jamie Nicholas to sure up the Halkyn back line.
Halkyn began well with Leon Pickford and Sêan WilkesWilkes alongside Nathan Jones dominating the center of the muddy Pant Newydd pitch, looking to find wide men Shane Wellings Joe Foster and forward Michael Radcliffe. Within twenty minutes Captain Sêan Wilkes provided a ball to find Shane Wellings who cut in from the right and bend the ball over the Spartan's goalkeeper to give Halkyn a 1-0 lead. Halkyn looked to weather the Spartan storm, who looked to put the ball into the box from every moment possible. Keeper Jack Seery made a couple of good saves to deny the Isa forwards, notably tipping a header from a corner onto the bar and over. However, Isa did manage to equalize after thirty minutes when a long ball was sent into the box from a free kick, and the second ball fell nicely to the Spartan striker who rolled it past Seery from 10 yards.
HT Halkyn Utd FC 1-1 Mynydd Isa Spartans
The second half began with Halkyn on the front foot, with substitute Antonio Cesarano leading the line, causing the Isa defence problems as he looked to bring the Halkyn wingers into play. Halkyn looked to move the ball out wide and cause Spartans issues out wide, from a resulting corner after high pressure Halkyn took the lead. Joe Foster whipped an in swinging corner towards the front area, which was met by Sêan Wilkes who's bullet header gave Halkyn the lead, meaning Willy has now scored in his last 6 games in the white of Halkyn. Minutes later Sêan Wilkes should of made it 18 goals in league and cup this season, but for maybe the dreaded Halkyn bounce forcing the ball over the bar 1v1 with the keeper.
Spartans looked to push forward with their Man of the match Cody on the right wing looking to give the Halkyn defence problems at times, but for Jamie Nicholas and Anthony Jones on that side leaving him frustrated. Going into the final period of the game, Leon Pickford was agonizingly close to giving Halkyn breathing space when his shot from outside the box was smartly saved by the Isa goalkeeper. Halkyn troopered on and held out with some good defensive work by the team and keeper Jack Seery tipping a header from a corner over the bar with his right hand near the end of the game and a magnificent block by Leon Pickford who threw himself in front of a shot that was destined to goal.
FT - Halkyn Utd FC 2-1 Mynydd Isa Spartans
Man of the match - Jack Seery
Everybody wishes Jamie Nicholas a speedy return after he went of injured after a brilliant tackle and later finding out that he had in fact fractured his fibula bone in his leg. Likewise Michael Radcliffe who went off with a knee injury and hopefully he will be back sooner rather than later. Hopefully we will be seeing Pedro back soon Peter McCarron again after he also suffered a fractured bone in his leg earlier in the season.

Quarter Final Results

Halkyn United 2-1 Mynydd Isa Spartans
Flint Mountain 0-3 Offa Athletic
Mold Town United 1-10 Cefn Mawr Rangers
Tanyfron United 0-6 Aston Park Rangers

Semi Final Draw

Cefn Mawr Rangers v Halkyn Utd FC
Aston Park Rangers v Offa Athletic
Date TBC