GRESFORD ATHLETIC set up a League Cup final clash with Flint Town United with an emphatic 8-2 hammering of Llandudno Junction.

The Colliers made light work of their semi-final opponents in a comprehensive victory, which saw in-form striker Jake Eyre fire a hat-trick.

Central midfielder Jack Chalinor headed home the opener before Mikey Latham (2), Max Peate, Owen Roberts and star man Eyre took over.

Junction netted twice in the final 10 minutes but that didn’t dent Gresford boss Steve Halliwell’s spirits.

“I’m massively proud of my lads,” he said. “Everyone’s buzzing to have made another final and we’re looking forward to going up against a Flint side who we’ve already had some decent games against this season.”

The Silkmen advanced to their third final in three seasons with an assured display in their 3-0 victory at Holyhead Hotspur.

United were ahead inside five minutes when Shaun Beck slipped the ball into the path of the unmarked Alieu Sheriff, who calmly slotted home from eight yards.

Andy Brown’s header made it 2-0 and substitute Morgan Jones netted with his first touch following a goalmouth scramble.

Flint boss Niall McGuinness hailed his side’s game plan and dedicated the victory to the club’s supporters.

He said: “Obviously we went up to Holyhead with a game plan and the players were excellent in the way they went about the game.

“Holyhead is a tough place to go so we knew we needed to score first in the game, because if we fell behind they would make it very difficult for us.

“This cup final is for the fans and it’s about giving them something to cheer about after a difficult season where we haven’t really fulfilled our ambitions.”

John Haseldin believes that relaying a few ‘home truths’ to his Holywell Town players resulted in an improved performance in their 2-0 league win at Caersws.

Frustrated by a below-par showing in the draw with Penrhyncoch last weekend, Haseldin warned his players about complacency in their Cymru Alliance run-in.

The Wellmen responded with a professional display, with Steve Thomas firing past Cws keeper Steve Evans to put the visitors ahead inside 10 minutes.

The decisive second goal came after 67 minutes when Mark Winslade picked up the ball on the edge of the box, and turned and fired home.

The result keeps Holywell in fifth place and, with Caernarfon Town now confirmed as champions, Haseldin insists his side still have much to play for after a strong campaign.

He said: “That was much more like it from ourselves. We controlled most of the game, limited their opportunities, scored twice and kept a clean sheet away from home.

“There were a few home truths spoken after the Penrhyncoch game, where it felt like a few players had maybe put their feet up a bit early before the end of the season.

“Caernarfon have won the league now and the first prize is gone, but it doesn’t mean that there’s nothing left worth fighting for.

“There’s still a mini-league between the other top five sides that’s opened up now and we want to be top of that.

“Finishing second is still a big achievement an something to be proud of for the players. It would be a reminder to the players of how hard they’ve worked and we’re determined now to see this season through as strongly as possible.”

Holywell’s top five rivals Guilsfield and Denbigh Town played out a 2-2 draw in mid-Wales. Asa Hamilton twice put Guils ahead but Gareth Partridge and a great free-kick from Danny Sullivan earned Denbigh a point.

Nine-man Ruthin Town were beaten 2-1 at home by Penrhyncoch, with Harri Harwood netting a brace for the visitors and Kevin Evans replying.