HUW GRIFFITHS wants Buckley Town to win the competition after they beat his Cefn Druids 2-0 to reach the semi-finals.

A goal in each half from Connor Littler was enough to hand the Flintshire side victory at The Rock against Druids, who selected a young starting XI.

And Griffiths, who lifted the trophy with Druids last season, hopes Buckley can go all the way in the competition.

“Credit to Buckley for winning the way they did,” said sporting director Griffiths. “They were a physically big side - bigger than us by about four inches a man on average - but they tried to play.

“It was competitive, but there was a good atmosphere around the game and it was certainly played in the right spirit.

“I hope Buckley go on and win the competition now. If we had to lose to a team, it might as well be one that went on a won the trophy at the end.”

Buckley boss Dan Moore was absent at The Rock, but assistant Alan Edwards was delighted with victory.

“I think it was a great experience for both teams,” he said. “The weather has not been the best which often means we are restricted with the pitches we play on in terms of our style of play.

“I believe we have a reputation as a hard working, direct team so it was nice for the lads to be able to show that they can move the ball around when conditions allow.

“The facilities and staff at Cefn Druids are first class and the side they put out gave us a great game. Myself, the team and our committee wish them all the best for the rest of the season.”

Lee Pope, who is Druids’ elite phase head coach, was thrilled to see seven youngsters starting the tie with a further four on the bench.

He tweeted: “Really proud of my young @CefnDruids scholarship boys, 11 of the 15 man squad u17s majority are still 16. Lost 0-2 to a good, well organised @BuckleyTownAFC side today in the newfa cup. Eight of the 11 making their debuts today for the senior team. Very proud coach today.”

Upton AA, meanwhile, moved into the last four of the Cheshire County Amateur Cup after overcoming Altrincham Reserves 4-2 in an entertaining quarter-final contest.

Chris Coughlin scored twice, while Upton’s in-form goalscorers Lee Guirado and Joseph Ormrod added another one apiece to secure success.

There was heartbreak for Newton Athletic as their cup adventure came to an end in a 4-0 defeat at Heswall.

Vauxhall Motors Reserves secured a 2-0 away win over Broadheath Central to join Upton AA and Heswall in the semi-finals, while Lostock Gralam saw off Ellesmere Port Town 4-1 to complete the last four.