CARDIFF Airport’s historic first-ever third-round Welsh Cup tie against Porthmadog ended in 5-1 defeat, however Airport can hold their heads high.

The Vale side went into the fixture the lowest ranked team left in the competition and two divisions lower than Porthmadog, who play in the JD Cymru North League.

On the day, November 11, Airport held up well against Porthmadog’s starting 11, taking a surprise lead through Sonny Lambert after just seven minutes.

Porthmadog came back though, with goals from Cai Jones and Rhys Wiliams.

However, it wasn’t as much their superior quality as it was their strength in depth as three Porthmadog substitutes netted to take the final score to 5-1.

Subs Telor Williams, Zak Pike and Iddon Price all got on the scoresheet.

After the game Airport said magnanimously on X, formerly Twitter: “Thank you to Porthmadog FC for the excellent hospitality. It was a pleasure to visit.

“What a fantastic bunch of people and good luck next round.”

The club also commended their players on the long day saying on X: “Four and half hours travel away, four and a half hours travel back and still 25 plus of Cardiff Airport back in the football club. Support your local club.”

Barry And District News: Airport knocked out Abergavenny in the second roundAirport knocked out Abergavenny in the second round (Image: @CAFootballClub)

In previous rounds, Airport knocked out Cefn Fforest, Cardiff Bay and Cwmbach Royal Stars before a surprise win against Abergavenny set up the tie against Porthmadog.

Before the tie, Barry mayor, Cllr Ian Johnson wished the team luck saying it would be awesome if they had won.

Mayor Johnson said: “It’s a great achievement for the club to reach this stage in the Welsh Cup, the last 32 in Wales.”