LLAY WELFARE will be playing Cymru North football next season with manager Mike Gadie and chairman Keiron Fox both describing their promotion as unbelievable.

Llay won the battle of the Ardal League runners-up in a nail-biting 6-5 penalty shoot-out success against Llanuwchllyn after Saturday’s play-off final at Bala ended goal-less.

“It was unbelievable and if you’d have said three or four years ago that we’d be looking forward to playing in Cymru North and having the likes of Colwyn Bay coming to Llay, you would never have thought it would happen,” said Gadie, whose side were cheered on by around 200 fans from the village in a crowd of 935.

“I’m just pleased for everyone connected with the club - the committee, the players and the fans who were at Bala on Saturday.

“We’ve got a lot to talk about as for what happens next season but we’re just enjoying this moment for now.”

Llay scored all of their penalties with Dave McIntyre stroking home the winning penalty after Kyle Jones had hit the post with his effort from 12 yards.

Tom Wells, Will Nevitt, Mike Wright, captain John Peate and Scott Swords also held their nerve to score in a shoot-out manager Gadie knew they were going to win.

“We practised penalties at the end of training last week and we knew who we wanted to take the penalties and they did the job for us,” added Gadie, who will step down to become new manager Mike Price’s assistant next season.

“I normally don’t like watching penalties but I did on Saturday as I was really confident.”

As for the game itself, Llay bossed the first half while their keeper Mike Platt justified his start with a commanding performance after the break.

It was also a great day for Llay chairman Fox - a Manchester United fan who gave away his FA Cup final ticket for Wembley where The Red Devils beat Manchester City 2-1.

Fox said: “I wasn’t going to miss our game. Today has been unbelievable. I am so happy!”