It was a double header at Newtown FC which saw Cefn Albion, of the Welsh National Premier League, overcome Welsh League outfit STM Sports by 3 goals to 1 after extra time

The second game was between Pontardawe Town and Bodedern Athletic of Anglesey who sit 3rd in the Welsh Alliance League

The weather was dreadful with rain falling throughout the day and a strong wind blowing accross Newtown FC's Latham Park

Town started the game a little apprehensively but after the first 10 minutes they started to dominate proceedings. The defence, marshalled by captain Craig Davies, were having little problem with Athletic's attack whilst up front they were guilty of missing 3 good chances. One of these was a close range effort from Liam Griffiths which was cleared off the line.

As the half wore on it was looking to be a frustrating day for Pontardawe who, despite their dominance, could not find the net. This all changed on 40 minutes when the ball found Liam Griffiths in the box and as he went to turn he was grabbed by keeper Jordan Taylor who brought him to the ground. A penalty was awarded and the goalkeeper was sent off which some would say was harsh but as he was last man and a goal scoring opportunity was denied the referee had no choice. After a delay, as Athletic didn't have a reserve keeper, the penalty was fired home by Tom Blizzard (1-0)

Hopefully this would now settle Pontardawe and it certainly did after only 2 more minutes. Pontardawe broke down the left through Dan Briggs, supported by Declan Horgan-Evans, and the ball found it's way to Tom Blizzard who smashed it home giving the stand in keeper no chance (2-0)

At half time the officials took some unfair stick in respect of the penalty, the sending off and their reaction to a tackle early on in the game. It is probably fair to say that the officials got all decisions 100% correct.

The second half was all Pontardawe Town and it didn't take long for them to increase their lead as Kurtis Rees scored on 53m with a fine strike from the edge of the box giving the keeper no chance (3-0)

Pontardawe were tearing their opponents apart now as 10 men Bodedern bravely tried to get back in the game leaving gaps at the back. A further goal was inevitable and it came on 73 minutes with that man Kurtis Rees netting again with a good close range strike (4-0)

Liam Griffiths, following a good run and cross by Dan Briggs, had a tap in on 79 minutes for Pontardawe Town's fifth (5-0)

There could have been more but Pontardawe were sloppy and inaccurate with their shooting but a 5-0 result in a National Semi Final against a very good team is something to be very proud of.

Pontardawe Town now face Cefn Albion in the FAW Trophy Final on Saturday 13th April at a venue to be confirmed (probably one of Aberystwyth Town or again at Newtown FC)

Congratulations to Christian Evans and Kurtis Rees for their joint man of the match awards and a mention for Bodedern Athletic's man of the match Casey Boylan.

Photographs By Nick Dorward (with thanks)

Other Media Coverage

https://clwbpeldroed.org/2019/03/16/cefn-albion-pontardawe-town-faw-trophy/
http://www.faw.cymru/en/news/cefn-albion-reach-their-first-national-final/?back=/en/news/&pos=3