INTERMEDIATE CUP FINAL - MATCH REPORT
Wednesday 12th May 2010 | Bob Waygood
BLAENYMAES 3 COELBREN ATHLETIC 3.
(after extra-time. Coelbren win 4-1 on penalties)
Four match winning penalties, after the outcome remained level following extra-time, finally saw the “Tony Nakonecznyj Insurance Brokers” West Wales F.A. Intermediate Cup destined for the Upper Neath Valley with Coelbren Athletic edging victory against Blaenymaes in the tense spot kick shoot-out at the Liberty Stadium. (reports Robert Clement).
It was Lee Thomas, Kieran Hosford, Chris Miller and Darren Langford who all found the back of the South Stand net in determined manner, with the already crowned Eagle Heating & Plumbing, Neath League Division Two champions, adding further silverware following the excellent season’s league campaign.
There was added satisfaction, in knowing that it was the 50th anniversary for a Neath league side to previously take possession of the West Wales trophy, with Clydach beating Fishguard in season 1959/1960.
With the knowledge that both clubs would be playing in a higher division next season, it was Blaenymaes who made a swift stunning impact, when full back Joshua Crabbe headed the Swansea League side in front after only six minutes, following a Paul Thomas corner.
Within a minute of that breakthrough there was a response from Coelbren with Chris Evans finding Leigh Riby in space, but the midfielder’s shot was intercepted and cleared by Rob Templeton.
Having secured the desired impact, Blaenymaes found themselves two goals ahead, when during the 9th minute an under struck back pass by Paul Griffiths to keeper James Harris saw Jack Green burst forward to capitalize on the error, slotting the ball in from ten yards.
Despite that Blaenymaes dream beginning, Colbren managed to gradually recover, and there was an excellent attacking movement carved out by Langford who found Chris Evans in space, but it was a vitally timed headed clearance by Templeton which prevented the Neath outfit from making a positive impact.
Coelbren were finally back in the contest with a 15th minute breakthrough, when Lee Thomas timed his run forward to perfection, accepting a pass from Chris Evans to then find the net, applying a delicate chipped finish, with the ball dipping over the top of keeper Anthony Buckland.
Lee Thomas was once again displaying attacking pace to good effect, snatching a second goal within ninety seconds, when a fleet footed darting run was rewarded with a crisply struck shot finding the back of the net.
Following that fast and furious opening, which had produced a four goal feast, Blaenymaes attempted to move ahead once more only for a Paul Thomas curling effort to flash narrowly wide of the upright.
After the turnaround Coelbren’s confidence appeared to grow, and they tightened the screw when the amazing influence of Chris Evans saw him deliver a speculative angled shot from the edge of the penalty area, which found the far corner of the net, for them to move in front for the first time.
Lee Thomas went close to recording a hat trick during the 65th minute, only for him to rattle the goalframe with a 25-yard delivery.
Blaenymaes persevered to find a way back during the final fifteen minutes, but long-range shots was all they could manage, with attempts from Paul Thomas and Lee Williams going over the top.
But just when it appeared that the trophy would be destined for the Neath Valley, Blaenymaes drew on their resources to make a final rally, which provided the all-important impact to take the tie into extra time, when a right sided cross from substitute Jamie Bevan was finished off by Jamie Green.
With no further goals separating the two fully committed teams during the additional thirty minutes, it was penalty spot kicks, which decided the route of the silverware, and it was Coelbren who were the more consistent in finding the net.
“I’m on cloud nine to be honest and absolutely estatic”, said Coelbren Athletic manager Jeff Williams. “I think that the players gave a superb performance, and also Blaenymaes made it a great game for all the spectators”.
“We certainly didn’t start really well to put it mildly, conceding two early goals which was a very big setback, there was then a diamond performance and response by Lee Thomas, with two goals in as many minutes to make it level”.
“Lee has pace to burn and is regularly a good outlet, always being eager to find the back of the net”.
Williams added, “I thought that when Chris Evans scored our third goal to give us the lead, there was only going to be one winner”.
“There was then a massive body blow delivered to us when Blaenymaes levelled as the match went into injury time, I certainly wasn’t optimistic at that point, but the penalty takers put them all away well with Darren Langford hitting the final one”.
“I think that we’ve certainly done the Neath League proud, and we’re also quite surprised to know that we’re the first team in our area to win the trophy, with it being fifty years ago since it happened last”, he concluded.
Team check: - Blaenymaes: Anthony Buckland, Keith Norwood, Joshua Crabbe (Tommy Morgan 46th min), Rhys Coffey, Robert Templeton (Jamie Bevan 81st min), Luke Dalling, Jamie Green, Dean Norwood (capt), Paul Thomas, Jack Green, Lee Williams. Substitute not used: - Daniel Williams.
Coelbren Athletic: James Harris, Matthew Jones, Paul Griffiths, Richard Colman, Kieran Hosford, Leigh Riby (Chris Miller 46th min), Chris Evans, Michael David (capt) (Sandeep Bacheta 83rd min), Lee Thomas, Lloyd Evans, Darren Langford. Substitute not used: - Kirk Munn.
Referee: - Nigel Howes (Llanelli).
Score summary: - Blaenymaes: - Joshua Crabbe 6th min, Jack Green 9th min, Jamie Green 90th min +1.
Coelbren Athletic: Lee Thomas 15th min, 17th min, Chris Evans 57th min.
Penalties: - Blaenymaes: Lee Williams.
Coelbren Athletic: Lee Thomas, Kieran Hosford, Chris Miller, Darren Langford.
Attendance: - 868.