[media-credit name=”Stephen Handley” align=”alignnone” width=”596″]
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Trefelin Boys & Girls Club’ shock League Cup final victory over Llanelli helped soften the blow after missing out on promotion says manager Richie Ryan.
The Port Talbot based side finished level on points with second-placed Bridgend Street but missed out on a promotion spot after the Mission beat them on goal difference.
Street had played the day before, against Division Three champions Swansea University in which they ran out 2-0 winners. This was just 24 hours before Trefelin’s Cup final with Llanelli Town at Garden Village’s Stafford Common.
“The boys were devastated after the league antics. To finish with 74 points, one point of winning the league, and not get promoted is outrageous really,” said Ryan.
I said to them before the game, we didn’t have to wait all summer to make amends, we could do it within 24 hours.”
Trefelin had already played a league game against Panteg on Monday, leaving them with just three days rest ahead of a final against higher league opposition.
Their game with Panteg meant that they were unable to train ahead of the final, but that played into the hands of Trefelin.
“We didn’t have any time to prepare as we didn’t train in between our last league game and this. So for them to take on board tactics and organisation in a 15-minute team talk was admirable.”
Llanelli had won the Division One title by an impressive 15 points and had talent all over the park, in terms of players like captain Joe Clarke, former Swansea City striker Lee Trundle and other stars who helped the Reds seal a return to the Welsh Premier League.
However, Trefelin had already seen off higher league opposition on their way to final, beating teams like Pontypridd Town and STM Sports.
“I thought the boys followed the game plan to perfection,”
We knew the way the play and the threats they have all over the park. We wanted to stop them playing in between the lines and getting into pockets. We minimised their chances on the night and kept our threat by playing two up top.”
Preparations have already got underway for Trefelin as they prepare to go one further next season in Division Three, as they chase promotion to Division Two, which alluded them in the narrowest of margins this campaign.
“I kept telling myself I’d have a few weeks off being a manager but it never quite happens like that.
No sooner had the dust settled that I have been preparing for next season. The league disappointment will provide all the motivation me and my players need to bring more success to this brilliant club and get us to where we want to be.”
David Brown has already joined the club as Richie Ryan’s assistant manager. He is also available for selection.
(Featured Image: Stephen Handley)
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