Ynysddu Welfare’s makeshift youth side in heroic penalties victory over Briton Ferry
They didn’t have a registered youth team until a fortnight ago, but Ynysddu Welfare have progressed to the next round of the FAW Youth Cup.
Ynysddu entered the competition by accident and were tasked with putting together a youth side in the short space of time.
But a social media campaign which viral saw players applying from all across England and Wales to take part in a first-ever youth fixture for Ynysddu.
The game was won on penalties and now means that the makeshift Youth side, who don’t currently play in a league, could play against 12-time winners Swansea City or eight-time winners Cardiff City.
The Caerphilly based team put together a squad of twenty players. Major broadcasters like BBC, ITV and Sky Sports have covered the game.
Their opponents Briton Ferry currently play in the Welsh League Youth Division, sitting seventh, having won two games and lost two games.
Billy Evans, who plays senior football for Marshfield AFC levelled things up for the Gwent side, having initially trailed in the first half. Ynysddu Welfare then took a shock lead, before being pegged back.
The game went into extra time, but neither side could make a breakthrough, resulting in penalties.
Unbelievabl!! We only went and done it!! Final score 2-2 (7-6) pens
UPPADDUS
— Ynysddu Welfare FC (@ynyswelfare) October 7, 2018
Ynysddu Welfare fans thought their team were through when their keeper saved the last but one penalty, but Welfare were unable to put their name into the hat just yet. However, Briton Ferry missed again and this time Ynysddu put theirs away to register a historic victory.
Jubilant scenes followed immediately after the victory. Players were held aloft on the shoulders of the Ynysddu supporters after their act of giant-killing.
Ynysddu will now await the draw for the next round of the competition, having played their first game in the Youth Cup.
Swansea City were the last victors of the FAW Youth Cup, having beaten South Wales rivals Cardiff City on penalties, earlier this year.
(Featured Image: Ynysddu Welfare)
