Goalscorer Crutch ‘overwhelmed’ by semi-final victory over New Saints

Goalscorer Mark Crutch has said he is overwhelmed by Cambrian’s victory over The New Saints as he attempted to soak in the clubs achievement.

Substitute Mark Crutch who came on in extra-time provided the Sky Blues with a shock lead before Greg Draper levelled proceedings but Andre Griffiths provided Cambrian with their moment of joy just minutes later.

The 24-year-old who is a local boy to Cambrian, having been born in the Rhondda has played for clubs like Afan Lido, Bridgend Town and Ton Pentre.

Central-defender Crutch said: ”No one expected us to win and we’ve just done that. I can’t describe it at the moment. I’m just overwhelmed. It’s amazing.”

“You can see them (the players) in tears that is how much it means to them and how much it has come on from the start. It’s amazing.”

“All the community’s out big game no one expected us to win, we turned them over.

“Everyone has turned up, we’ve done the job tonight on the best team in Wales.”

Having played in defence, Crutch went forward for a corner-kick and prodded home from Sam Jones’ corner to provide Cambrian with their first magical moment.

In what was his first real touch of the ball after coming on for Cambrian as their last substitute, the experienced defender wrote his name into Cam folklore with his opening goal.

“The first touch for me, really I went up there, corner, foot swung the net and I’ve just run off everyone diving on top of me.

“Hard to be honest. I was the fourth sub, I’m not going on, I’m centre-half, you put strikers go on to win the game we’ve both come on and we’ve done it really.”

Both he and Andre Griffiths came off the bench to score the two goals tonight, something in which manager Dane Williams is aware of, the strength in depth in the squad.

As Cambrian try to soak in how big of an achievement their semi-final win is, they will now have to prepare for the short journey to Cardiff to play fellow Rhondda side Pontypridd Town.

“We’ve both given the gaffer something to think about next week now, both come off the bench scored the goals. It’s a tough one for him.”

(Featured Image: Will Cheshire)