Penydarren BGC will compete in their first Welsh League Cup final after knocking out Cup holders Trefelin.
Despite being forced to play with ten men for 70 minutes after Alex Long’s early dismissal, Christopher Colvin’s second-half brace inspired Penydarren to victory over promotion rivals Trefelin. Joshua Brogden’s first-half penalty was cancelled out by Stephen Berry’s header but Colvin stole the show with an impressive performance.
Ryan Martin should have provided Penydarren with the opener but he spurned his opportunity from close-range after a ball across goal was fired off target.
Penydarren’s task of dethroning the Cup holders was made into a tough ask. Trefelin’s Damon Thomas burst on the counter-attack, he was brought down by Penydarren’s Alex Long. Long was shown a straight red card by referee Jordan Harman.
Trefelin almost benefited from the man advantage immediately. Stephen Berry peeled away from his man and headed just wide of the target.
Penydarren were awarded a penalty as Matthew Beynon fouled Christopher Colvin after a hoofed ball from Ben Gibbons caused problems. Joshua Brogden sent goalkeeper Matthew Stanton the wrong way to break the deadlock for Kerry Mullins’ side.
The Merthyr side were able to frustrate Trefelin as they tried their own attempt fora penalty but the referee stood firm.
After Penydarren went into the break ahead, the second-half brought the game into more drama.
Mike Waters superb cross found Stephen Berry who powered home a pinpoint header past Stephen Price.
Trefelin weren’t level for long. Martin’s flicked header who found Colvin who powered home a volley past Stanton.
Colvin doubled Penydarren’s lead jus over the hour mark. Trefelin’s defence napped, allowing the prolific forward to round Stanton and slide an effort into an open goal.
Richie Ryan’s side continued to battle as they looked to retain their Cup. Michael Waters was denied by a superb save from Price.
Colvin had a chance for his hat-trick as Penydarren broke on the counter through Kyle Sullivan but he skewed his effort wide.
Penydarren were made to defend for the most of stoppage time. They threw bodies in the way of a number of attempts as they continued to battle.
Price made another fine save as he tipped away Joseph Jones’ header. Despite Trefelin’s late pressure, Penydarren were able to hold on for the victory.
Penydarren BGC: Price, Kinsey, Gamble, Al Lloyd, Gibbons, Lewis, Sullivan, Martin (As Lloyd 61), Brogden, Long, Colvin (Keating 92)
Trefelin BGC: Stanton, Monks-Landeg, Waters, Jones, Beynon, Davies, Latham, Berry, Thomas, Williams (Dan Thomas 55), Spring (Edwards 66)
(Featured Image: Ethan Harris)
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