Ynysygerwn’s winning penalty taker Phillips reveals lack of nerves

Ynysygerwn’s Tom Phillips revealed he missed a penalty in training the week before he booked the Neath side’s place in the League Cup final.

Phillips scored the decisive spot kick as Ynysygerwn reached their first Welsh League Cup final at the expense of Division One side Penybont.

He punished Jaye Bowen for a missed penalty after the shootout went into sudden death. 

Asked if he had any nerves as he stood 12-yards from glory, the defender replied: “I didn’t have any, I loved it!

“We practised last week, having one each and I was the only one who missed.

“We deserved it and over the 90 minutes and the extra time, we defended well, and attacked when we needed to.”

Penybont who won the Division One title last Saturday and will be playing in the Welsh Premier League were the fourth victim of Nicholas Maggs’ side.

It’s worlds apart from when the club played in the Neath League. The club has continued to grow since moving into the Welsh League. 

“It’s amazing, for the club it’s absolutely massive. From going from the Neath League and as we all pay to play, for something like that to happen, it’s absolutely amazing.

“To go on a journey like this it doesn’t happen very often. We are literally a village club.”

For the Neath side, their aim has been to survive in the Division, securing Welsh League status for a third season. 

Now with a Cup final to look forward to, the club will be able to have a big day out against their Division Three counterparts.

“I can’t wait. all season we’ve been mid table and stayed up. 

“We’ve done well, and now we’ve got something to look forward to in the final, which should be a good day.”