Nicholas Maggs says the club’s Welsh League Cup run could be a catalyst for future success next season.
Ynysygerwn shocked the Welsh League scene earlier this week when they beat Penybont on penalties.
They’ll take on fellow Division Three side Penydarren Boys & Girls Club next month in each sides first final.
Maggs said: “There’s been a huge progression, nobody ever envisaged it [getting to a cup final] when we came up. Hopefully if we can get a few players in next year, you never know.
“I have managed in cup finals, but only in the lower leagues. I’ve never played in one. I said that to the boys, you might have a 20-year playing career and never be promoted or play in any cup finals – but I think they deserve it.”
Defender Tom Phillips scored the decisive penalty for the Neath side. He previously missed a penalty in training last week as they prepared for penalties.
“I’m a big believer in you pick your spot, we practied in the week, and the only player who didn’t stick to the spot he took was the one who scored the winning penalty!”
“I’ve been with the club seven years, and the boy who scored the winning penalty is from the village, so Tom especially deserves that.”
On complexion of the game, Ynysygerwn went toe-to-toe with Penybont and battled well. Arran Biddiscombe gave Maggs’ side the lead before Luke Borrelli, who had previously played in the Welsh top flight equalised.
“The boys were fantastic again. They just do what we ask and I thought they were outstanding.
“I thought we deserved to win the game possibly in 90 minutes, and extra-time as well, but what a result for the club.
“I think it shows that if you’re consistent, you’ll do well, and that’s been our problem this year, we haven’t been consistent and we haven’t beaten sides that we probably should have beaten.
“Fair play to Penybont, they’re a fantastic side, and they had their spell of 20 minutes in the second half, but we weathered it, kept going and I thought we deserved it over the 120 minutes.
“It’s another massive step for us, and the boys deserve it.”
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