Risca United 5-2 Afan Lido: Berry’s hat-trick tops off dominant Cuckoos display
Tom Berry’s hat-trick inspired Risca United to a 5-2 statement win against three-time Nathaniel MG Cup winners Afan Lido at CSE Ystrad Mynach.
Making their first appearance in the competition following their promotion last season, Risca United have began their campaign by securing a first win of the season in some style.
Berry was the hero in the Cuckoo’s first match in nine months and was key again on Wednesday, netting a treble. Lewis Hitchock also scored, as well as an unfortunate own goal for Lido’s Morgan Thomas.
A early first half goal from striker Tom Berry gave Risca the lead. A brilliant strike from outside the box Berry’s effort would cannon in off the post.
Just 4 minutes later Berry would come close once again hitting the post, though the woodwork would go against him this time pushing the ball out for a goal kick. Risca would continue their early dominance finding a good ball into Matthew Thomas. The striker would be brought down in the box leading to a penalty to Risca. Hitchcock would be the man to step up slotting home and doubling the home sides lead.
The second goal seemed to wake the Lido players up, who would have a heavy spell of pressure. The away side were conviced they had scored when Evans shot seemed to cross the line, but the ref was having none of it. On the 32nd minute Afan Lido would finally find their goal, Cai Owens would strike a beautiful volley from just outside the box.
Lidos good work was short lived with Riscas Tom Berry finding his second of the game putting the home side 3-1 up. Risca was in firm control going into half time with Lido hoping for a better display after the break.
Lido would do just that getting their second half off to the perfect start. a 52nd minute goal would get the side back into the game, with Clatworthy striking from 5 yards.
Lido would once again switch off , a poor touch would fall to Berry who found his third of the evening.
Risca would see a shot cleared off the line, though would have to defend a quick counter attack. Ioan Evans eyes lit up as a low cross came to his feet, though the winger would see his effort sky over the bar.
Clatworthy would have what would end up being Afan Lidos last good chance heading over from 5 yards out.
With just a few minutes left Risca would look to see out the game. A brilliant run from Risca winger Camden Duncan would see a deflected shot end up in the back of the net.
The game ended 5-2 to the home side in a dominant display, Risca will now enter the next round of the draw.
Risca United: Jordan Dibble ,Arthur Furness (Connor Parry, 71), Lewis Hitchcock, Callum Hodges, Ricky Hodge, Ryan Wheeler, Sam Palmer (Jak Lewis 63), Josh Clayton, Matthew Thomas, Tom Berry (Leon Thomas, 71), Camden Duncan
Goals: Tom Berry 8, 34, 59, Lewis Hitchock p 16, Morgan Thomas OG 89’
Yellow Cards: Josh Clayton 67, Tom Berry 69,
Afan Lido: Aaron Jones, Stephen Morris (Ben Burns, 70), Harry Jenkins, Cai Owens, Evan Price, Craig Reddy, Ioan Clatworthy, Lewis Butler (Lewis Holder, 45), Harry Davies, Jay Thomas (Morgan Thomas, 45), Ioan Evans
Goals: Craig Reddy 33, Ioan Clatworthy 54′
Yellow Cards: Evan Price 23, Ioan Evans 28
See how Risca United defeat Afan Lido by recapping with our live blog below:
(Featured Image: Ethan Poynter)
