Trethomas Bluebirds claim opening day scalp over Llantwit Major
Trethomas Bluebirds got their first win of the Cymru South season. (Image: Rob Hill)
Trethomas Bluebirds won on their Cymru South debut as they claimed a win over Llantwit Major.
Gareth Tedstone put the visitors in front after a dominating second-half display from the Bluebirds. Leon Thomas and Tedstone both saw their penalties saved by Jack Lansdown, but the latter was finally able to break the deadlock.
It’s a winning start for the Ardal South East champions as they embark on their maiden season in the Cymru South. As for Major, they avoided the drop last year and will want to improve on their performance from last term.
Llantwit made a fast start to this game and won a corner in the opening few minutes. The in-swinging corner found Joel Woodington in the box but his header cannoned off the bar and out for a goal kick.
Trethomas came straight back with Leon Thomas sending a quality ball across the Llantwit box. Thomas Gameson came sliding in for it but just missed but the ball went through to Jack Jones and he fired into the side netting.
In the 12th minute, Trethomas were given a penalty as Lansdown came out to collect the ball and collided with a Trethomas player. Leon Thomas stepped up and sent the ball low to the right but didn’t have enough power as Lansdown got across to save.
Lansdown was the busier of the two keepers as he was called into action again. Thomas hit a shot on the turn forcing the Llantwit keeper into another save.
In the second half, Leon Thomas continued to cause problems for the home defence. He picked the ball up on the edge of the area he moved past a defender before firing a low shot. Lansdown again made the save to deny him.
Trethomas kept Llantwit pinned in their own half for long periods and Llantwit’s rare chances came from long-range attempts, with Ioan Emanuel sent a shot high over the bar.
The pressure kept coming from the Bluebirds and James Young made a run into the box from the left side. Young fired a shot from a tight angle which Lansdown beat away. Young was then fouled and Trethomas were given another penalty.
This time, Gareth Tedstone to step up and take the spot kick. Tedstone went left but Lansdown went the right way again and saved.
For all of Lansdown’s saves Trethomas’ pressure told. Just after the penalty Lansdown called to make another save. He couldn’t hold it and the ball fell to Tedstone who fired in from close range.
With the lead, the visitors were out to contain and hold Llantwit out. Their defence held firm and denied Llantwit any real chances to come back into the game.
In other news, the club have been invited into the Fenix Trophy again for this season and will face Belgium side Berhem Sport in the first round. After winning promotion Trethomas will be looking to begin their first Cymru South campaign with a win over the 2021/22 champions.
The Bluebirds also won their first round MG Cup match win a 3-2 win over Cwmbran Celtic. Levi Rees, Leon Thomas and William Bevan were on the scoresheet at Celtic Park.
Trethomas have added some new signings ahead of the season with midfielder Finley Hayman signing from Trefelin BGC and Kallum Thomas joining from Treharris Athletic.
Llantwit Major
Jack Lansdown (G), Thomas Lillico (Jake Barrow 79), Sean Kelly, Madison Armstrong, Thomas Walbeoff, Sean Williams (Jamie Miller 79), Ioan Emanuel, Rob Jones (C), Joel Woodington (Ryan Escott 16), Matthew Kimmins, Nathan Renfree (Finn Jennings 79).
Yellow Cards: Jack Lansdown 13, Ryley Allen 90+6′.
Trethomas Bluebirds
Harry Irving (G), Harvey Selway, Lee Baldock, Andrew Evans, David Vincent, James Saddler (C), James Yong, Thomas Gameson, Gareth Tedstone (William Bevan 82), Leon Thomas (Alfie Jones 84), Jack Jones (Finley Hayman 46 (Kallum Thomas 90+3).
Goals: Gareth Tedstone 72.
Yellow Cards: Gareth Tedstone 22, Harvey Selway 66′
