The NEWFA Under 19 Cup Final
played at LEX XI FC on Thursday 13th May
Following a tense game at Lex XI's Stansty Park it was Elements Cefn Druids who took the spoils - just!!
On a night and a surface that was perfect for Football after the mid-afternoon showers, the game began with Druids seizing the early initiative without really testing Elliot Davies in the TNS goal. In fact it was Drew Wickens, the Druids stand-in keeper who pulled off two fine saves in the first half, saving low down to his left from both Marcus Ashley and Charlie Proctor, the TNS live-wire front two. Despite the constant probing of Druids skipper Josh Griffiths and Jamie Crowther in the centre of midfield, they never really caused a TNS defence superbly marshalled by Sam Rimmer and Grant Butler any real problems. Rimmer in particular dealt with every high ball extremely well and hardly put a foot wrong all night, equally impressive was right-back Ashley Jones who was very composed in possession and strong in the tackle. Standing out for the Druids were their central defence partnership of Nathan Smith and Adam Hesp. Because of the dominance of both sets of defenders half-time arrived with the game locked at 0-0.
The second half began in much the same way, with chances at a premium at either end, although the game did start to open up more in that second period. On the hour Chris Buxton of Druids showed great close control on the edge of the box but his shot fizzed just wide. A couple of other great situations were spoiled by wasteful finishing on the TNS goal. At the other end a free kick from the left was cleared by Hesp but arrived at the feet of TNS wide man Scott Foster whose shot just missed the right-hand upright. In the 76th minute an incident took place which ultimately decided the Cup; following a tackle, Druids' Levi Roberts was forced to leave the play and was replaced by Welsh Under 18 Cap Aled Evans. A minute later Evans' first touch took him beyond his defender and his second delivered a superb cross for Mike Taylor to head home for the winning goal. All in all a very interesting game, with Elements Cefn Druids just about shading it to take home the trophy.
The presentations were made by NEWFA Vice- Chairman Mr. Cliff Evans and General Secretary Mr. Ken Hughes. Thanks to Lex XI for hosting the game and for their superb hospitality - especially Maggie's home-made cake, I gave up after four slices!!
Elements Cefn Druids: Drew Wickens, Matthew Redmond, Johnny Williams, Nathan Smith, Adam Hesp, Josh Griffiths, Mike Taylor, Jamie Crowther, Josh Russell, Chris Buxton, Levi Roberts.
Subs: Aled Evans, Neal Pearce, Adam Lovatt, Adam Skellon, Kenny Dwyer.
The New Saints: Elliot Davies, Ashley Jones, Dale Wolverson, Grant Butler, Sam Rimmer, Panayiotis Haralambous, Adam Ciesneski, Tom Allan, Charlie Proctor, Marcus Ashley, Scott Foster.
Subs: Nick Jones, Callum Williams, Alex Bromley, Scott Quigley,Gareth Barker.
Referee: Mr. D. Fawkes. Assistant Referee's: Mr. s. Wilday and Mr. P. Winsper
