Welsh Cup Football U12 Boys 2 - 3 Welshpool
On Thursday 17th October our Yr7 Boys bowed out of the Welsh Cup with a spirited performance full of endeavour against a talented home side.
Played on the astro-turf with full size goals, the match had all the indications of a high scoring match-up between two sides who scored 26 goals between them in the first round of the competition, however testament must go to both teams for their part in a fantastic match which ebbed and flowed throughout and was in the balance all the way to the final whistle.
In the opening exchanges both teams had their moments with early opportunities, however Welshpool opened the scoring after 15 mins following a dangerous break down Newtown's left and a good finish from the home centre forward. Further pressure 5 mins later caught the Newtown defence napping with a high ball through the middle which was finished well to make it 2-0. The midfield trio of Clayton A, Jack D and Tommy P, as well as good goalkeeping from Ryan W, helped to settle Newtown down in the remaining 10 mins to keep Newtown in the game at half-time.
The second-half saw Newtown come out of the blocks well playing down the slope, finding a lot more space down the wide channels and in behind Welshpool's back four. A good run in midfield saw Tommy P release Tom P-L through on goal who then finished well to make it 2-1 Welshpool. Newtown's tails were up and more pressure came with Khalil Al-M and Harry W enjoying some good runs out wide, Tom P-L nearly scored another, all backed up with resolute defending led by Tomas O. However, a Welshpool break saw their left wing curl a shot in the top corner from outside the box, making it 3-1 to the home side with 10mins to play.
Newtown, to their credit, never gave up and got themselves back into the game only a few minutes later when captain Jack D surged forward into the Welshpool box to squeeze his finish in between the keeper and defender to make it 3-2 with around 4 mins to play. A goal-mouth scramble moments from the end nearly saw Newtown equalise, however Welshpool managed to clear the ball away which was closely followed by the final whistle, final score 3-2 to Welshpool.
Full-credit to deserved winners Welshpool on the win and good luck in the Powys Final. Hard-luck to our Yr7s, there was certainly no shortage of effort and team-spirit in a performance they can be proud of. Da iawn pawb!
