Match Report : S&R Trophies Cup Final

In front of a good size crowd, and starting off in the sunshine at Stebonheath Park, this was an enthralling Cup Final between two evenly matched sides who played some excellent football which on occasions lacked the end product.

It was Sandfields who started the better and nearly took the lead on 2 minutes when defensive nerves for Pontardawe Town nearly had the better of them but Sandfields's Sam Hollowood shot just wide.

Sandfields had definitely settled into the game but it was Pontardawe Town who had the next chance as Tom Owen and Lewis Pritchard linked up to bring a good save from Sandfields keeper Sam Simpson which rebounded to Pritchard who fired over the bar.

The game was pretty even now and was end to end with Sandfields's Luke Mildenhall and Zac Williams going close which was then followed by a good chance for Pontardawe Town's Callum Yates who had to good chances in the space of 3 minutes. Next chance fell to Luke Mildenhall but his shot was easily saved by Pontardawe Town keeper Dion Carroll.

Still the chances came from good work by both sides but neither team were really testing the opposing keepers. As the first half closed Sandfields had the best chance of the game as the dangerous Luke Mildenhall broke down the right and got around the defence to square to Zac Williams and only desperate defence from Pontardawe Town saved a certain goal. Just before the half ended the referee gave Pontardawe Town a corner but Morgan Bevan's header was deflected away by a strong Sandfields defence

Half Time - Sandfields 0 Pontardawe Town 0

As the second half got underway it was noticeable the Pontardawe Town came out of the blocks the quicker of the two teams and started to apply real pressure. A free kick was cleared for a corner and from that corner Fin Capel went close

On 56 minutes an excellent long ball by Morgan Bevan was defended well again by Sandfields and from the resulting corner a Pontardawe Town header again wen just wide.

On the 60 minute mark Sandfields finally showed their first half potential with an excellent attack on the break as Zac Williams broke through at great pace but Pontardawe Town's Dylan Simmons was up for the challenge and won the ball just outside the area.

Next up it was Pontardawe Town's Callum Yates who shot wide and just a minute later, on 69 minutes, Fin Capel went close with a speculative effort.

It was a tense affair and the crowd was very vocal as both sides gave everything but just as it looked as if extra time was going to be needed Pontardawe Town took the lead when substitute Liam Keefe broke through the resolute Sandfields defence and from 12 yards he slotted the ball under keeper Sam Simpson

83m : Sandfields 0 Pontardawe Town 1

For the last 7-10 minutes, including injury time, Sandfields gave everything while Pontardawe Town looked to catch them on the break. The Pontardawe Town defence stood tall and showed great composure whilst at the other end keeper Sam Simpson showed great awareness and ability with two excellent saves to keep the score at 1-0

Then, after about 4 minutes injury time, referee Ken Wright blew for time and it was Pontardawe Town who celebrated the win

Final Score : Sandfields 0 Pontardawe Town 1

The Trophies were awarded the S&R Trophies Cup by Mrs Jean Wooller, Chairman of the West Wales Football Association. Jean was also the former Treasurer, and founder member, of the West Wales Youth League

After the game Pontardawe Town's Tom Owen was awarded Man of the Match by Mrs Jean Wooller

Full credit goes to Sandfields also for an excellent and determined effort and whilst every one of their players stood up and fought 100% for the team there is a special mention here for their stand out players who were Luke Mildenhall (No 11), Zac Williams (No 9) and young Sam Simpson in goals

A special mention for the Match Officials with Referee Ken Wright supported by his Assistants Garwyn Davies and Miss Ceri Williams. Daniel Gill was the 4th Official. A game refereed in good spirit and without incident which was credit to both sides and the officials.

Both sides are still in with a chance in their respective leagues so the season doesn't end here

Finally, many thanks to our Cup Sponsor Steve Green, of S&R Trophies, for his support over the last 5 years

Match Report written by Gary Thomas (WWYL Chairman)
More Photographs to follow