Caersws 5 Llanrhaeadr Ym Mochnant 1
MAXI’S DOUBLE HELPS THE BLUEBIRDS AS THEY END THEIR MONTY CUP WAIT.
As the cup finals begin to wind up the season in Welsh Domestic Leagues , Saturday night it was the turn of the Banwy Fuels Montgomeryshire Challenge Cup Final at the Llansantffraid Recreation Ground. The pitch looked well very dry due to the hot weather, the sun was out covering most of the pitch for this 5pm kick off but out of the sun a little cold wind.
Caersws were looking to end their 19 year wait to win Montgomery Challenge Cup for the 32nd time , after Dave Taylor’s men survived in the Cymru North with some fine form at the back end of the season when they needed it most. The Bluebirds have fielded a strong team against Tier 4 opposition Llanrhaeadr Ym Mochnant.
Llanrhaeadr were looking to win the Cup for the second time after winning it in 2018-19 they entered the final after beating higher opposition beating Tier 3 and holders Llanidloes Town away and Cymru North Guilsfield 7-6 on penalties in the semi final at this very ground which ended 0-0 after 90 minutes a couple of weeks ago. Could history repeat itself ?
Well it started so well when just after 20 seconds Caersws defender IWAN SMOUT passed the ball back to his goalkeeper Max Williams to get his first touch of the ball but on this dry and bobbling pitch the ball went underneath Williams foot and straight into the net with the crowd shocked and aghast the underdogs were 1-0 up. They couldn’t believe it, neither could the Llanrhaeadr players.
Caersws took it in their stride, didn’t get rattled and started to play their passing game on the ground and when they started giving the ball to the dangerous Max McLaughlin who was starting to give the Llanrhaeadr defence nightmares.
It was the 14th minute when the ball looked to have gone out of play linesman said play on McLaughlin using all his tricks turned and spun David France and was fouled just inside the penalty area and with no hesitation Referee Neil Bayliss pointed to the spot
MAX MCLAUGHLIN picked himself up and put it into the left corner with goalkeeper Jack Jones guessing right but just failing to get a hand on it with the pace of the penalty.
Referee Bayliss got his first card out in the 22nd minute when Jake Jones received a yellow card for a challenge on Llanrhaeadr Captain Harri Matthews, the captain seemed in a bit of pain on his shoulder especially falling on this hard pitch.
The Bluebirds took the lead just under the half hour mark when Harry Cottam long ball found the ever willing runner of TOMMY ROWLANDS on the left hand side of the box who let the ball bounce then hit it on the half volley to put his side 2-1 up.
Caersws were now dominating procession going side to side stretching the oppsition defence especially with sun mostly on the pitch it took a great save in the 38th minute from Jones from Craig Harris to get his team just 2-1 down at half time.
Referee blew for half time Llanrhaeadr would be glad just to be 2-1 down as manager Michael Barton took his team into the shade by the corner flag while Caersws went into the dressing room.
The second half started as the first ended with Caersws having plenty of procession and Llanrhaeadr chasing but with the ball kept on coming back at them. Seven minutes into the second half Caersws took a two goal advantage when a Craig Harris corner was headed in on the edge of the penalty area into the top corner by ASHLEY HARRIES.
With that goal Llanrhaeadr Captain Matthews was taken off. Just before the hour mark a wonderful team goal by the Bluebirds when Dillion Browne played in Harries whose cross was tapped in by MAX MCLAUGHLIN for his second and his teams fourth goal of the game. After Llanrhaeadr manager Michael Barton made changes especially with them having a big league game on Bank Holiday Monday.
Ten minutes before the end McLaughlin got his assist when his corner was floated high and on the end of it was Captain HARRY COTTAM to head in 5-1.
Caersws put a run of subs on, with that superb cross field ball superbly taken right on the touchline by sub Kaiden Mahon he passed on to another sub Jared Marks who was fouled. Marks got up took the penalty only to see his shot brilliantly saved by Jones.
Final Score Caersws 5 Llanrhaeadr Ym Mochant 1
Caersws have won their first Montgomery Challenge Cup since 2005-2006 season plus surviving in the Cymru North under Dave Taylor and his team, a great end to the season. Let’s hope the club can get a deal done to keep them at the club.
Llanhaeadr Ym Mochnant after Forden Utd home draw against Carno earlier on Saturday afternoon they have a massive game on Bank Holiday Monday (5th) away at Tywyn Bryncrug in the MMP Central Wales North. After a few injuries before and during the game plus a tiredness coming in to play after a hard season you could see why Michael Barton made subs during the match. Then they have a the title decider at home against Forden United on the 17th May.
Cymru Sport Player of the Match ; Max McLaughlin (Caersws ) Apart from his two goals and an assist, every time he had the ball he looked dangerous, with his skill, tricks and turns. Always in space looking for the ball. Superb all round performance.
Michael Barton (Llanrhaeadr Ym Mochnant Manager)
Dave Taylor (Caersws Manager)
Harry Cottam (Caersws Captain )