Crickhowell Panthers U14 - 1

Abertyswwg Angels U14 - 0

IN front of the hundreds of supporters who filled Newport Stadium with flags, banners and noise, the Crickhowell Panthers well and truly clipped the wings of the Abertyswwg Angels to go on and win the Newport and District Girls League Cup Final.

The pressure of not only the occasion, but also the venue must have been daunting for both sets of players, yet the Panthers remained composed and from the kick-off enjoyed much of the early possession, making several probing moves down the wings.

The Angels, with a well experienced defensive unit held firm and attempted to counter attack down the centre with their pace and strength.

Neither keeper had much to do in the opening quarter as the teams parried each other in the midfield, but an attack down the left wing led to a low cross which the Angels cleared, only for it to be launched back in by the Panthers midfield.

Again it was cleared by a long header out to the feet of Lewis, playing on the right wing. She lifted the ball from the edge of the area toward the goal and although the keeper got a hand to it, the power and height of the strike took the ball into the net.

From the restart the Panthers maintained the momentum and looked for the second to ease the nerves.

Attacks down the wings continued but the Angels defence remained solid and the narrow lead was taken into the Panthers dressing room at half time.

During the interval team Manager Summers made three substitutions to ensure that the whole squad had an opportunity to play in this final.

The wind was now much stronger and also against the Panthers as the teams emerged for the second half.

The Angels took the early initiative as they looked for the equaliser and with sustained pressure, D'Arcy in the Panther goal, was called upon several times to make the saves.

The pressure continued to build but the Panthers defence, led by Cannan their very vocal Captain, reduced the Angels to long range shots.

Several of these came close and the groans and shouts from the Angels fans steadily built as the time ticked on.

But the Panthers held and started to counter attack as the Angels began to falter.

Barrell on the Panthers wing sent a blistering shot from a wide angle a metre over the bar after some clever play between her and Jones to create the half chance.

N.Cook dribbled her way through the Angels centre, past three players, and into the area.

Unfortunately, just as she was about to launch the strike that would have sealed the match, she was brought down.

The ref signalled that it was a fair shoulder charge and play continued, much to the groans of the Panthers Fans.

The cut and thrust continued until the final whistle and the place erupted.

The players shook hands and a formal presentation of individual trophies and the League Cup from the Mayor followed, as well as the photo calls and celebratory antics.

A spokesperson for the Panthers told the Chronicle, "Commiserations to the Angels who fought bravely. It could have gone the other way on the day with no side enjoying total dominance, but congratulations to the Crickhowell Panthers players, Manger, Coaches and supporters who made it such a great day for the Club.

"Congratulations also to the Newport and District Girls League who certainly put on a very impressive show.

"I'm so glad that the actual Final produced such an entertaining game in such a venue and on such an occasion – the players will never forget that sort of experience."