Blaenavon Blues - 4

Llandrindod Wells - 1

THE Blaenavon Blues cruised through to the next round of the FAW Trophy cup on the weekend courtesy of a hat-trick by Ritchie Wakeling.

Mid-Wales South league club Llandrindod Wells arrived at the Co-op field where the Blues started the brighter of the two sides and soon found themselves a goal in front when Wakeling exploited some poor defending by the visitors before superbly finishing.

The Blues could have been two up inside the opening 15 minutes when Mikey Waite's brilliant first time volley was superbly saved by the away keeper.

After the opening 15 minutes the Blues took their foot off the gas and allowed Llandrindod back into the game, as the Mid-Wales club dominated the remainder of the half and created numerous chances - Ben Smith in the Blues goal making one outstanding save.

Llandrindod soon got their reward for their half hour of domination when a long ball was collected by the centre forward who played an excellent pass to his strike partner leaving Smith in the Blues goal with no chance.

Blaenavon bounced back and controlled the entire second half with Wakeling taking the Blues into the lead when he closed down the Wells defence and finished with a exquisite lob.

The Blues went 3-1 up when 18-year-old Brad Jones playing in an unfamiliar position of right midfield scored with a cross come shot which left the away keeper rooted to the spot.

Jones produced an excellent disciplined display on the right side of midfield and will be a Blues first team player for many years to come.

The Blues sealed the game with 15 minutes remaining when that man Wakeling completed his hat-trick with another superb strike. Wakeling is now starting to find his feet at this level of football and has now scored five goals in his last two games.

The Blues gave a first team debut to under eighteen player Craig Tanner at left back and the youngster put in a top notch display, not putting a foot wrong all game.

This week the Blues are back to the bread and butter of league football when they visit local rivals Cwmffrwdoer Sports for a 3pm kick off.