Aberbargoed Town - 1

LAST Saturday Crickhowell FC welcomed Aberbargoed Town to the Elvicta in the semi-final of the Gwent County Amateur Cup.

The game was originally due to be played at Aberbargoed but due to the weather was reversed, giving Crickhowell the extra incentive.

The game started frantically and through a clever early move Alex Aitken managed to slot the ball away to give Crickhowell an early 1-0 advantage.

This seemed to only increase the desire of the Aberbargoed Town players, who rallied and worked hard, resulting in an equaliser of their own, making it 1-1 with barely 10 minutes played.

The game continued to ‘ebb and flow’ with both sides creating a number of chances. However, in the 10 minute period prior to half-time, Crickhowell built consistent pressure and striker Rob Blatchford continued to ask questions of both the Aberbargoed Town defence and keeper.

With great support from Ben Ward, Blatchford was able to make a telling break. The Aberbargoed Town keeper was deemed to have handled the ball outside the area. A penalty was awarded and the keeper shown red.

Blatchford stepped up and finished with aplomb to once again restore the home side’s one goal advantage going into the break.

The second-half began with both sides having a renewed ambition to make it to the final. Aberbargoed continued to pressurise the Crickhowell back four. The Crick defence, well marshalled by Matt Stephens were able to withstand the pressure. Stand-in goal keeper Lloyd Harris put his body on the line on numerous occasions and had to be substituted by the home side around the 70 minute mark.

Luckily Dan Weaver, a regular glove-man at CFC, returning from injury, was on the bench and made a more than adequate replacement.

Crickhowell continued to control the battle in midfield. Having a strong bench has really been a successful feature of this cup run for Crickhowell. Appearances from Jasper Morgan and Dylan King ensured that Crickhowell were well set when fatigue began to set in.

Man of the match Blatchford was able to seal Crick’s place in the final with a late strike. Cue scenes of celebration from the strong home support.

Crickhowell Chairman Graham Mason said, “The result means a great deal to the club, but we aren’t happy with just reaching a cup final, we are here to try and win this tournament. The club has been on a great journey of late and a cup final place is testament to the hard work and graft by both the players and committee who have marshalled the club in recent seasons.”

Crickhowell will now contest the Gwent County Amateur Cup Final, held at Pen-y-Pound, on Saturday, May 4 (1.30pm KO). They would love to see as many local supporters as possible to help them bring home the trophy.