AFTER a 25 year absence, the FAW Trophy has finally returned to Abergavenny courtesy of an epic cup run by the town’s team.

Bringing the silverware back to Pen-y-Pound, that was last lifted by the Thursdays in 1991, was always going to be a big ask but after last year’s semi-final disappointment, Town were determined to put things right and return home from the FAW’s Dragon Park complex as champions in every sense of the word.

The cup final itself was a very tense affair. Craig Norman struck early on, after 68 seconds in fact, when he sprung Sully’s offside trap to break through and finish clinically past the advancing Matthew Davie in Sully’s goal.

On the half hour, Town had the chance to double their lead but Dan Jenkins’ lob over Davie went agonisingly wide of the left upright.

Norman almost scored his second shortly after, but his pile-driver also went wide.

The first chance of the afternoon for Sully came in the 38th minute when Alex Long’s left footed effort from the edge of the box was easily gathered by Town’s ‘keeper Tom Indge

Sully made two changes at half time and they started the second half brighter, with a long header from close range saved by Indge.

Left back Taylor Harding who has Welsh Premier League experience, looked dangerous getting forward and he was disappointed to see his effort from the edge of the box whistle wide of the left upright.

Jenkins had another chance to double Town’s advantage, just before the hour, but he was denied by Davie with his feet.

As both managers made changes and Sully chased for the equaliser, the game opened up, but with Town’s captain Jamie Summers and man of the match, Dafydd Brewer in commanding form at the back, Sully had no answer, and could not find an equaliser.

After a tense three minutes of added time it was left to referee Iwan Griffiths to blow the final whistle, and send upwards of 300 travelling Town supporters into raptures.

It was was smiles all round as captain Jamie Summers lifted the trophy in front of a delighted and vocal Town support.

A club spokesman said, “After the disappointment of losing out in the semi-final last year we always regarded this competition as unfinished business, and to come out on top from 151 teams who entered is an outstanding achievement.

“Great credit must go to manager Steve Morgan and his team, the back-room staff at Pen-y-Pound, club sponsors, and last but certainly not least, to all of our supporters who were magnificent on the day. We see this as a major step forward in bringing the good times back to Pen-y-Pound”

Next up, Town who lie in second place in the league, continue their quest for promotion and entertain third placed STM Sports at Pen-y-Pound on Saturday (2.30pm).