PHOTOS:
Haverfordwest County
West End celebrate
Greg Walters equalised for Haverfordwest County
Match officials
League Youth Cup Final
Haverfordwest County 2 – West End 3
Venue: Marstons Stadium – Afan Lido
Referee: Paul Lewis (Blackwood)
Assistants: Mike Hopkins (Swansea) & Darren Reeby (Caerphilly)
Fourth Official: Phil Lang (Port Talbot)
Will Keogh’s late strike earned West End a slender, but hard-fought cup victory over Haverfordwest County at Marstons Stadium.
As the clash was finely poised at 2-2, with just minutes remaining, a long ball by man of the match right back Josh Chanda found Sam Allchurch and his wicked cross in the box was swept home gleefully by tall striker Keogh from inside the box for the winner.
It was a cruel blow for Haverfordwest County as they battled hard against a physical West End outfit that did their best to out-muscle Steve Batty and Colin Fawcett’s young Bluebirds.
Haverfordwest did not get off to the best of starts as Colin Harris’ direct free-kick rebounded off the defensive wall and looped over helpless goalkeeper Josh Hicks for the opener inside five minutes.
Fawcett strikes
But the Bluebirds regrouped and squared matters in the 25th minute; a dangerous cross by Laurie Haworth from the right found the lurking Liam Fawcett unmarked inside the box, and the striker drilled a low shot into the far corner, evading West End keeper Ross Greenwood as the score stayed 1-1 at half time.
After the interval the Swansea-based outfit pressed strongly, testing the Bluebirds’ back four of Dan Harding, Ryan Mansell skipper Jack Britton and Spencer Williams. West End missed two glorious opportunities to take the lead; firstly Lewis Dezulian headed wide from six yards, and secondly, Allchurch chipped a shot over the advancing Hicks, who were in no man’s land, but luckily for the keeper the ball bounced on the firm surface and somehow went over the crossbar.
Worked tirelessly
Joe Brill, Greg Walters, Gwion Howell, Mark Davies and Howarth worked tirelessly throughout and were unlucky to find themselves 2-1 down when a long ball fell to Richard Brain who coolly slotted home from eight yards.
Centre back Mansell was forced off after turning his ankle, but soon after the young Bluebirds equalised when a high ball into the box fell kindly for Walters to lash the ball into the back of the net.
It seemed as though the clash was heading for extra-time, but dramatically Keogh took his opportunity well and West End skipper Colin Harris received the silverware, much to the delight of his team-mates.
It left Haverfordwest County’s youngsters desperately disappointed but they, Steve Batty and Colin Fawcett can take consolation from the way they have played so well throughout the tournament and brought credit to their club.
Haverfordwest County Youth: Josh Hicks; Dan Harding; Ryan Mansell; Jack Britton (Captain); Spencer Williams; Mark Davies; Joe Brill; Greg Walters; Gwion Howell; Laurie Haworth; Liam Fawcett. Substitutes: Dan Jenkins; Owen Coombs; Sean O'Neil; Liam Davies; Dan Evans (Goalkeeper).
West End: Ross Greenwood; Josh Chanda; Adam Jones; Liam Cory; Lewis Dezulian; Lewis Eynon; Richard Brian; Ryan Thomas; Will Keogh; Colin Harries; Sam Allchurch. Substitutes: Luke Allen; Adam Richards; Jerome Gregory; Ryan Sanders, Connor Cullen.