Regions Cup Result and Match Report:

The regions cup adventure begins….

By Nathan Brearley.

March 11th 2015 saw a NEWFA team enter the regions cup for the first time in 6 years due to rules of the competition and the fact that NEWFA hasn't had a tier 5 league in recent history. This is an exciting venture with the team that wins the whole competition representing Wales in a European tournament in Portugal next year.

NEWFA hosted a North Wales Coast FA side who are the current holders knowing that the return fixture is just a fortnight later. There was an optimistic atmosphere surrounding Flint Town United’s ground with both teams hoping for a positive result to gain the upper hand for the second meeting. Nerves and excitement created the ambiance whilst the floodlights illuminated the playing surface as the evening mist crept across the skyline.

The game began in a very open manner with both teams squandering chances in the early exchanges, this accompanied by some decent work by both goalkeepers left the supporters of both associations expectant of early success and it was the NEWFA side that produced this with a neatly created move that was skilfully slotted away with the outside of his right boot by the lively Alex Williams. NEWFA had a fantastic opportunity just moments earlier from some creative work down the wing by Josh Williams which resulted in a goal mouth scramble but unfortunately Karl Lloyd just couldn't wrap his foot around the ball enough to direct it towards the gaping net.

The Coast continued to press and forced goalkeeper Daniel Cooper into some smart work at the near post but from the resulting break NEWFA managed to intricately pass through to the advancing Karl Lloyd who outwitted his opponent and was brought down with both assistant and referee simultaneously awarding the spot kick. Captain Sean Jones took the responsibility and unceremoniously slammed the penalty home in the 25th minute. This advantage proved most beneficial to the NEWFA side who grew in confidence and created further chances that were competently dealt with by the NWCFA goalkeeper, however the away side continued to press and did fire warning shots to the home sides concerns.

As half time approached there were a couple of challenges that demonstrated the desire of both teams to win the match and although not particularly dirty fouls referee Rob Jenkins used his experience to manage the players. This was a successful decision as the players of both teams responded to the man management tactics and demonstrated a willingness to keep the game flowing, which was aesthetically pleasing to the watching crowd.

The second half began much like the first with chances occurring at both ends whilst NEWFA introduced Kyle Harte in midfield for the hard working Bartley and brother Gavin Bartley for the injured Josh Williams. It was fair to say that the Coast FA were creating chances and on two separate occasions NEWFA watched the ball just pass wide of their goal. NEWFA desperately wanted to extend their lead as they recognised that the Coast were a decent side who just needed that break to change the pattern of the game but on 70 minutes Alex Williams showed that little bit of class and calmly but expertly slotted home again. The celebration from both players, managers and spectators indicated the relief of the 3rd goal and allowed NEWFA to settle again. This proved very fruitful as only 5 minutes later NEWFA made it four with the hardworking Karl Lloyd getting a well deserved goal. This was a fantastic strike on the half volley that gave the Coast keeper no chance. Lloyd had knocked on the door on a couple of occasions but to no avail, however he continued to put himself in the right places, take the chance to shoot when it occurred and finally received his reward. Williams had scored two great goals with good composure but for me this was the goal of the game.

In the closing stages Terry Nicholas came on for NEWFA’s injured skipper Sean Jones, whilst Nick Jones struggled through at the end after a knock as NEWFA had made all substitutions. Although 4-0 up NEWFA continued to press and at times left the Coast with potential 3 on 3 situations. NEWFA certainly were adventurous in their play and showed a philosophy of attack, attack, attack. Players had given their all and it was fair to say that fatigue was apparent in the closing stages which provided the Coast with another couple of chances before the conclusion. The match ended 4-0 which was a pleasing result for all concerned with NEWFA, but it is said with caution that this is only half time as the Coast demonstrated that they have the potential to score and therefore NEWFA must go into the second game in determined manner if they wish to progress further in the competition.

Considering this was the first time the NEWFA side had been together they certainly gelled well and credit should be given to the management team of Stewart Tarren and Steve Lloyd for generating a team who played for each other and demonstrated both camaraderie and a desire to win in a sporting manner. Whilst further credit should go to Mike Beech (Secretary of the NEWFA league) for all his hard work behind the scenes. This really was an all round team effort.

On behalf of NEWFA we would like to thank all from the Coast FA for the game, the match officials and Flint Town United for the use of the facilities. We are thoroughly looking forward to our return visit to Llandudno FC on March 25th, kick off at 7 45pm.

NEWFA 4 NWCFA 0

NEWFA side – Cooper, Foulkes, Richards, Smith, Jones S, Williams N, Jones N, Bartley A, Williams A, Lloyd, Williams J.

Subs used – Nicholas, Bartley G and Harte.
Subs not used – Hewitt, Davies and Layne