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 the weather was reversed giving Crickhowell extra incentive.

The game started frenetically and with both sides looking in good touch. Crickhowell raced away and through a clever early move Alex Aitken managed to slot the ball away to give the home side 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 the game 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 break, the Aberbargoed Town keeper was deemed to have handled the ball outside the area and as last man a penalty was awarded. The Aberbargoed Town keeper was given a red card for the infringement, meaning the visitors were reduced to 10 men. Blatchford stepped up and finished with aplomb to once again restore the home sides one goal advantage. At half time the scores read 2-1 to Crickhowell.

The second half began with both sides having a renewed ambition to make it to the Cup Final and Aberbargoed continued to pressurise the Crickhowell back four. The Crick defence well marshalled by Matt Stephens were able to with stand 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 was returning from injury and was on the bench and made a more than adequate replacement. Crickhowell continued to control the battle in midfield and having a strong bench has really been a successful feature of this cup run for Crickhowell and 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 and 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 Abergavenny Town, on Saturday, May 4 (1.30pm KO). We would love to see as many local supporters present to support the club in its endeavour to bring home the trophy!