Talgarth Town ended the season with silverware by beating arch-rivals Hay St Mary’s 4–3 on penalties in the Pip Samuel (Electrical) Mid Wales (South) League Cup Final, after the match had finished 1–1.

Talgarth Town lifted the trophy for the first time in 17 years after overcoming their local rivals in the well-attended final at the Lant Field.

On the last occasion, the Royals were known as Gwernyfed and defeated the Saints 3–1 in the final at Builth Wells after Hay St Mary’s had been crowned league champions. Steve Potter and Gavin Perry, who netted the third goal for the victors in 2009, were also part of the Talgarth Town squad in this season’s final.

The teams and supporters held a minute’s applause prior to kick-off to remember Mark “Tiny” Harding, who played an integral part in the recent history of both clubs, and former Mid Wales League (South) referee Chris Bodenham, who also sadly recently passed away.

Both teams were well supported in a final well hosted by Builth Wells FC and well refereed by Steve Bradford, and there was little to choose between them over 90 minutes, with defences holding the upper hand.

Talgarth broke the deadlock on the half-hour, with Grzes Chodnicki volleying home, but the lead lasted just a few minutes before Ricky Lynes levelled with a low free-kick from just outside the box.

As the second half progressed, it looked as if the next goal would be decisive, but chances were few and far between at either end and it went to the dreaded shoot-out.

Lynes saw Hay’s first penalty saved by Talgarth keeper Eli Jenkins, while Talgarth were spot on, with Chodnicki, Harry Sharman, Kyle O’Shea and Tom Sharman-Jones making no mistake. Dave Thomas, Charlie Ward and Taylor Maddy scored for Hay, but keeper Tom Lewis blazed their last penalty over and the cup was Talgarth’s.

Hay St Mary’s midfielder Ed Walkden was named as the sponsor’s player of the match before Talgarth captain Frazer McAnally received the cup from Pip Samuel to commence the celebrations among the Talgarth Town players and supporters.