Margam YC have won the Port Talbot league open cup after a 4-0 victory over Cwmafan at Glenhafod Park, Goytre.
Margam and Cwmafan both went into the game knowing the first goal would be vital to the outcome of the final. Cwmafan had knocked Margam out of the other cup competition a few weeks before.
Both sides looked to pass the ball early on and use the width of the Glenhafod Park pitch. The first breakthrough came on 11 minutes. Gareth Howard was sent free and he shot across the Cwmafan goalkeeper and put Margam 1-0 up.
The victorious Margam YC team after the game
Shortly after, it could have been two. Matthew Jones crossed from the right and Steven Gibbons headed in from close range but he was ruled to have been infringing the defender. Full back Sam Griffiths then went on a run down the wing, which was proving to be a regular occurrence, and cut inside and was brought down inside the penalty box. The penalty was given and Matthew Jones stepped up but the shot was brilliantly saved.
Cwmafan almost got back into the game but after a goalmouth scramble, but Margam managed to get the ball away to safety. Margam did get the second goal they were after, but it came in unfortunate circumstances. Matthew Jones tried a speculative long range shot, which spun away from the clutches of the Cwmafan goalkeeper and ended up in the net.
The second half began and Cwmafan pressed from the off, but couldn’t find the elusive goal that would get them back in the game. They were restricted to long shots and Margam ended up going further ahead through Richard Miles. An excellent cross from Gareth Howard fell to Miles who bundled in from close range.
The victory was sealed by winger Steven Gibbons. After earlier having a goal disallowed, he drilled a left footed shot from outside the box into the bottom corner to put the result beyond doubt. Margam withstood pressure from Cwmafan who were trying to get a consolation late on. They may have got a goal but goalkeeper Mark Thomas kept out a low drive from Jonny Evans. Margam held on to keep a clean sheet and win the first cup competition of the season.
Captain and man of the match Gareth Howard stated after the contest that , “After a disappointing loss to Cwmafan in the semi- final in the other cup two weeks ago, the boys showed character and composure on the ball and despite a dubious disallowed goal and a missed penalty, we looked dangerous on every attack. We passed the ball round well, picked them off and just wore them down and could have been 6 or 7.”
Margam, who are currently second in the Port Talbot league Premier Division behind Cornelly A, are away to Croeserw at Tudor Park on Saturday 7th April, kick off 2.30pm.
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