Porthcawl storm into next round of the Welsh Cup

NEWCASTLE EMLYN ... 0 PORTHCAWL TOWN ATHLETIC ...................... 6

PORTHCAWL Town Athletic stormed into the next round of the Welsh Cup with a comprehensive victory over outgunned Newcastle Emlyn, writes Tony Poole.

The Seasiders found the pre-season form that held out hope that they were capable of making an instant return to the Premier Division of the Highadmit South Wales Alliance.

Buoyed by support from travelling fans, these two former Welsh League clubs looked evenly matched during the opening stages.

And although being without big guns on the local scene like Callum Chilcott, Ben Davies, Mike Booth and Jordan Marks, they went on to highlight strength in depth.

They turned to pace with speed merchants Morgan Thomas, Andrew Fisher and Jorge Crofts denting the Emlyn defence. And they took a 30th-minute lead when Thomas left a marker for dead and crossed for Fisher to score with ease.

And just ahead of the half time whistle, another assist from Thomas led to Matt Ellis doubling the lead.

It was 2-0 at the turna- round and early in the second half, Darren Perrie and Jack Germain set up Thomas to send Porthcawl clear.

In the 55th minute, Fisher was dragged down in the box, and Ellis converted the subsequent penalty.

And although the name of Porthcawl was already in the hat for the next round draw, they continued to press.

On the hour, Thomas again sliced through the home defence like knife through butter, and Fisher was on hand to slide the ball in.

Seven minutes later, Fisher completed a third senior hat-trick when a cheeky back heel – on the end of a Gianluca Sidoli ball -completed the scoring,

During the closing stages, Jack Bevan made a senior debut and on reflection, the win also owed much to the defensive qualities of Joey Downes, Callum Waters and child prodigy Tom Warren.

Ironically, back on November 18, 2006, craggy defender Warren got both goals, as the Seasiders won 2-1 at the ground.

And once they returned home, there was a clubhouse bash to celebrate the 50th birthday of manager Gregory Toner.

Next up for Porthcawl is Cornelly away on Sunday in conjunction with a Welsh Ground Hop (6pm).