BRIDGEND & DIST

PENCOED RESERVES .. 1 CEFN CRIBWR RESERVES ..................... 1

PENCOED Reserves punched their ticket into the Division One Cup final in gunning down their Cefn Cribwr counterparts during a penalty shootout, writes Tony Poole.

Pencoed will now face Caerau All Whites in the final at Penybont FC this Friday (6.30pm).

The Llynfi Valley side gained a free passage into the final after Bridgend super club Penybont last Saturday failed to raise a third team, owing to injuries and a wedding.

During the Felindre Road semi-final clash, Pencoed once more thanked their lucky stars for having Emmerdale star Jimmy King in their cast. candles out on the home challenge.

His first goal since day one of the season – when he netted in the 3-1 FAW Trophy win at Pentwynmawr – was down to him using his head in nodding home a Rhys Thomas free kick.

Turner and Brown continued to pose Ton problems, but Pencoed then thanked their lucky stars when Matty Roberts pulled off a dazzling save.

That seemed to shake Pencoed up and they then rattled and rolled Ton until Brown painted Ynys Park red in meeting a Turner cross to round the

He once more milked the applause in getting the Pencoed goal that set up the 1-1 final scoreline.

But ultimately even actor King lost out on being crowned star man by goalkeeper Darren Claridge, who saved two Cefn penalties during the penalty shootout.

Earlier, Penybont Thirds outwitted Maesteg Park Reserves at the quarter-final stage, triumphing 2-1.

A goal down at the break, the Bridgend super club hit back via a two-goal salvo from polished Pole Rafael Pacheloc.

In other Bridgend & District League Cup Finals, Llangynwyd and Penyfai meet in the Full Steam Ahead U12 final at Penybont on Saturday (12 noon).

That’s followed at 2pm by the Mid Glamorgan Provisions U14 final with Brackla throwing down the gauntlet to Llangeinor. goalkeeper and put the points to bed.

Soon after Brown played in Turner for 3-0, but the ex-Aussie missionary worker forgot his lines - and was left speechless.

“The boys were all over the pitch for 90 minutes and a young squad continues to grow in confidence,” was the theme during the Mark Powell press conference in the Ynys Park newsroom.

Pencoed, who were due to meet old pals AFC Butetown away last night (Tuesday), host Merthyr Saints tomorrow, and round off a memorable season next Tuesday night at Brecon Corries.