Cefn Boys’ ‘finest hour’

Dan Harris-James was felled in the box, and Ross Hooper made no mistake with the ensuing penalty.

Better followed 10 minutes later when HarrisJames burst clear, and he slotted the ball home.

But in fairness to the students they had done their homework on Cefn, and responded two minutes into the second half.

Though Cefn goalkeeper Richard Jones kept out a Nick Hayden shot, up popped Mark Davis to pull a goal back.

The Riders then failed to convert one-on-once chances that fell to Tom Harris and Harris-James, and the Swansea side levelled. With a quarter of an hour to go, Seif Aram headed past goalkeeper Jones, and it was 2-2 after 90 minutes.

Extra-time failed to produce a winner, leading to the penalty shootout lottery. Ross Hooper, Jordan Jeffreys, Lloyd Hearne and Curtis Grant all obliged from the spot while substitute goalkeeper Rhys Fisher pulled off two terrific saves.

This enabled Cefn Cribwr to reach the first-round proper of the J D Welsh Cup for a first time in the club’s 41-year history.

“Every player gave it their best shot and it has to be the finest hour in club history,” said delighted Cefn boss Scott Dryden.

Cefn Cribwr were due to resume league duties at Garw last night (Tuesday), and are away to Tonyrefail on Saturday.