UNLIKELY DREAM GOES ON FOR CUP ROOKIES

‘INSTANT’ team Ynysddu Welfare’s new youth side have achieved a football fantasy dream by winning their first game in a prestigious national cup competition – after being hastily assembled over the internet in a few days.

The new under 19s side drew 2-2 after extra-time at Briton Ferry Llansawel in the FAW Youth Cup last Sunday – before winning 7-6 on penalties to earn a second round tie at Llanelli Town on November 4.

The victory is remarkable in that only a few weeks ago, Ynysddu Welfare, who play in the Gwent County League, did not even have a youth side, having disbanded it two years ago through lack of interest.

An administrative error saw the club nonetheless entered into the cup, which includes sides from Swansea City and Cardiff City.

But rather than bow out, club officials decided to go ahead with the fixture and then appealed on social media for players.

Would-be players applied on social media from hundreds of miles away, but applicants were whittled down to a squad of 21 local lads, many registered with Sunday clubs.

And there was time for just one training session to be held before the game against a Briton Ferry side which included six former Swansea Academy players.

Ynysddu Welfare’s scorers were a Billy Evans penalty and Kean Davies.

Proud visitors’ manager Ben Murphy admitted he was lost for words by the result.

A Ynysddu Welfare statement said: “To produce such an incredible day you need a good host and Briton Ferry were incredible. Their hospitality was first class, the respect we received upon arrival was like nothing we’ve received before and their class after the final whistle is something we will remember for a very long time.”

However, Ynysddu Welfare could yet face disciplinary action from the Welsh FA over the conduct of their followers amongst the crowd of more than 300 spectators.

Smoke bombs were left off before and during the match and there was a pitch invasion during the penalty shoot-out.

A FAW spokesman said: “We are waiting on the referee’s report to see if any action needs to be taken.”