Two clubs that have enjoyed good campaigns following promotion 12 months ago met in the final of the ‘senior’ cup competition organised by Presteigne St Andrews. Hay St Mary’s are the current holders of the trophy, after defeating Rhosgoch Rangers lat May, and have generally enjoyed a good record in this competition over recent years.
The Saints had finished the Spar Mid Wales League First Division in fourth place, following promotion 12 months ago, whilst also reaching the last four of the Central Wales Challenge Cup and League Cup final for the first time in their history. The Forest Road men collected their first silverware of the season on Friday evening with a 4-2 victory over Cymru Alliance club Rhayader Town in the Aspidistra Radnorshire Cup final. Hay St Mary’s had reached this final following victories over Orleton Colts and Presteigne St Andrews and had netted 13 goals in the process.
Kington Town had finished seventh in the West Midlands (Regional) League First Division and had were defeated 3-2 by Worcester Raiders in the First Division Cup final. The Mill Street club recorded a narrow 1-0 win over Radnor Valley on Tuesday evening to book their place in this final.
The cup holders made a positive start and broke down the left flank in the ninth minute before seeing Ryan Davies shot saved by the Kington Town goalkeeper. The Saints’ winger had another good opportunity, just seven minutes later, when he latched on to a well-placed through ball but was once again denied by the sharp custodian.
Hay St Mary’s eventually broke the deadlock in the 22nd minute, with the Forest Road men break down the left side, with Steve Morgan converting a the cross at the near post.
Kington Town striker Shaun Price headed wide from a teasing Liam Jones cross five minute latter before the Saints increased their advantage when Brendan Hackett converted a 34th minute penalty.
The North Herefordshire men were back in the final, eight minutes after the resumption, when Jones successfully netted from the spot and his team were nearly on level terms when a 57th minute corner was headed just over Jordan Baker’s goal.
Adi Lawford headed just over from a Saints corner on the hour before Hackett converted the third penalty of this final in the 71st minute.
Kington Town were reduced to ten men some for minutes later when their left back Mark Avery was shown a second yellow card and the match was lost for them when Steve Goodwin netted with a rasping drive in the 78th minute.
Liam Jones pulled another goal back six minutes later, this time with a well executed 25 yard free-kick, before Jack Biggs completed the scoring with a thumping header from an 89th minute corner.
The Cup committee picked Brendan Hackett as the man of the match.
Man of the match Brendan Hackett.
Captain Jordan Baker.
Cup Winners