Reserve Division One Cup Giants Grave, topping the league and undefeated were naturally favourites to progress in this cup tie but stranger things have happened. The game was played in the pleasant spring sunshine but the pitch was still heavy from the recent storms. The Grave proved to be the stronger team in the opening exchanges and should have been two nil up after 30 minutes but Glynneath also threatened on the break. While the visitors forced Nicky Llewellyn into some fine saves his opposite number was quick off his line to smother any chances created by Robert Wright, Brad Mead and Dean Bennett. The Grave netted after 35 minutes but with the referee – Darren Castaldi – perfectly positioned, there was little dispute when he ruled for offside. For the second period the Grave continued to press, Jon Llewellyn (the manager) defended strongly as the Grave tested the Glynneath defence with high balls but the referee needed to warn against Lee Smith for some desperate tackling in midfield. The visitors almost scored after 70 minutes when Darren Harris cleared off the line and shortly after, Robert Wright should have scored from a corner. The Grave keeper saved well at the feet of Brad Mead after a mazy run but the deadlock was finally broken on 80 minutes when the Grave was awarded a free kick from 25 yards, centre of the goal. Nicky Llewellyn was left stranded as the ball hammered into the top corner of the goal and the visitors now looked destined to win this game. Glynneath brought on Jonathan Harris and Morgan Hawkes while Jon Llewellyn (the manager) lent some weight to the attack. The home team were offered a lifeline in injury time, with a free kick from just outside the penalty area. Brad Mead tested the keeper with a fine shot and the ball spilled out to Lee Smith who reacted well to send the game into extra time. Glynneath scored after 4 minutes from a fine display from Brad Mead. He dazzled the Grave defence on the by line before cutting the ball back to Dean Bennett who scored from six yards out. This unsettled the Grave for a while but gradually, they dominated the closing stages until they equalised on the stroke of half time. For the second period both teams battled, giving nothing away, until the game was settled on the dreaded penalties. The Grave scored first, Morgan Hawkes cancelled that advantage before Nicky Llewellyn saved for Glynneath but Robert Wright next blasted over the bar. The Grave missed the next penalty for Lee Smith to restore the advantage for the home side. Further goals from Johnnie Harris and James Lewis gave victory to Glynneath by four goals to three. Glynneath Town v Giants Grave: Nicky Llewellyn goals, Luc Watts, James Lewis, Jon Llewellyn (manager), Darren Harris (captain), Lee Smith, Craig Llewellyn, Lee Powell, Dean Bennett, Robert Wright and Brad Mead. Subs: Jonathan Harris and Morgan Hawkes.
Posted on: Sun, 09 Mar 2014 11:40:19 +0000
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