Match Report
Corwen 2 V Rhos Aelwyd 4
FAW Welsh Trophy Final 12/04/08
For the first time in the competitions history two teams from the Welsh National league were competing in the final, further illustrating the dominance of WNL teams in this competition, as Brymbo were the 2007 winners, and Penycae, Cefn United and Gresford have all won the competition in recent years, and Cefn United have also been runners up.
Rhos started off the brighter, and took the lead after 5 minutes when Tony Cann went past Riche Bodden, and then played in Mathew Holmes, who placed the ball past the outstretched Nathan into the bottom corner.
The second goal came 10 minutes later, as a mistake from Paul in the box allowed Tony Cann to score from 12 yards out. Corwen came close to reducing the deficit, as Iwan pulled a great save out of keeper Kevin Andrews from inside the box.
Richie Pierce decided to take drastic measures and brought himself on for Paul on the half hour mark. The change seemed to improve the defensive display, as Rhos failed to create any clear cut chances in the remainder of the half, while Dewi came agonisingly close to scoring for Corwen, sending his shot just wide.
The second half saw an improved display from Corwen, but they fell further behind when Rhos defender Rob Sailsbury headed the ball into the back of the net.
Corwen were able to pull one goal back, as Iwan scored a diving header from a corner whipped in by Eilir. However Rhos scored again within minutes, as Ryan came on in place on Gethin the defence didn’t seem to start up quickly enough, and Gethin Williams scored at the far post.
Corwen had shouts for 3 penalties, as Eilir was judged to have been fouled on the edge of the box, but must have only been centimetres from being brought down in the box. The second shout was awarded with a penalty, which Eilir coolly converted; while Eilir was involved again as he was hit in the face in the box, but fell just outside the area. The Rhos defender could easily have seen red for the incident, but only received a yellow. However the subsequent free kick was in a great position, but Elfyn shot the ball over the bar.
Gavin Billington
