WELLMEN SINK CHALLENGE OF PENRHYNDEUDRAETH IN FAW TROPHY FINAL

PENRHYDEUDRAETH FC 2 V HOLYWELL TOWN 4
FAW TORPHY FINAL @ MAESDU PARK LLANDUDNO-19 APRIL 2015--2.30PM

HOLYWELL TOWN FAW TROPHY WINNERS 2015

[Within the next few days a wide selection of pictures from this blog will be on the 'we all stand together' Facebook page.  I hope you will get through this large blog its been a difficult job selecting the pictures to feature on a fantastic hop.  I would also like to thank Barry Dyke for his continued superb help and support, cheers Barry!]
Holywell Town claimed the FAW Trophy in this cracking advert for Welsh football and they had to thank Phil Lloyd whose double strike helped them gain a 4-2 victory against a fully determined Penrhydeudraeth, who twice came back from behind to level the scores.
As ever the game in a minute, a superb 90 minutes it was too, but first a look at this long day.  Its my hope that the blog can do this day justice not only was it lengthy but fully consuming in its enjoyment of both teams, Llandudno FC as hosts and the town in its sunny glory.

LLANDUDNO LOOKING ITS BEST

An early start from base felt very much like getting up before I had actually gone to bed with a 6.20am bus to base station for the train just after 7 a nice quiet journey made slightly more amazing at Stockport station.  It was 8.20 in the morning and some of the young 'uns were already drinking their Fosters and Hooch.  Change over arrived just after 8.30 at Manchester and with a small 20 minute break it wasn't long before the Lake District train had departed and the direct train to Llandudno was pulling into the platform.  This train was boarded today by an aged gentleman in full Scottish Highlander outfit and it appeared he was off to a 1940's weekend in Colwyn Bay, very smart he looked too. 

THE FAMOUS GREAT ORME TRAMWAY

There aren't half some strange people on trains there was even a rumour of a non league football fan travelling on an 8 hour round trip to see the FAW Trophy final, now that would be weird.  Upon leaving Chester the train normally gets quieter but not today as families were clearly being brought out by the weather and making the trip to various north Wales coastal resorts.  Branching off at Llandudno Junction I managed to take in the breath taking view of Conwy Castle and its town nestling by the Estuary on what was a beautiful day.  As soon as we passed through the request stop that is Deganwy we were slowing for our destination and just before we pulled into the platform the blog spotted the ground and thankfully it was that close, under 10 minute walking time from the station.  With the clock just hitting 1100am Llandudno was ours for a breath of fresh air and a viewing of the sights for a couple of hours.


WELCOME TO CPD LLANDUDNO

Off we went exploring down Mostyn St and the hustle and bustle of its shops and then onto the Great Orme approach and the cable hauled tramway that for a small fee takes you to the summit of the mass of rock that oversees all that is Llandudno.  Following a few pitcures it was off to take a look at the pier before walking the wide seafront walkways with bright sunny views all around the bay of this fantastic resort.  There are buildings of tremendous history and design everywhere you look in Llandudno from its massive hotels to churches its a pleasure to behold.  I managed to get served in the towns Post Office but it really did re awaken the belief that you can while away a lifetime in a queue in there.

THE GREEN,GREEN 3G OF HOME

The tour had returned us to the station and it was time to pop along to the Maesdu Park the home of Llandudno Fc the, it has to be said, excellent hosts of todays final.  The journey down Builder St leads you past the outside walls of the station and derelict land which leads thoughts of what these resort stations used to be like in their heydays their massive platforms now sadly taking two and three carriage units unlike the glory days of full length trains.  The esteemed Mr Wintle had visited earlier in the season and was highly impressed and one of his descriptions of this ground was that its situated on an industrial estate but when you get in the ground the views looking out are stunning, fair summing up mate.  If your a transport buff then this may be the one for you we have done the train station and just by the ground is the coach park for the town with an array of coaches taking a rest and opposite is the base for local firm Alpine Coaches plus a small base for Arriva the towns main operator.

SCENIC MAESDU PARK

After a very gentle amble Maesdu Park was arrived at just after half past twelve and although early the host club were set up to greet visitors and supporters to this final.  The entrance is centrally situated behind one end of the ground with a automatically opening set of double doors and then entrance is via a three pronged modern metal turnstile, with monies paid and programme purchased the turnstile operator pressed the green for 'in' button and off we went.  A small aside here the programme for this final as per the semi was very poor it would have been lovely to have something to read I guess the FA produce them a good production would enhance this competition.  First impression as we left the covered over reception like entrance to the ground was a wow the club have just had a new 3G surface laid for this season and it glistened in the sunshine that was bestowing itself on north Wales today.  The ground as many Welsh grounds are is an eclectic mix but with something to explore with relish, as mentioned earlier the views from Maesdu Park are cracking with the Great Orme and this hills above Conwy being the most prominent. 

PENRHYNDEUDRAETH FC RELAXED BEFORE THE GAME

 

HOLYWELL TOWN FC TAKE TIME OUT ON THE PITCH BEFORE THE GAME

 As we enter the ground Llandudno had put in place a nice touch with large prints of action shots of both of todays teams on display.  To the left as we enter behind the goals are the changing rooms with very long extending tunnel beyond this in the corner are two clean and tidy sets of toilets.  Moving down the touchline and a double deked building states that it houses 'press' in the bottom section and above it opens out into a balcony for a Tv gantry which will be much needed next season when our host club Llandudno enter the Welsh premier League, well done on that superb achievement!  There is then a large Atcost stand that sees off around 1/3 of the pitch length, all the time around this side the concrete walkway is wide and spacious.  Behind the far goal is a further Atcost stand with seats split in its middle section by a standing terrace.  Coming round to the opposite touchline is a hospitality building with a couple of rows of seats in the front section moving further back to our entrance and their are two terraced rows of seats in the open.  Behind all of this side is quite a bit of spare land all netted off nicely to capture any stray passes.  We now come back to just short of the main entrance and the snack bar, where chip cob was of course sampled, and attached to this is the impressive 'Crossbar' bar an function facility with outside a small decked area.  Then finally a small club shop brings us back to our entrance.  It was a great shame that today the shop remained closed because I'm sure it would have done a good trade, the blog included, but often this is often at the request of the organisers not sure what the reason was today.  So that completes the tour of the ground it will grace the Welsh premier League next season and will certainly not be out of place.

So to the match well todays teams have a nice pedigree in the competition firstly the allocated 'home' team Penrhydeudraeth [Penrhyn from here on in!] lost in the semi final last year to the eventual winners and this year their achievement in reaching the final is to be applauded.  Especially when you consider last season they gained promotion to the Lock Stock Welsh Alliance top league and in their debut season are flying high.

THE LONG WALK WITH THE GREAT ORME VIEWING PROCEEDINGS

ROBERT WATSON SAVES PENRHYN

Todays 'away' side Holywell Town have just been crowned champions of the same league and are also in the semi final of the Mawddach Cup so you can see they are having a busy season, blog followers will know I have had the pleasure of covering this club in the semi final and also the FAW Cup quarter finals against Welsh Premier League side Aberystwyth.  Its all coming thick and fast for the club and next season they will compete in the Huws Gray Cymru Alliance with a mouth watering amount of local derbies beckoning.  The action is coming so fast the fans and officials are going to have a busy but hopefully enjoyable summer re living there 14/15 season.
Both sides arrived in what appeared joyful mood and the match officials seemed relaxed headed up by WPL referee Nick Pratt would take charge today.
Before the game there was time to say hi to Holywell secretary Steve Roberts and Glynn Owen an always friendly gentleman alongside a few other familiar faces to make this a friendly start.

1-0 TO HOLYWELL THANKS TO PHIL LLOYD [9]

As kick off approached the crowd was building up and in the final total it was 510 a cracking effort from both teams and neutrals in attendance today.  Holywells 'refuse to lose' banner was in place but pride of place went to the Penrhyn flag pronouncing 'cockle town' had secured the best position form the top deck of the TV gantry.  The stirring Welsh national anthem was played out at full throttle, greeting and handshakes completed we were ready for kick off.

PENALTY!? THIS ONE WAS NOT GIVEN

Penrhyn came out of the traps at a quick pace and clearly intended to try to boss the game but after an encouraging start for them it was a little unfortunate when they went behind so early after just 12 minutes a ball in off the right was met by a mass of players and stooping in to head home was Phil Lloyd for his eighth goal in the Trophy this season.
Holywell now had a confidence for the game and numerous good opportunities to extend the lead seemed to be going amiss with some wayward finishing, maybe not helped by having a very strong wind whipping away at their backs.  But to their credit Penrhyn were battling hard to get a firm foothold in this final and in the final minute of two minutes first half stoppage time they pulled level.  A sharp and attentive finish from ex Bangor and Welsh U21 player Paul Roberts.
So half time was arrived at with I guess Holywell feeling rather low at being level following an impressive first half but Penrhyn buoyed by their sterling efforts that had seem them get back on level terms and it was game on for the second half.

3-1 HOLYWELL AND LLOYDS AWAY TO CELEBRATE

It wasn't long before we had a further goal on 55 minutes and it came the way of Holywell with Steve Thomas at the back angle of the six yard box hooking the ball back over himself and the Penrhyn keeper Robert Watson into the far corner of the goal.  Again Penrhyn came back and Paul Williams broke through and found himself in an excellent position with just Mike Platt to beat in the Holywell goal he did but the number one had got his angles right and the ball nestled in the side netting.  As the action continued apace on 63 minutes Holywell were denied one of the most blatant penalties I have seen this season Sam Jones was clipped in the box by Tom Hughes.  Clearly referee Pratt and his assistant on the side of the incident were looking elsewhere at the time this penalty would have probably put the game out of reach for Penrhyn.
But inspired by this they rose to the challenge again and went straight down the other end to equalise with a cross penalty box shot clinically finished by Tom Hughes at the far post, 64 minutes.  Once again Penrhyn had failed to lie down and it was game on.  Which way would this game go now there were doubts for a while but again it was Holywell who took the lead on 71 minutes with the goal of the game Phil Lloyd hit a sweet low drive from the edge of the box into the bottom corner of the Penrhyn goal.  Could the 'home' side come back again with 9 minutes later the game was put beyond their reach with a rather soft penalty when you consider the one not given 17 minutes earlier. 


4-2 SAM JONES CONVERTS THE PENALTY

Penrhyn defender Mike Foster put and arm over Paul Williams and referee Nick Pratt pointed to the spot with Sam Jones converting the penalty with confidence into the bottom right hand corner of the goal.
Wild scenes of celebration from the players and supporters behind the goal ensued

CELEBRATIONS AT 4-2

Shortly after Cecil the Crocodile, green 5ft inflatable often purchased by adults on seaside drink fests[?!], made his second attempt for pitch freedom.

STRAIGHT RED FOR 'CECIL THE CROC'!

He had a minor encroachment earlier in the second half but this time he could not restrain his joy and floated onto the pitch only for one of the funniest moments I've ever seen to ensue.  Like the head teacher in a state of frustration with his pupils misbehaviour referee Pratt sprinted over to give Cecil his marching orders he carefully took of said reptile, under his arm, and deposited him with the fourth official in his dug out.  RED CARD CECIL, THREE MATCH BAN?!
The game found its noisy conclusion with Holywell's supporters now in full voice already to further celebrate at the final whistle that was  soon to follow and the double had been achieved by The Wellmen of Holywell.  For Penrhyn their valiant efforts had been overcome by a powerful Holywell who had been made to battle all the way for a deserved victory.

RELIEF AND JOY AT THE FINAL WHISTLE FROM THE HOLYWELL BENCH

The presentation was done off the new 3G pitch probably so as not to damage it so it was great to be close up to the action and when Penrhyn climber the podium for their runners up medals they received a very genuine and sporting ovation from the Holywell supporters.  So with the Holywell team ready the FAW Trophy was handed over to be held aloft proudly and champagne fired off all over the celebrating supporters and rank of photographers.  The blog needless to say got a little wet and even managed to get Cecil the Croc full in the face too!!

A NICE TOUCH FOR LONG TIME HOLYWELL FAN LES A QUICK HOLD OF THE TROPHY

Before the celebration it was nice too see officials let long term Holywell fan Les be allowed to hold aloft the Trophy.
Following the presentation there was time for some team and solo pictures alongside some TV interviews, the blog managed to secure a nice picture of Holywell keeper Mike Platt and his winners medal too.

HOLYWELL ENJOY THEIR VICTORY WITH CECIL THE CROC GETTING IN THE PICTURE

WALES NUMBER 1 MIKE PLATT WITH HIS WINNERS MEDAL

This had been a very enjoyable game with a tremendous finish in which both sides and the match officials contributed superbly to a wonderful advert for the game of football.

MANAGER JOHN HASELDIN AND CAPTAIN SAM JONES WITH THE FAW TROPHY

Off for the 1744 train back and with 3/4 of an hour to departure time it was off to the superstore for some eats for the journey.
Following another 3/4's of an hour break in Manchester base was arrived back at 10pm.  Was it worth it? You bet! It was right up there with one of the best days in hopping land!

ARRIVING VIA ARRIVA HERE AT LLANDUDNO ON A 175 3 CAR UNIT