Villa youngsters go out in style
PHOTO:
Winners Prendergast Villa Under 14s
Under 14s Cup Final:
Neyland 1 - Prendergast Villa 9
Referee: Keith McNiffe
Assistants: Paul Jackson and Gareth Elliott
Venue: Marble Hall, Milford Haven
Prendergast Villa's talented under 14 team played its last match together in their age-group final against Neyland and went out in style with a comprehensive victory.
Although Adrian Blundell's side were good value for their win he was the first to praise such gritty opposition as Neyland provided and was delighted with the all-round display provided by his squad in front of a big crowd at Marble Hall, Milford Haven.
Villa take a four-goal interval lead
Opposite number Dai Nash echoed his sentiments and told his Neyland players afterwards how proud he was of them because they never gave up trying and it was fitting reward that they claimed the final goal of the game when Kai McMurray stepped up to take a free kick outside the box and rifled it home.
They also had a couple of other half chances after Tom Mezzatta had given Villa the lead with a well-taken strike - but then found themselves four goals in arrears at half time.
Catching the eye for Neyland, despite conceding nine goals, was Harvey Myles-Nash, who brought off a string of saves, whilst Liam Rees, McMurray and skipper Tyler Sutton caught the eye alongside everyone else.
Dan rifles home a smashing hat trick
Taylor Gullam had a relatively quiet evening between the sticks for the Villa but linked well with defenders Aaron Vaughan, Harry Shaw and Lucas Davies, whilst there was no shortage of effort from Toby Davies and Leon Davies in support of ace striker Dan James, who notched a terrific hat-trick.
Mezzatta also added a second as Kieran Blundell scored as reward for his ability to create space for others - and the goal count was completed by Jack Clark (2), and Noah Davidson.
Neyland coach Dai Nash:
"We knew it would be tough going against such a good side but our boys gave 100% and I couldn't have asked for more. We had great support and it was a terrific experience for the players and their families to be in a final. The boys will have learned a lot from this evening and I'm confident they will go from strength to strength after this."
Prendergast Villa coach Adrian Blundell:
“It was a great night for our talented squad but tinged with a little sadness because this will be the last time they play together - and they also have league runners-up medals as another thing to remember about a good season. Neyland were better than the final scoreline but in the final analysis it was fitting reward for all their hard work - and the excellent support from parents."
Neyland Under 14s:
Harvey Myles-Nash: Rhys Power; Lloyd Stephens; James Rennie; Lewis Scourfield; Tyler Sutton (Capt); Kai McMurray; Liam Rees; Fletcher Picton; Rocco Hibbert-Braithwaite; Mark Jones. Subs: Jasper Endean; Zac Evans; Asher Gledhill; Alex Boswell.
Prendergast Villa Under 14s: Taylor Gullam: Aaron Vaughan; Harry Shaw; Lucas Davies; Toby Davies; Noah Davidson; Tom Mezzatta; Toby Rees; Leon Davies; Kieran Blundell; Dan James. Subs: Ollie Teagle; Jack Clark; Jack Delaney.
PHOTO:
Runners up Neyland Under 14s