PHOTOS:
2018 winners Goodwick United
Goodwick United skipper Adam Raymond, goal scorer Lee Hudgell, and son, and player manager Wayne O’Sullivan
Goodwick United celebrate
West Wales Cup match officials
Runners up Penlan Club

 

Goodwick United 1 – Penlan Club 0

Lee Hudgell scored a terrific second half header to secure West Wales Intermediate Cup glory for ten-man Goodwick United against Penlan Club at the Liberty Stadium.

It was a highly entertaining final – the Phoenix Lads deservedly secured their second cup victory in three years, the last time they won it was in 2016 when they beat Morriston Olympic 2-1.

Both teams produced an entertaining opening 45 minutes, but incredibly the score was 0-0 at the interval.
But eleven minutes after the break came the defining moment as Hudgell glanced Jonny Horgan’s corner into the back of the net.
 

Earlier meeting

The last time both these teams met was in the FAW Trophy at Phoenix Park earlier in the season, and the home outfit edged a thrilling 3-2 victory.

Penlan Club are currently third in the Swansea League Division One table, and have only lost twice in 22 games.
 

Forced change

Goodwick United were forced to change their starting line-up just before kick-off as Iestyn Evans twisted his knee during the warm up and was forced to sit the final out - and his place was taken at left back by Llyr Tobin.

The game got off to a frenetic start, Horgan missed two good early chances for the Phoenix Lads, the first he struck a wicked right footed volley just wide, and minutes later slid a low shot agonisingly wide of the post.

Minutes later Wayne O’Sullivan brought down Darren Rowe on the edge of the 18 yard box, goalkeeper James Gwilt pulled off a terrific save to deny Dale Otten from the resultant free kick.

With the very next attack Jordan Griffiths weaved past a couple of defenders before his goal bound effort was blocked by keeper Marcus Collins, Horgan fired the rebound against a defender which went out for a corner.

Penlan quickly worked the ball forward and Steff Hayes’ poor defensive header fell invitingly to Darren Rowe, the lively striker struck a curling shot well wide of Gwilt’s left hand post.

Midway through the first period Horgan picked up the first booking of the night for dissent after the left side midfielder felt he was taken down unfairly from behind by Penlan’s centre back Dale Otten.
 

Cracking tackle

In the 34^th minute a superb through ball by Chappell sent right sided midfielder Kyle Barrett through, but a tremendous last ditch sliding tackle by Tobin ended a good scoring opportunity. Minutes later and Barrett was replaced by Jamie James, the wide sided midfielder must have taken a heavy knock as he tried to score.

Chappell ran strongly forward and played a terrific ball for Darren Rowe, who struck a first time shot that Gwilt did well to stop going down to his left, had he scored it would not have counted as the striker was ruled offside.

Skipper Adam Raymond was booked for a foul on Jordan Doyle as the referee blew the whistle for half time, and score remained goalless.

Shortly after the break and Goodwick player boss Wayne O’Sullivan was issued a yellow card for a strong challenge for going in the back of Darren Rowe.
 

Vital goal

In the 56^th minute Goodwick United finally broke the deadlock when Horgan’s excellent corner was glanced in the net by Lee Hudgell.

Minutes later and the Phoenix Lads were unlucky not to add a second, a swift counter attack led by goal scorer Hudgell, he unselfishly squared the ball in the box to Griffiths, but the striker’s low drive ricochet off Collins for a corner.

Sully injured

Midway through the second period Chris O’Sullivan took a nasty challenge from Cory Charles, the latter sportingly helped the injured player off the pitch, and O’Sullivan was replaced in midfield by Matty Delaney.

Penlan’s centre back Dale Otten was the next name in referee David Keane’s book for dissent. Llyr Tobin was booked for questioning the referee’s decision.

Delaney dangerously worked his way in the box, and it looked as if the keeper connected with the substitute as he cleared the danger, but Keane waved play on.

Matters got harder for Goodwick in the 79^th minute when Tobin was issued a second yellow card and was sent off for a late challenge on Luke Dallin. Darren Rowe picked up a yellow for a late challenge on player boss O’Sullivan.
 

Terrific break

In injury time Horgan made a terrific break from inside his own half and dragged a low shot across the face of Collins’ goal. Charles clattered Delaney and his name was put in the book.

When the final whistle was blown there was tremendous celebration from the Goodwick United and huge celebration when skipper Adam Raymond lifted the cup.

Goodwick United: James Gwilt, Stefan Hayes, Wayne O’Sullivan, Llyr Tobin, Scott Delaney, Adam Raymond, Chris O’Sullivan (69, Matty Delaney), Kieran O’Brien, Lee Hudgell, Jordan Griffiths, Jonny Horgan.
Substitutes not used: Anthony Couzens, Steven Dockerty, Rowan Nicholson.

Penlan Club: Marcus Collins, Dale Rowe (80, Kyle James), Liam Otten, Luke Edwards, Dale Otten, Jordan Doyle, Kyle Barrett (38, Jamie James), Cory Charles, Darren Rowe, Luke Chappell, Luke Dallin.
Substitutes not used: Paul Lewis, Jamie Williams, Rhys Coffee.

Referee: Mr. David Keane.
Assistants: Mr. Ben Williams & Mr. John Woodhouse.
Fourth official: Mr. Dean John.