2023 West Wales Intermediate Cup Final

 

Hakin United 1 – Penlan 2

 
Penlan dramatically came from behind to secure a famous late win as they claimed the prestigious silverware against a spirited Hakin United effort at the Swansea.com Stadium on Thursday evening.
 
Jack Britton gave the Vikings an early lead, but 13 minutes from full time Darren Rowe equalised for Penlan, then minutes later substitute Joshua Newman danced his way inside the box to strike a low 12-yard drive in the back of net for a dramatic winner to break Hakin United hearts.
 
Nineteen years ago, was the last time Hakin United won the West Wales Intermediate Cup when then skipper Gary Dawes raised the cup, beating Swansea League outfit Brynawel 2-0 at the Vetch Field, the former home of Swansea City, despite leading for three quarters of the game it turned out to be not Scott Davies’ men's night.
 
The Swansea outfit were recently crowned the West Wales Premier League champions in the inaugural season, with an impressive played 20, won 17, drew 2, and lost 1, record. This victory has earned Penlan an impressive league and cup double this season much to the delight of their fans.
 
Penlan keeper Marcus Collins pulled of an excellent early save deny Shane Walsh who was clean through at goal, it was a weak finish which really, he would have felt he should have done better.
 
The Swansea outfit were unlucky not to level matters when Luke Edwards’ 25 yard free kick was brilliantly tipped onto the crossbar by Vikings’ keeper Sam Franklin.
 
However, the Vikings didn’t have to wait long before they broke the deadlock, the dangerous Leon Luby’s deep cross from the right was met by Nicky Woodrow who headed menacingly across the face of goal for lurking with intent Jack Britton to gleefully find the back of the net.
 
A quick counter saw Walsh set up Woodrow who tried an audacious lob from distance that crept over the crossbar.
 
Penlan picked up two yellow cards in quick succession for rash challenges by Darren Rowe and Liam Otten, also Hakin’s Jake Merry and Walsh were cautioned by referee Richard Morgan.
 
Edwards appealed strongly for a penalty as his wicked shot came off the body of Vikings’ centre back Jay Power, from the corner Edwards’ far post header went just wide.
 
The second half became cagey with neither side getting the upper hand, as chances were limited.
 
Again, Penlan came close to scoring as Edwards put his header wide from a corner, as the game took a dramatic late twist.
 
Thirteen minutes full time things quickly changed in Penlan’s favour as they equalised when the ball pinged about in the Vikings’ box, up popped striker Rowe who headed into the net from close range.
 
That goal definitely inspired the Swansea outfit in the 84^th minute substitute Joshua Newman showed great composure to beat a defender and drive home from 12 yards to earn his side the silverware.
 
Just before the final whistle Hakin’s substitute Gareth Fawcett was issued a straight red card which left his team down to ten-men as Penlan pulled off the great escape to capture the silverware.
 
Hakin United: Sam Franklin, Kieran King, Jake Merry (88’ Gareth Fawcett), Jay Power, Matthew Broome (Captain), Jack Britton, Leon Luby, Ben Aldred (57’ Mark Jones), Nicky Woodrow, Ryan Wilson (84’ Ashley Bevan), Shane Walsh (79’ Justin Harding).
Substitute not used: Garin Gardner.
 
Penlan: Marcus Collins, Dale Rowe, Liam Otten, Jack Jenkins, Ross Hudson, Jordan Doyle, Luke Gear (70’ Joshua Newman), Cory Charles, Darren Rowe, Luke Edwards (Captain), Luke Dalling.
Substitutes not used: Rhys Coffey, Khory Morton, Ben Simons, Paul Lewis

 
Referee: Richard Morgan.
Assistants: Robert Blowes & Paul Jones.
Fourth Official: Spencer Williams.
 
Attendance: 1,296.