UEFA REGIONS CUP - MATCH REPORT

W.W.F.A.  2            S.W.F.A.  3.

    Lee Stone (Seaside) struck twice, with goals either side of the interval, in the West Wales FA match against the South Wales FA at Llanelli’s Stebonheath Park in the South Wales area section of the UEFA Regions Cup. (reports Robert Clement).

    Regrettably, there was a major second half setback with Ceri Jones (Seaside) being dismissed, which the WWFA representative outfit found it difficult to come to terms with, and their rivals then responded in positive manner, snatching victory with a dramatic three-goal response during the final twelve minutes.  

    The outcome now leaves team manager John Cornelius with a major task, with his side needing to secure a victory against current league leaders Gwent County, in the final group match at Eugene Cross Park, Ebbw Vale on the 23^rd March, with the South Wales group winners playing the North Wales area representatives, with the victors then travelling to Croatia during the autumn, as Welsh entrants in the competition.

    It was the South Wales visitors who threatened to make a breakthrough just before the half hour, when Jeff White (Rhoose) had a shot blocked by WWFA keeper Darren Evans (Seaside) on the edge of the penalty area, it was Paul Evans (Caerau) who responded quickly to fire in a goal bound effort, only for Graham Dutton (Ragged School) to clear off the goal-line.

    With the interval approaching, there was additional pressure applied to the WWFA goal when an inswinging cross by Paul Evans set up Marc Ellis (Trefelin BGC), but his well directed header which was destined for the top corner was superbly finger tipped around the upright by the alert Darren Evans.

    The action then immediately switched to the opposite end, and the WWEFA produced the vital impact, with Robert Cunnah (Gorseinon Athletic) successfully finding Stone available in the six-yard area, for him to steer the ball into the net.

    Within seven minutes of the second half, there was additional celebration for West Wales with Stone once again on target with a delicate chipped delivery into the corner of the net.

    Just after the hour mark, the visitors were again coming back into the picture and it wad Dutton who was suitable positioned in the goalmouth to make a clearance to deny Paul Evans an opening goal for the SWFA.

    There was a setback for West Wales during the 63^rd minute, when Jones was sent off following a second yellow card offence, after handing the ball in the penalty area, but there was no advantage gained from the spot kick with Richard Stevens (Caerau) firing a foot wide of the goalframe.

    Despite being unable to open their account from that option, they finally scored their opening goal in the competition during the 78^th minute, with White heading home a Stuart Lindsey (Llantwit Major) free kick.

    The WWFA then appeared lose their organisational skills and composure, and South Wales drew level with three minutes left on the clock, with White finding the net for a second time, with a low shot, following a Nicky Davison (Rhoose) opening.

    The South Wales side’s revival continued right at the end, reaping additional rewards, with the winner coming from substitute Sean Nash (Llantwit Major), who applied a clinical angled finish from eight yards.

    Team check: - West Wales F.A.: Darren Evans, Michael Yates (Robert Clarke 58^th min), Alex McKinney, Mark Standen, Graham Dutton, Lee Stone, Robert Cunnah, Ceri Jones, Jamie Hopkins (Wayne Williams 73^rd min), Jamie Bowen (capt), Ashley Pass (Raymond Alli 83^rd min).  Substitutes not used: _ Christopher Butt, James Norman, Kyle Morgan, Gary Evans.

   South Wales F.A.: Matthew Davie, Mark Richards, Gary Bridson (Sean Nash 77^th min), Simon Livick, Richard Stevens, Rogan Matthews (capt), Jeff White, Dean Lewis, Mark Ellis (Stuart Lindsey 59^th min), Nicholas Davison, Paul Evans.  Substitutes not used: -  Ceri Williams,  Matthew Bundy,  Lewis Bryl.

    Referee:-  Mark Dyson (Abertillery).

    Score summary:- W.W.FA. :-  Lee Stone 45^th min, 53^rd min.

    S.W.F.A.: - Jeff White 78^th min, 87th min, Sean Nash 90^th min.