Epic Cookson Cup semi-final ends in victory for Prestatyn Sports – but Meliden more than play their part

NORTH WALES COAST EAST COOKSON CUP SEMI-FINAL

Meliden 2 Prestatyn Sports 3

Sports fought back from two-down to win a thrilling derby and book a place against St Asaph City in the Cookson Cup Final.

Meliden had suffered an embarrassing home defeat the previous weekend to Glan Conwy, who had not won in the league this season in 22 previous attempts, but Deej Hobson’s Miners were out to put things right against their local rivals.

This tie was a knockout competition rematch from earlier in the campaign, when Meliden beat Sports 3-2 in the NWCFA Intermediate Challenge Cup.

The return battle produced the same scoreline, but this time in the other team’s favour.

After a promising start Sports fell 2-0 behind within 11 minutes.

The first goal was a cracker from Meliden’s Joe Roberts from around 30 yards – right into the top bin.

Five minutes later Dylan Ford doubled the home lead.

Sports piled the pressure on and just before the 20-minute mark Antonio Jacovelli was fouled in the box. Ian Griffiths coolly converted the penalty.

Despite the subsequent Sports onslaught Meliden stood firm and carved out some great opportunities themselves.

Half-time: Meliden 2 Prestatyn Sports 1

The message at half time from Sports managers John Hargreaves and Sion Williams was to keep calm and more of the same.

After some inspirational words from experienced player Mike ‘Smurf’ Jones, the visitors came out all guns blazing in the second half.

It took just five minutes for Sports to level the game, Alex Hall reacting first to a great ball into the Meliden box to bang in the equaliser.

The rest of the game was constant pressure from Sports. Great play in possession and plenty of patience paid off when a fantastic ball in from Mark Price was headed back across the box to veteran Gaz Walsh to nod in the winner on 74 minutes.

Winning managers Hargreaves and Williams said: “Every single man played his part today for Sports, no one can be separated from the other, a fantastic team performance particularly second half and character that ultimately typified Sports and everything we stand for – well done lads.

“Thanks to Meliden for a great game, commiserations and good luck for the rest of the season.”

TEAMS

MELIDEN

Christian Wright
Tom Fletcher
Liam Astley
Niall Butler
Reece Chamberlain
Joe Roberts
Finlay Ellam (c)
Macauley Ross
Luke Astley
Callum Herd
Dylan Ford
SUBS USED
Lucas Edwards (Joe Roberts 37), Nathaniel Hulme (Finlay Ellam 54), Matty Griffiths (Callum Herd 75), Joe Newell (Reece Chamberlain 83)

PRESTATYN SPORTS

Andy Billington
James Weaver
Danny Grindlay (c)
Jared Hughes
Gaz Walsh
Mark Price
Antonio Jacovelli
Alex Hall
Ian Griffiths
Mike Jones
Cory John Owen
SUBS USED
Christian Kelly (Alex Hall 53), Paul Brady (Jared Hughes 52), Tom Wickerson (Mike Jones 81)