Cup final date dithering by FAW leaves Colwyn Bay high and dry

Constant FAW delays in confirming a cup final date will force a North Wales club to play a huge game without many first team regulars this weekend.

Colwyn Bay have no alternative but to field their development side for this Saturday’s Welsh Blood Service League Cup national final at Newtown against Barry Town United.

Bay won the northern final 3-1 against Porthmadog last weekend, while Barry lifted the southern trophy.

However, being left hanging on for a national final date for a number of weeks caused the Seagulls big problems.

The Cymru North champions explained in a statement: “For a number of months, we had asked for dates/provisional dates for the northern final and a potential national final for planning purposes from a club perspective, but also to enable players and staff to plan ahead and arrange some well deserved downtime after a long season.

“Unfortunately, despite repeated requests over a number of weeks going back to early February and prior to our semi-final win over Guilsfield on 18th March, Cymru Leagues were unable to provide us with the information.

“The players, all of whom are part-time with work and family commitments, were keen to unwind and ensure they could organise their holidays in a timely manner.

“The players consulted throughout with club officials over dates that they could go away, and with no decision forthcoming from the competition organisers we gave them our blessing to go away over the weekend of 29th/30th April. This originally being two full weeks post the end of season dates we had been given, and 17 days past the original last league game of the season vs Llandudno.

“In addition the club will also be hosting a Junior Football tournament at the 4 Crosses Construction Arena over that weekend and with many of our young fans taking part in the competition would not be able to be present for the final.”

The statement continued: “An announcement was finally made on Friday, 14th April – a day before our final rescheduled league game of the season and only two weeks before a potential national final.

“Therefore, due to significant absences, we have no option but to field our Development side for the national final and will be fully behind our young team.

“We are disappointed that it has come to this – disappointed for our fans, opponents Barry Town, the FAW, the Welsh Blood Service as the Cup partners and hosts Newtown but we have been left with no other option in this difficult situation.”

Bay beat Porthmadog in WBS League Cup Northern Final

Report with thanks to CPD Bae Colwyn/Colwyn Bay FC

The Seagulls came from behind to secure a League and Cup double as they beat Porthmadog 3-1 in the Northern Final of the Welsh Blood Service League Cup at Bala.

The Bay, who were missing a number of players and had to replace Lewis Sirrell after the warm-up, dominated from the start, with Porthmadog keeper Morgan Jones saving a Sam Hart shot and Tom Creamer shooting just wide.

It was Porthmadog, however, who took the lead against the run of play as Meilir Williams rounded Jack Crichton to slide the ball home on 23 minutes.

The lead lasted only a minute before Matty Hill equalised with a header from Cai Owen’s great cross.

Morgan Jones then made a fine save from Joe Williams, held onto a Cai Owen shot, and dived full-length to turn a Matty Hill shot round the post to keep Porthmadog on level terms at half-time.

Alex Boss headed a Porthmadog chance over the bar early in the second half, but Bay continued to dominate with Creamer shooting just wide and Owen having a shot saved before they took the lead on 62 minutes.

Hart saw his shot saved by the keeper, but Sam Downey fired home from the rebound to make it 2-1 on 62 minutes.

Bay then wrapped up victory 10 minutes later when they were awarded a penalty for a trip on substitute Jamie Cumming and Craig Lindfield scored from the spot.