NWCFA Junior Cup Final saga now in hands of the FAW

Y Glannau (green) and Bow in action during the February semi-final

The matter of who will contest the 2023-24 NWCFA Junior Challenge Cup Final now rests in the hands of the FA of Wales.

On February 17, CPD Y Glannau beat Bow 8-1 in the semi-final of the prestigious competition to set up a meeting with Llanfairpwll in the showpiece game at Colwyn Bay FC on May 11.

After the semi, Prestatyn-based Bow lodged a protest with the North Wales Coast FA, claiming Y Glannau had fielded an ineligible player – Thomas Ryan Anthony Jones – who came on in the 81st minute as a substitute when the St Asaph team were 8-1 up.

It was alleged Jones also played 90 minutes for Prestatyn Wanderers in an 8-1 defeat at Llangoed and District in round one of the Junior Cup earlier this season, back on September 23, 2023

Rules state a player cannot represent two clubs in one competition in the same season.

The NWCFA disqualified Y Glannau and allowed Bow passage to the final.

However, a Y Glannau appeal went before a NWCFA special committee and they won. Glannau argued the late appearance of the player concerned did not affect the outcome of the tie at all.

Bow still insisted a rule had been broken and have appealed to national body the FAW in a bid to reverse the previous area association decision.

Grassroots North Wales spoke to the FAW this week and a spokesman confirmed an appeal from Bow had been submitted, but no further comment could be issued at this stage.

In the meantime, North Wales Coast West Division One side Llanfairpwll are none the wiser as to who they will meet in May’s final.

The opposition will definitely be a team from North Wales Coast East Division One, but which one will it be?

The saga continues…..