FAW Youth Cup Final: Not Caernarfon’s day – but what a run it has been!

In the end it was not quite to be for Caernarfon Town Development as they lost today’s FAW Youth Cup Final 2-1 to Haverfordwest County Development at Park Avenue.

However, what a tremendous achievement it has been for the young Canaries to make it all the way to the final of Wales’ premier national youth knockout competition.

All three goals came in an entertaining first half in Aberystwyth, with both sides backed by impressive contingents of support from opposite ends of the country.

Haverfordwest had the better of the early exchanges and took the lead in the 14th minute when Ashley Watkins’ free-kick from the right was headed home by Dylan Maguire.

However, Caernarfon were level just four minutes later when the ball found captain Osian Evans on the right of the box and he produced a superb half volley past Haverfordwest goalkeeper Corey Mathias at the near post.

The Bluebirds restored the lead with the final kick of the first half in stoppage time from Sammie Vaughan-Harries

That would prove to be the winner as Haverfordwest held firm in the face of a resilient Caernarfon attack after the break.

Caernarfon Town

Hari Thomas
Osian Evans (c)
Caron Williams
Tomos Crew (Gwion Parry 83)
Ioan Williams
William Xie (Osian Thomas 89)
Osian Ellis
Hari Lambe
Joseff Humphreys (Charlie Griffith 61)
Owen Roberts
Owain Williams (Harri Wyn 61)
Unused sub: Guto Parry

Team officials: Darren Mawson, Ifan Thomas, Dave Cavanagh