Kilgetty AFC

A highly committed team effort, superbly honed by manager Brian Cullen, justifiably secured Kilgetty under 9s first trophy of the season.

An entourage of dedicated parents accompanied their boys to the Swansea suburb where they lived and breathed every kick, tackle and save. The inclement weather did not spoil the feast of football on display as Kilgetty pitched their wits against nine other teams from the Swansea district.

The pool stages began with Kilgetty drawn against Garden Village, Dunvant & Three Crosses, Murton Rovers, and Crwtherbert Colts. Three draws and one victory ensured that Kilgetty qualified for the semi-finals as group runners-up.

The semi-final paired Kilgetty against the tournament favourites, Pontardawe Town, who had been unbeaten for three seasons. A tense match flowed from end to end with both teams playing a neat passing game interjected by well timed tackling and inspired goalkeeping saves. The deadlock was broken half way through the second half and Kilgetty deservedly celebrated a victory that took them into the final.

The final, against Llandore Colts, who had narrowly beaten Garden Village on penalties in the other semi, was naturally tense with neither side wanting to make the first mistake. Kilgetty’s enthusiasm and work ethic was a pleasure to witness with all players determined to help each other on the pitch. A well taken goal from a corner saw Kilgetty take the lead, which they held onto until the last minutes when the referee awarded a controversial equaliser to Llandore.

The match entered six minutes of extra time for a golden goal to settle the tie. Kilgetty were the more determined and dominated possession for the two minutes it took to score the all important winner.

Players and parents celebrated the win in style leaping for joy as the excited youngsters beamed with pride. 

The boys fully deserved their win, which ensured that the disappointment they felt when going out at the semi final stage of their own competition two weeks earlier faded into a distant memory.

The team of Aaron Ebsworth, Luke Williams, Matthew Dickinson, Kurtis Marsh, Liam Cullen, Daniel Davies, James Worrell and Jacob Owen are all to be congratulated for fine individual performances but more importantly a terrific team effort.  

Well done boys and a special thank you to Brian for all of his continued hard work.