FAW Trophy Semi-final

Rhostyllen 0 v Sully Sports FC 1

Sully Sports FC followed up their recent trip north when playing at Welsh Premier ground Newtown where they defeated Carno in the quarter finals by heading to Llanidloes to meet hotly fancied Rhostyllen FC, a side from the Wrexham area who play their football in the North East Premier League.

Rhostyllen who have only suffered one league defeat and a further defeat in the Welsh Cup were the hot favourites. Sully’s task was made a little more difficult with Rhys Davies's withdrawal through illness and Taylor Harding suffering “man flu”, but he still played.

Sully set up with 'keeper Davie and a back line of Lamb, Constant, R Hopkins and Harding, then a midfield of Brown, captain Lewis, Boyles, Barnett and Gale and C Mcinery, with strength in depth on the bench with the Townsend brothers, Rees, Long and Keir Mcinery all eagerly wanting to be involved in the action.

The game started at a frantic pace and a crude early tackle on Will Gale only resulted in a free kick given by experienced Welsh European referee Lee Evans. Sully had a chance from the free kick that went begging, then, Sully 'keeper Davie blocked a one-on-one attempt from the Rhostyllen striker.

Chances came and went and as half-time approached, a cross from Gale picked out the on-coming Lewis who was just unable to get his header on target. Both teams were trying to play football on a fast rolled pitch where with recent weather, grass covering was at a premium.

Half-time score was 0-0, a fair reflection on proceedings.

The entertainment before the second half kicked off with an audition for the next series of Britain's Got Talent as the start was delayed while players and officials of both sides tried to catch a white dog that gave everyone the run around.

Early in the second half the game started to stretch on the fast surface, Sully created chances and as Mcinery, Gale and Barnett all had openings. It was midfielder Brown who had the best chance but his strike on the half volley went a yard wide.

Rhostyllen weren’t to be outdone but resolute defending from Lamb, Constant, Hopkins and Harding snuffed out their chances, the odd time the Wrexham based side broke through Boyles as the holding player and the Sully defence, Matt Davie stood well and saved.

Sully made two changes mid-way though the half taking off Will Gale who had run the front line well and Brown and then changed the shape as Rees and Long came on up front. The latter returning sooner than expected from injury.

Rhostyllen made their changes and went three up front. With time drawing towards extra time the Sully management held back their final change in case of extra time, but a neat couple of passes in the Sully midfield with Lewis and Mcinery released Long, who ran 30 yards on goal before calmly finishing to the left of the on-coming 'keeper.

With only two minutes of normal time and a couple of anxious minutes of injury time, even with the north Wales 'keeper coming up for a corner in the last minute, the tie was settled as Sully stood firm.

Sully Sports who won the FAW Trophy in 2012 now meet Abergavenny Town who are chasing promotion to Welsh League Division 2. The final will take place Saturday, April 16, at 2.30pm at a venue shortly to be determined by the FAW.

Sully Sports FC would like to thank their sponsors, GrabIT, Cardiff Macron Store, Neat Sweet Feet, Geoturf and Cabot for their continued support.