AFTER clinching the league title four days earlier away to Cowbridge with a game to spare, Penarth Town became the Invincibles after going unbeaten all season and drawing only one of their matches.

Penarth Raiders played their arch rivals Sully in the final at Jenner Park on a sunny sunday morning for the Brian Risborough Memorial Cup.

Penarth Town captained by Callum Richardson were 1-0 up before half time with a penalty from man of the match and hat-trick hero Sam Reid after Sully had brought down Dan Ingram following a skilful run into the box.

After dominating the first 30 minutes with their stylish and passing football the game remained 1-0 at half-time with chances being missed by Dan Ingram, Ryan Shallis and George Owens.

The second half saw Iwan Watkins, who had been so dominant in defence, with Callem Richardson moved into a forward position to support the strikers, with Harry Davies moving to left wing back.

Penarth stepped up their relentless pressure from open play to win a free kick on the edge of the box after Ryan Shallis was clean through on goal only to be brought down from behind.

From the free kick Sam Reid stepped up and placed it in the top corner to make it 2-0. Following wave after wave of pressure and attacks from Harry Davies on the left and Dan Ingram on the right, Sam Reid, along with Dylan Jefferies winning everything in midfield Sully were constantly on the back foot.

Ryan Shallis was tormenting their defence with his runs and ball control, Gregor Pearce and Ben Poddar continually frustrating Sully with their relentless pressure and they again conceded a free kick on the edge of the box for a deliberate foul.

Sam Reid stepped up placed the ball and smashed it into the goals to make it 3-0 to be followed by a whole team celebration in front of the main stand with players dancing wildly to the applause of both sets of supporters.

Penarth continually pressed and attacked Sully with skill and pace, a five-pass movement saw Ben Poddar glide into the penalty area unopposed send the goal keeper the wrong way only to see his shot go agonising wide of the post.

Penarth Raiders continued to press with great runs from Charlie Pratt and top performances from Angus Lloyd, Harry Lang and goalkeeper Harley Tucker who had a huge smile making this an historic day for the Penarth team who won the double making it a fitting end to what has been a historic season that all started by winning the Plate final at the Barcelona Super Cup.

Both coaches, Pete Ingram and Shaun Watkins commented that this group of players play a great flowing style of football in the right spirit and have demonstrated their commitment, ability and unity over a long hard season, being unbeaten and drawing only one game scoring 159 goals and conceding only 10 in all competitions, a special team that are truly the ‘Invincibles’.

A big thank you to all the parents, friends, guardians and supporters of this team and their sponsor Nathan Jefferies of FFL, with a special thanks to the VOGAFL who make this happen.

Thanks also to all the coaches in this year group that have sent in their congratulations and appreciation for this group of players and their achievements this season.

Penarth Town Raiders are a local team and if you are interested in joining for next season please get in touch for training times and team information. www.clubwebsite.com/penarthtownjuniors