OLD PENS WEDNESDAY 7 PEACOCKS 5

OLD PENS Wednesday retained the annual Welsh Dads and Lads football title by beating Peacocks in a highly entertaining clash at Bryn-y-Don last Friday evening.

Pens Wens started the brighter of the two sides, and were a goal up within 3 minutes as Adam Little latched on to Lee Woods’ long ball to slide the ball past Peacocks keeper Ian Walker.

Soon after, Ronnie Rahamn beat his marker to send the ball across to Adam who made it 2-0.

This spurred Peacocks into action and after a sustained period of pressure, referee Geno De'Whistleo adjudged that Lee Woods' tackle was unfair and awarded a penalty, to bring Peacocks back into the game.

It was all Peacocks now but fortunately Mike Goldsworthy and Huw Longman were strong in defence. After a fine save from keeper Rhys Duff the ball was moved to Cameron Hodgekins and his clever interplay with Matthew Goodfellow set up Adam to secure his hat trick.

Old Pens then brought on fresh legs and with Mattao Attanasio and Ben Watt creating havoc each time they ventured into Peacocks penalty area, it was no surprise when Josh Hurley, who was having a fine game, slotted in a great goal just before half time.

The second half was a tense affair and Peter Hodegkins entered the back four alongside his sons Fraser and Cameron to tighten things after Peacocks secured two quickfire goals.

Maz, who was winning everything in the centre of the park, finally decided he needed a Guinness and was replaced by James Longman to bring a youthful look to the midfield when it was needed most, and he scored within minutes of coming on.

Adam then scored his fifth and the game seemed won.

However, a mixture of complacency plus a Peacocks replacement who looked uncannily like Ronnie Rahman, the Old Pens player who had just been taken off, ensured a tight finish with Old Pens just holding on to deservedly lift the title!