Match Report

The second round of the Nathaniel MG Cup saw us travel to the centre of sporting excellence on the outskirts of Ystrad Mynach to face Trethomas Bluebirds.

Our hosts started very well and took the lead in the 8th minute when Andrew Evans found himself free to finish into Sam Goodwin's net after hitting his shot into the floor and off the underside of the bar.  No complaints - the hosts settled faster than Baglan.

After this point, Baglan grew into the game but failed to capitalise on a number of opportunities to score at the other end. Notably when Baglan were unable to convert a 2v1 on the break, a pass behind Jay Thomas took all momentum away from the move and Jay was only able to strike his shot directly at the goalkeeper.

Baglan were now well on top and enjoying 60% of the ball but unable to cut through a very organised Trethomas side.  In the 42nd minute, Dylan Thomas put Jay Thomas through on goal, but Trethomas' William Bevan pulled him down and as the last man, he was duly sent off.  The free kick at the edge of the box didn't amount to anything and at the break, Trethomas were 1-0 up but Baglan had all of the forward momentum and could and maybe should have been 2 or 3 goals up.

Half time 1-0

The anticipated waves of attacks at the start of the second half didn't materialise and Trethomas found themselves with a golden opportunity to score the second from the penalty spot on 49 minutes, after the Trethomas striker was fouled by goalkeeper Sam Goodwin after a long ball forward.  The penalty was scored into the striker's bottom left corner despite Sam getting very close to keeping it out.

Baglan, to their credit, reacted well and went on to dominate the second half with 74% of possession but found it difficult to break down Trethomas, who were now sat in two banks with the occasional long diagonal ball to relieve pressure. 

The third goal from Trethomas came as a result of this - Trethomas's striker got on the end of a long diagonal ball forward and earned a foul on the touch line.  From the resulting free kick, the bluebirds midfielder, Thomas Gameson, snuck in at the front post and flicked his finish beyond Sam Goodwin. 3-0 to Trethomas, who saw very little of the ball but were clinical in converting their chances.

The goal that Baglan deserved came in added time with Kieran Parsons bravely heading home from the back post. Kieran took a boot to his head as a result and was treated for a long period of time on the pitch. Thankfully, Kieran is recovering well. Thank you to Trethomas's physio Kaycee for her help.

In summary, a strange game where Baglan dominated and should really have been out of sight by half time.  Missed opportunities were then punished by Trethomas who registered 4 shots in total against Baglan's 16.

Full time 3-1

Sam Goodwin (GK), Kieran Parsons, Jack Fleming (Dan Mason 82'), Lewis Holmes (C), Luke Evans, Jonny Davies (Dylan Edwards 69'), Jay Thomas (Artiom Legavec 62'), Owen Williams (Craig Wilcox 62') Josh Williams (Paolo Marenghi 82'), Dylan Thomas, Tom Davies.