Chepstow cause major cup upset (From Free Press Series)

Chepstow cause major cup upset

CHEPSTOW FC produced the upset of the first round of the Welsh League Shamrock Travel Cup on Saturday - beating a team two divisions above them.

After last week's disappointing league performance, manager Barry Vassello called on his team to make amends against Skewen in the cup.

And they responded superbly as Chepstow, currently fourth in Welsh League Division Three, beat their Division One opponents 2-1.

Vassello told the Free Press: "I am proud of my players. I gave them a hard time after they lost to AFC Porth but they have showed good character to come back like this."

Skewen are currently in second place in the First Division with a game in hand on the leaders Grange Harlequins.

The result was even sweeter for Vassello as his son Nick, making his debut for Chepstow, scored both of the goals.

"We only signed Nick on Thursday night from Caerleon where he hasn't been a regular. He got his chance and he has taken it."

Chepstow took the lead after 15 minutes when Nick Vassello climbed to head home and before half-time the striker made it 2-0 after a goalkeeping error.

Chepstow were forced to soak up a lot of pressure in the second period and Skewen got a goal back but the home side refused to buckle and held out for a memorable win.

As well as Vassello making his first start for the club, goalkeeper Peter Mason was another debutant while Jason Donovan returned to the line-up as skipper.

"To be honest, we had about four players out who would have had a good claim for a starting position so the lads have excelled themselves," said boss Barry.

"Of course, now we have set a very high standard for ourselves and the challenge is to maintain that."

Chepstow get a deserved weekend off and return to league action the following week.