Reserves prove to be first class (From Free Press Series)

Reserves prove to be first class

Croesyceliog 2 Chepstow Town 5 (aet) In the Welsh League Harris Cup semi-final, Chepstow's reserve side eventually overcame Croesyceliog in a thrilling game.

Chepstow started slowly and quickly went 2-0 down within the first 20 minutes. Things got even worse when striker Rory Prettyjohn suffered a dead leg and had to be substituted after 30 minutes.

After a succession of near misses Town were awarded a penalty just before halftime which Dominic Connor had saved by Croesy's young 'keeper.

Itclearly looked as if this was not Town's day but a remarkable comeback ensued. the sharp Steve Smith, on for Rory, reduced the deficit latching on to Steve Cooper's through ball and scoring from the acutist angle.

Town then went on to batter the opposition with keeper Rob Moore not touching the ball for a full 15 minutes at one stage.

With only seven minutes left, and after yet another corner, the ball came loose and veteran Steve Cooper slid the ball home for his first goal in three and a half years which was nothing more than than Town deserved.

Both teams went down to 10 men just before the final whistle. Extra time started and Dominic Connor rifled home from 16 yards.

Chepstow's legs looked to be going in the first half, but in the second half they found something extra and quickly increased the lead through an own goal and a second by man of the match Connor.

In the end it could of been seven or eight as a spirited Croesy finally gave in.

The managementwould like to thank all the boys involved and also for the lads not involved as Town took a full squad of 19 players down with them. As the Croesy management said, it deserved to be a cup final itself.

Although it was a superb team effort, special mentions must be made of Town elder players, skipper Mike Davies, Steve Cooper and Steve Woodward who marshalled a young Chepstow side full of under 21-year-old players. Chepstow await next week's game between Neath Athletic and Maesteg Park to find out who they face in the final.