Review of the Under 18s Festival

Presteigne St Andrews FC
Llandrindod Wells put Ligne under pressure in the opening match of the tournament

My thanks to Presteigne St Andrews FC’s Under 18s’ manager Roy Simcock for providing me with a review of what was a highly successful Under 18s tournament at Llanandras Park on Sunday, 20 May.

Roy writes: ‘Three Under 18 teams arrived early on Sunday morning for the Edwin Traylor Cup tournament – one from Presteigne itself, one from Llandrindod Wells and one from a lot further afield – from Ligne, Presteigne’s French twin town.

‘First game up was Ligne against Llan’dod in which the French played some good football with both teams having chances to score, but Llan’dod nicked an early goal and held that advantage to the end.

‘Next up was the twinned towns – Presteigne versus Ligne and, again, it was a very entertaining game with Ligne having the advantage early as Presteigne struggled to find a foothold.

‘Then, just before half-time a corner for Presteigne against the run of play saw Craig Piggott head home to put us 1-0 up.

‘The second half was again very close but we doubled our advantage courtesy of a penalty that was won and converted by Ieuan Price.

‘The third game was Presteigne against the Welsh rivals, Llan’dod and, after some interesting team position selections from the home team – given we knew we were already in the final – we got beat 3-1.

‘Llandod’s third was the goal of the day – a 30-yard free kick into the top corner – I didn’t get the scorer’s name, but it was a brilliant strike.

‘After the great atmosphere of the Otway Cup Final  – well done Knighton – which our French guests sang and chanted all the way through.

‘The Under 18s’ final was an all-Welsh affair and proved to be a game too far for the home team – Llan’dod played well and ran out 3-0 winners.

‘It was a brilliant day with a great atmosphere, and well done to Llan’dod.’

Finally, a have a few thank yous:

  • Ligne Football Club for making it such a great day.
  • Alan Randell for making the presentations.
  • Elwyn Bennett and the Twinning committee.
  • Trevor, Marshie, Tom and Merv for all their help on the day.
  • Grandad Bob for bringing the burger van.
  • Max, Craig, Ieuan x2 and Elliott for putting some of the French lads up.
  • Phil Parry at Llan’dod for bringing along his team.

And finally – to Max, Jordan, Darryl, Craig, Harry and Liam who are now too old to play in the team – the best of luck to them in the future.