Sunday 23rd October 2021
Carmarthen entered the cup game full of confidence after their great start to the season. A number of changes were made to the squad after their 8-0 win at home to Bridgend the day before but they hoped to carry that momentum into the match. Their opposition today was Gwent 3rds who have also made a good start to the season comfortably sitting in the top 3rd of the table.
The match itself gave a good display of competitive hockey. Both teams were equally impressive with their play and the keepers from both team had an outstanding game, special mention to Carmarthen's number 1 this season Lee Jones who's been in impressive form since taking over the duties.
For the first 50 minutes the game went back and forth between both teams with neither being able to break the deadlock. The first goal came with 14 minutes left on the clock with Gwent finally being able to get past Carmarthens stout defending to take a late 0-1 lead.
This could have lead to Carmarthens heads dropping but the opposite happened with the team pushing forward for an equalising goal late in the game. The opportunity came when midfielder and game captain Duncan took a free hit in the Gwent half and rifled the ball into the D with pinpoint accuracy finding winger Steffan who had lost his marker. Steffan then squared the ball straight to striker Dave who stood on the P spot but a remarkable save kept the ball out of the net but led to a Carmarthen short corner. With the match hanging in the balance this was their moment. Some would say what happened next was the best passage of play from the team all game, nay, all season. Striker Gwynne made the call, Duncan injected the ball to the top D where Jonti was waiting, he drew all the pressure before firing the ball back to Duncan, who slotted the ball into the back of the net. Your eyes do not deceive you, Carmarthen scored from a short corner. 1-1.
With 5 minutes left on the clock, Gwent managed one last attack into Carmarthen territory and unfortunately for Carmarthen, we're able to put it past keeper Lee Jones and win the game 2-1 in the dying minutes.
Not the result Carmarthen were hoping for, but the performance from the team was exceptional and the game itself was very competitive. We wish Gwent all the best in the next round and look forward to facing them in the league later in the year.
Shout out to Lee Jones for being awarded the home teams M.O.M and to Rick for making his club debut.
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