Llanelli Town 3, Bridgend Street 1
The Reds of Llanelli have completed a Welsh League and cup double.
Striker Lee Trundle took his goals tally for the season to 51, while Ross Jones and Jordan Davies were Llanelli’s other scorers in the Nathaniel Car Sales League Cup final.
Llanelli were crowned Division Two champions with an unbeaten record, while they lifted the League Cup after beating Third Division Bridgend Street in the final at Briton Ferry’s Old Road ground.
This was a fourth appearance in the final for Llanelli, whose only previous win came 42 years ago (1974-75). They were runners-up in 1989-90 plus 2003-04.
Llanelli were at full strength, making one change from their league win against Ammanford a few days earlier with Kyle Graves in for Richard Lewis.
Bridgend Street were without injured Mikey Lewis, but felt confident after beating First Division teams Taffs Well and Haverfordwest County in the previous two rounds.
Llanelli went ahead after eight minutes when Joe Clark combined with Trundle to create a chance for Ross Jones and he fired past goalkeeper Nicky King.
Street’s Dan Noyes lifted a free-kick into the Llanelli penalty area, forcing goalkeeper Craig Morris to punch clear. When the loose ball was met by Richie Noyes he fired well over the top.
Another set piece for the Cardiff side, this time taken by Paul Fowler, was fractionally wide with Morris rooted to the spot, before the Reds almost doubled their lead after Clarke sent a ball across the face of goal. Jordan Follows just failed to add a finishing touch.
Trundle threatened with a weaving run which took him into the penalty box and he went down as Mike McDonough’s challenged.
Referee Leigh Jones waved aside appeals and awarded a corner.
Harry Burge went close for Street and at half-time the Cardiff-based team were trailing 1-0 and still in contention.
Llanelli’s second goal came on the four when Trundle volleyed home from 20 yards.
Street ‘keeper King did well to deny Clarke, pushing his goalbound effort around a post and then excelled again when he blocked a Davies shot after Trundle created the chance.
Clarke was replaced by Liam Samuel after 77 minutes and within two minutes of his introduction he was involved in the third goal, picking out Davies with his pass and his shot found the bottom corner.
Street scored the goal their efforts deserved when Jeff White scored in the closing stages.
Llanelli are now focused on establishing themselves in Division One next season, while Bridgend Street’s priority will be ensuring they challenge for promotion from the Third Division.
Llanelli Town: Morris, Graves, March (Lewis 81), R Thomas, C Thomas, Bevan (capt), Clarke (Samuel 77), Davies, Follows (Loveridge 86), Trundle, R. Jones. Subs not used: Finselbach, L. Jones.
Bridgend Street: King, Carro, D Noyes (Jones 63), R Noyes, Dingle, McDonagh, Bancroft (Martin 86), P. Fowler (capt), White, Davison, Burge (R Fowler 81). Subs not used: Berry, Lack (gk).
Referee: Leigh Jones (Treharris).
Attendance: 682.
