FAW Futsal Cup – Qualification Round

On Sunday 22nd May the FAW Futsal Cup kicked off with the North Wales qualifying round taking place at Bangor University Maes Glas Sports Centre and the South Wales competition taking place in the @Futsal Arena, Cardiff 28 teams from across Wales competed for the 8 spaces in the National Final on Sunday 5th June 2011

In North Wales the opening groups GAP Connah’s Quay impressed as they overcame Wrexham Lager and Newtown to convincingly reach the Finals with Sam McNutt and manager Mark McGregor making a good impression.

Penmaenmawr Phoenix who play in the Welsh Alliance Division 2 enjoyed their day with three wins in a competitive group to progress at the expense of Rhyl, Flint Mountain and Llangollen.
The game of the day had to be Llandudno Town versus Wrexham Futsal, with the game going to a penalty shoot out to decide the group winner. Trailing 7 – 6 Wrexham Futsal scored in the dying moments to level on 7 – 7 taking the game to a shoot out. Both teams selected their five players for the penalty kicks and the drama closed with Llandudno prevailed 4-2.

In the final group a young TNS side coached by Eric Ramsey displayed athleticism and technical ability to progress as group winners completing the four teams qualifying for the FAW Futsal Cup Final.

South Wales saw Cardiff Cymru trailed Llanelli at half-time in their opening game, but a brace from diminutive skipper Jonny Nelson in the second-half sunk the Reds. They then beat Coleg Sir Gar to set-up a winner takes all clash with Valencia CF Legends. Valencia are another Cardiff-based Futsal team, who were unfortunate to be drawn in the same group as Cymru, and although they put up a brave fight, lost 5-4 with Louis Gerrard and Ashley Park starring for Cardiff Cymru.

Merthyr Town won Group 2, but only had to beat Rhayader Town to clinch their progression after the disappointing withdrawal of Port Talbot and AFC Llwydcoed. Dan Richards starred for the young Merthyr side with a classy hat-trick.
The Southern Group 3 featured the Varsity Match as the Universities of Swansea and Cardiff went head-to-head, with the Capital side claiming bragging rights with a convincing win. This group went to the final game as well, with the students progressing over underdogs East Gwent Exiles, who also enjoyed a win over Swansea Uni.
In Group 4, a young Brecon Town were beaten comfortably in their two matches, but enjoyed their Futsal experience and the final match in this Group was another winner takes all, with Welsh League side Pontardawe narrowly missing out 5-4 to CSKA Talybont in a very exciting finale. The Talybont side included a number of former Cardiff City trainees, with ex-Wales Under 19 International Nicky Fish captaining his side into the last eight.

The Finals will be played on Sunday 5th June at the @Futsal Arena in Cardiff and the winners will then go on to represent Wales in the UEFA Futsal Cup between 13th - 21st August 2011.

The eight teams to qualify for the FAW Futsal Cup Finals are;
Cardiff Cymru, Cardiff University, CSKA Talybont, GAP Connah’s Quay, Llandudno Town, Merthyr Town, Penmaenmawr Phoenix, The New Saints FC.










Posted by Luca Ranocchiari --> luca.ranocchiari@futsalplanet.com