Courtesy: Welsh FA


Trio of Cardiff Teams qualify for Futsal Cup Finals

There will be three Cardiff-based teams in the FAW Futsal Cup Finals on June 5th after the trio qualified from today’s Group Matches.

The inaugural Cup, was played throughout the day at two venues in Cardiff and Bangor and the eight Group winners from today’s matches will now go forward with the hope of being crowned the inaugural FAW Futsal Cup Winners.

In the Southern Qualifiers, Cardiff Cymru – who are a futsal team playing in the Midland Premier League – 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.

In the North, 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. In Group 2, Penmaenmawr Phoenix who play in the Welsh Alliance Division 2 enjoyed their day to progress at the expense of Rhyl, Flint Mountain and Llangollen.

There were only two teams in the final groups following the disappointing withdrawal of Cefn Druids and Airbus UK and Llandudno Town overcame Wrexham Futsal on penalties and a young TNS side coached by Eric Ramsey beat Bangor University to reach the last eight.

The Finals will be played on Sunday 5th June at the Futsal Centre 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