The opening minutes of the game saw both teams locked in a battle of cat and mouse, with Thornwell’s defence holding strong against a rabid Excelsiors attack. A few free kicks, including one from Lewis Jones, came to nothing as time after time, Thornwell were able to deflect the danger in front of goal.

Thornwell, undefeated thus far this season, were able to hold their own and stuck to a gameplan, killing off the attacking trifecta of Shaun Smith, Dafydd Phillips and Jamie Laurent. The solid defender Rhys Whiteman broke free of the pack on a daring attempt to gain ground but again, his effort was stopped short thanks to Thornwell’s 3-on-1 defensive tactic. As halftime approached, 0-0 seemed a fair scoreline for both teams, who despite their best efforts were unable to score.

The second ‘45 minutes opened auspiciously with a penalty scored deep in the bottom corner by Jamie Laurent, as the referee blew for the home team’s goalkeeper taking down Dafydd Phillips, to break the deadlock at 0-1. Minutes later Thornwell seemed destined to get back in the game but their goal was disallowed for an offside, much to the chagrin of the home supporters.

A freekick opportunity again landed in the lap of Lewis Jones, who fired off and scored a second for the lads, creating a clear cut lead and pushing momentum forward. His cousin however would put the nail in the coffin for the hosts, as Tyla Preece found the back of the net to make it 0-3, as Thornwell’s defence showed serious cracks.

As the final 10 minutes came into focus, things appeared to be clear cut for the travelling Tigers, as the Excelsiors held a firm lead. However, some drama was still assured, as Thornwell picked off the Excelsiors defence to break through the line and pick up a consolation goal against Dan Parsons, who had little to do for much of the game.

Things again took a turn when Thornwell scored off a freekick to make it 2-3 and as nervous fans continued to chant for Excelsiors players from the side, it looked like Thornwell could come back from worlds end and level things out with Abertillery, spoiling their cup journey in the dying embers of the match.

However time was not on the side of the home team and the referee’s whistle signalled the progression to the final for the Excelsiors. Set for early May, the lads will head down to Risca in their quest to raise Amateur Cup silverware for the first time in 18 years.

FT:
Thornwell FC 2 vs 3 Abertillery Excelsiors

Scorers:
Jamie Laurent
Lewis Jones
Tyla Preece