Montgomeryshire Amateur League

Saturday 7th May 2022

Kick Off 14.30 Actual 14.32

Trefonen 3 Llanfechain 2, attendance 43

27’ 1-0

52’ 2-0

57’ 3-0 (pen)

74’ 3-1

89’ 3-2

@ The Pit

School Lane

Trefonen

SY10 9DG

No Admission

£1 Programme, 12 pages.

I would never have considered this today, but having been offered a lift, by a driver who was attracted by the fact that the club issue a programme, then it was hard to turn down. Trefonen are one of a number of clubs over the years that are based in England, but ply their trade over the border in Wales. The village of Trefonen is about three miles south west of Oswestry, in Shropshire, and about the same distance from the Welsh border. It was the only ground in the league I hadn’t visited, although it is easier to do these days, as there is now just one division, made up of only 8 teams, whereas there used to be two divisions, albeit containing a fair few reserve teams amongst them.

Trefonen came into this 2nd in the league table, knowing that a win guaranteed them second place. Llanfechain were rock bottom, managing just one win and one draw from their twelve games. They have taken three double figure thrashings, including a 0-11 defeat in the reverse fixture with Trefonen. At least they have turned up for every game, which they deserve credit for. It has to be said, the standard of football was absolutely dreadful, especially in the first half. At times it was difficult to tell which team was at which end of the table.

The only goal of the first half came on 27 minutes, when the ball was played across the six yard box for an easy tap in, which gave Trefonen the lead. Seven minutes into the second half they made it 2-0, before a penalty saw them go 3-0 up five minutes later. Rather than giving up, Llanfechain still competed, reducing the arrears with sixteen minutes left, shooting past the ’keeper at his near post. They then pulled it back to 3-2 in the last minute, with a cracking first time shot into the top corner.

So, Trefonen got the win they needed, and apparently, they are being promoted into the Mid Wales League next season. They will certainly have to improve on this showing, if they are to survive at the higher level.