Aberystwyth Town 4

Rhayader Town 1

MATTHEW Jones starred with a hat-trick as Aberystwyth Town overcame Rhayader Town to be crowned Central Wales Cup under 19s champions in Llanidloes on Friday.

The match pitted the recently crowned Welsh Premier development league champions against a Rhayader Town side high in confidence following a successful season with the contest billed as a meeting between the two top under 19s sides in the region.

Both sides toiled on a difficult pitch with the Seasiders taking home the silverware thanks to a dominant second-half display.

Jones capitalised on a defensive lapse to break the deadlock as Aberystwyth led early before Rhayader levelled with Aeron Powell’s 20 yard free-kick sparking delight among the Red Kites travelling support.

However Aberystwyth grew stronger after the break with Jones completing his hat-trick while Liam Doherty also struck.

Rhayader continued to press for a route back into the game with Jamie Evans denied by the woodwork but nothing could prevent Aberystwyth Town completing their remarkable campaign by being crowned Central Wales Under 19s Cup winners.

Aberystwyth Town coach Bari Morgan said: “It was a tough game on a very difficult pitch.

“Rhayader made it difficult for us in the first-half but thankfully we stepped it up in the second-half to end deserved winners.

“It’s a huge achievement for us to win the treble and I am extremely proud of everyone of our players whose commitment and attitude has been brilliant all season.”

Rhayader Town spokesman Dai Davies heaped praise on the under 19s players and coaches.

“The players did themselves proud and to lose your first game of the season to the Welsh Cup and Academy League winners is nothing to be ashamed of.

“It was a brilliant effort and if this team sticks together they could go a long way.”

Rhayader will bid to bounce back this weekend when the Red Kites take on Brecon Northcote in an all South Powys final of the Welsh Beef and Lamb Mid Wales Under 19s League title play-off.

At the time County Times went to press a venue and kick-off time had yet to be confirmed.