Builth Wells lifted the Aspidistra Radnorshire Cup for the first time in 32 seasons following a 3-2 extra-time victory over holders Radnor Valley in a pulsating final at Llanandras Park on Friday.
Tommy Rowlands’ near post effort flew over the crossbar before Danny Hall was played through on goal 60 seconds later but saw his shot cleared off the line after rounding goalkeeper Otto Jones as Builth started the brighter.
Valley came into the game as Charlie Beaumont volleyed narrowly over the crossbar from the edge of the penalty area following some good approach play by Callum Matthews and the holders ended the first-half much stronger with Matthews testing Bulls’ goalkeeper Kham Steventon before penalty appeals for a foul on Joey Price were waived away by referee Callum Richards.
However, it was Builth Wells who broke the deadlock in the 44th minute when Lyndon Jones drilled home a low shot from 25 yards after the Radnor Valley players momentarily hesitated after assistant referee Nigel Mathias had raised his flag for handball by Matt Croose but played was allowed to continue by the referee.
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Both sides carved openings at the start of the second-half as Rowlands went close with a shot on the turn in the 55th minute before Matthews fired wide at the other end.
Radnor levelled just after the hour when Matthews rose highest at a corner to plant his header firmly past Steventon.
Aeron Powell pulled his effort wide of goal from the edge of the penalty area 60 seconds later but was successful in the 80th minute to restore the Bulls’ lead.
Just when it had appeared that the county cup was heading to Builth Wells, the holders netted a dramatic equaliser in the eighth minute of stoppage time when Elliot Morris headed home Price’s free-kick.
Radnor nearly went ahead in the second minute of extra-time when Clarke struck an upright from close range.
Despite the disappointment of conceding a late goal, the Bulls regained the lead in extra-time when the hard-working Rowlands was set free on goal to tuck past the advancing Jones.
The Goats continued to push for an equaliser in the closing stages with Price seeing his 119th minute free-kick clip the top of the crossbar but it was Bulls captain Chris Roff who would receive the trophy from Linda and Daryl Eaton of the Aspidistra Restaurant.
Manager Dylan McPhee said: “It was a great game played between two good sides in front of a big crowd which provided a brilliant atmosphere, it was a great advert for Radnorshire and mid Wales football which I think everybody enjoyed.
“I thought overall we deserved the win as should of been out of sight by half-time but we all know Radnor don’t give up and were always a danger from set pieces especially with the quality they have.”
McPhee said the performance and result capped a fine campaign on and off the pitch for the Bulls.
He said: “Our boys have been superb in the last two months and once again stepped up to produce another outstanding performance.
“I’m pleased for the club, committee, management team but especially for the players who thoroughly deserved to win the trophy,
“I didn’t know the club hadn’t won it for 30 odd years so what an achievement by all.”
“It’s rounded off a great season especially with cementing fourth place in the league on Saturday which shows how good this team is,” added McPhee.
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