Monmouthshire Windows Benevolent Cup - Caldicot Castle A 1 Thornwell Red and White A 1 (aet). Caldicot Castle won 6-5 on penalties

CALDICOT Castle completed the treble with their second cup victory of the season but it needed a shootout to decide this one.

The two rivals have dominated Division One this season, scoring 229 goals between them with only a handful of goals conceded in return so it was a surprise that either team could only manage to find the net once.

In a match watched by a good-sized crowd, Castle took the lead when Richie Withey powered a header past Thornwell keeper Liam Parker after Richard Lund nodded the ball on.

The lead lasted until Thornwell were awarded a free-kick, Matt Divers firing low into the corner with Castle’s keeper Dave Hayward unsighted and it looked like “game on” for a goal feast.

But although both teams created chances, either poor finishing or a timely interception by a defender kept the scores level.

Hayward was probably the busiest of the two keepers as the chances mounted up but even during 30 minutes extra time, neither team was able to score the decisive goal.

Only a great recovering tackle by Kyle Williams prevented Dean Corbett putting Thornwell ahead but then Castle were denied a winner by a Thornwell post and the dreaded shootout loomed.

Hayward saved one to give Castle the advantage but then Parker pulled off a save and it was all level once again.

With the scores level, Castle’s player-manager Joe O’Brien’s penalty struck the bar to take the shoot-out into sudden death and when Andrew Skuse’s effort went over the bar, Castle’s players celebrated.

Skuse was named Man of the Match for his overall performance and Richard Lund was presented with the Division One Golden Boot, having scored 33 goals.

After the match Thornwell boss Richard Jones put on a brave face and suggested a similar battle might be on the cards next season.

“Football is like that, unpredictable, and that’s why we all love it,” he said.

“We know what has to be done during the summer. We will add a few players to our squad and go again in August.”

Castle’s player-manager Joe O’Brien – in his first season in the job – praised everyone at the club for their support and thanked Thornwell for “pushing us all the way”.

“They kept it interesting and no-one likes to win or lose on penalties but I wish them all the best next season,” he said.

“I’m massively proud of what we have achieved at Castle and want to thank coach Steve Edwards and everyone who has played for me this season.”

Bob Cypher