Benevolent Cup Final - Undy Athletic 2 Mathern 1

UNDY Athletic spoiled Mathern Reserves’ bid for the club’s fifth trophy when they won the Benevolent Cup at Caldicot Town’s ground on Friday.

Once again, the match was not without incident with both clubs’ fans protesting against certain decisions.

There had been no complaints from either side when Simon Owen put Undy ahead with a superb goal, collecting the ball about 20 yards out and turning and shooting in one fluid movement to leave Mathern keeper Jacob Tyson helpless.

However, the slender lead looked vulnerable until early in the second half when Tyson appeared to be challenged while in the air, collecting the ball at a corner. The ball ran clear and Josh James was on hand to stab the ball over the line.

While the keeper and his teammates attempted – in vain – to get the referee to change his mind, Undy celebrated a two-goal lead.

Mathern manager Lee Baker sent on subs Jordan Barrett and Wayne Duffield in search of a goal and was given an extra boost by another decision which saw Undy’s Lee Harris sent off for an off-the-ball incident.

Mathern sensed they had been handed a lifeline and a free kick by Gary Baker appeared to be diverted past Undy’s keeper by Duffield.

The goal spurred both teams but Undy proved too strong and emerged worthy winners although as co-manager Ziggy Niblett conceded, they were not expected to return with the silverware.

Niblett and his co-managers, Andrew Peacock and Gareth Evans took over the job of running Undy’s third team from Ben Garner at the start of the season.

“I think everyone would agree we were massive underdogs going in to the game,” Niblett said later.

“But it shows we can match East Gwent’s top sides when we play at our best.

“We were honoured to continue from Ben and weren’t too sure we could bring home some silverware in our first season.

“We congratulate Mathern on their achievements,” he said.

“Going through the league games unbeaten is a great feat at our standard and to back that up with their third team winning the treble shows what a great set-up they have.

“We’d like to thank all officials that organise the East Gwent Leagues. Without them we wouldn’t have anything to play for each year.”

Mathern boss Lee Baker paid tribute to Undy’s “defiant and organised performance and solid game plan”.

“They played very well and put pressure on us high up the pitch to stop us playing from deep,” Baker said.

“When we had chances they were solid and made a couple of quality last ditch challenges.

“We were left with too much to do after a superb goal by Simon Owen and a questionable second goal, but our heads are held high.

“We’ve had a very good season. This young side has learned a lot and this cup final defeat will make us stronger.”

Baker also admitted he made some mistakes with his team selection

“I have a couple of regrets and with hindsight that’s something I have to take on the chin. We live, learn and improve!

“Well done to Undy and especially Ziggy. He played well and should be proud of what his team has done.”