A consistent back five has been paramount to the end of season form with Matt Prince continuing in goal with his defence of Jack Edwards at right back, Jamie Phillips and Mike Whitehouse at centre half and Callum Whyte at left back. Newly instated captain Matt Jones was joined in central midfield by Lee Rogers and Rob Jones. Top scorer Sam Roberts continued on the right of midfield with Jack Watkin returning to the side on the left. Mike Edwards looked to continue his vein of goalscoring form upfront.
Despite Llanys recent good form they have not started games well, this cannot be said for Kerry’s Wednesday night visit of Station Road. Sam Roberts has scored many different types of goals on his pursuit of gaining the crown of top scorer this season, but not many can be seen as significant as this one. A long ball was played up to him and the defender misjudged it, he took a touch to steady himself and placed a right footed outside of the boot shot past the goalkeeper into the far left hand corner. It was the dream start for Llanymynech and one they looked to build upon.
Roberts almost added an assist to his name not long after when an in-swinging corner from the left hand side found Jamie Phillips unmarked on the penalty spot. Phillips was remarkably unlucky to see his volley come back off the bar. Minutes later incredibly lightning struck twice as an in-swinging corner this time from Jack Watkin met the head of Phillips who once again saw his effort come back off the bar.
Kerry got a second wind after getting away with this and started to control the game more. A number of set pieces cause pressure on the Llany backline which Prince and his back four dealt with well, including one chance that Watkin had to clear off his own goal-line.
The second half saw Llany utilitse their talented bench with Nick Joyce, Chris Grommell, Grant Jones and Ben Graham all joining the action at different points. The addition of Grommell inevitably created a new threat to the Kerry backline with his fantastic free kick technique, however it was Kerry who first took advantage of that set play.
A free kick conceded on Llanymynechs right hand side was hit hard and low around the wall and kissed the post on the way into the net. This came as Llanymynech had started to get more reserved in attack and were slowly being forced back by the improving visitors. That free kick however was not the last major set piece within the game as the previously mentioned Chris Grommell was yet to have his say.
A truly brilliant cross come shot by Grommell had the beating of the keeper but came back off the post to land perfectly at the feet of Nick Joyce who placed the ball into the empty net to spark jubilant celebrations from players and fans. It was Llanys record signings’ first goal for the club and the look on his face showed the relief the player felt to break his duck. Just when you would be forgiven to think the route to the final was sealed the referee added a final twist.
When a corner was delivered into the hosts box it was headed wide and the referee blew his whistle. The decision was given for a push in the area by either Jack Edwards or Mike Whitehouse but despite the protests the penalty stood and Kerry had the chance to equalise for the second time, something Matt Prince was not going to let happen. The striker stepped up and hit the ball hard and low to Prince’s right, our keeper got down brilliantly to save the shot and get to the rebound and kick it away for a throw. It sealed the win and a man of the match performance for the keeper.
It significantly means Llanymynech will be playing in their first final since they reformed in 2011 and will face Berriew Reserves.