Neath and District Reserve Open Cup Final

Briton Ferry 1 Bryn Rovers 0

(At Briton Ferry)

Bryn Rovers lost their first ever second team cup final in heartbreaker at Briton Ferry, going down 1-0 to the hosts.

Rovers had been undergoing a restructuring season after losing ten players from last season’s unbeaten treble-winning side.

The game was far from a classic with both teams struggling to create an opening while regular stoppages every time a ball went over the fence only served to further slow proceedings - which seemed to suit Ferry.

Robert Cann netted a great header for Ferry after Bryn’s Christian Jones conceded a free-kick with a reckless challenge 30 yards from goal.

The precise delivery which followed found the unmarked Cann at the back post and he made no mistake.

Jones had a chance to redeem himself but was unable to make proper contact with the ball eight yards from goal.

Mathew Bowden also had a good chance to get Bryn back in the game but his drive was well saved by the keeper.

Julian Jones - Bryn's man of the match in the semi-final – struggled due to a lack of service and his only real chance was comfortably saved.

With half-time approaching, Bryn remained in the game thanks mainly to captain Arwel Davies in goal who was in inspired form throughout.

The second half saw Ferry again look to catch Bryn out with the ball over the top – and with good effect - as Davies was forced to produce a string of fine saves.

Chris Jones saw his effort strike the cross bar and that was close as they came to pulling level.

Despite the defeat, Bryn’s young side – with seven of the squad under 18 - will hope to have learnt important lessons from defeat which will serve them well in future.

After what has proved a long season, defeat was a bitter pill for Rovers to swallow – particularly after thi8er fine showing in the semi-final.

Defeat also marked the first season in which Rovers have failed to lift a trophy since the 2010/11 season.

Meanwhile, manager Eifion Rogers announced he was to stand down after nine seasons at the helm.

“I would like to thank all the players, coaches, volunteers and anybody else who helped along the way for their commitment and support,” Rogers told the Guardian.

Applications for the post are to be addressed for the attention of the committee.