Penrhyncoch ensured that mid Wales would be represented in this season's Dragon Sports FAW Amateur Trophy final following a 2-1 victory over holders Trethomas Bluebirds at Richmond Park.
The opening stages of the second semi-final, played at the home of home of JD Cymru south club Carmarthen Town, was relatively even as both teams took the opportunity to gauge their opponents. The Roosters broke the deadlock when Dan Owen was played into the penalty area by Cameron Allen before maintaining his composure to fire the ball past Irving Harry in the Bluebirds' goal. The Lock Stock Ardal North East leaders were handed a great opportunity to increase their lead in the 21st minute. Rhys Jenkins charged down a clearance from goalkeeper Harry Irving and the ball spun into his path towards goal, but instead of attempting to head the ball, decided to use his feet instead and was unable to keep the ball under the crossbar.
The Monmouthshire club looked to respond eight minutes later when Gareth Tedstone saw his header from a corner blocked before the Bluebirds striker latched on to a well-timed through ball eight minutes later but his ensuing effort was blocked by the advancing Jenkins. Penrhyn came close to doubling their lead four minutes before the interval but Irving managed to intercept a through ball before goal scorer Owen latched on to the ball with only the Bluebirds' custodian to beat.
Penrhyncoch manager Gari Lewis would have been happy to enter the interval holding a slender advantage but knew that the Bluebirds would not give up their grip on the FAW Amateur Trophy without a battle.
The Cae baker men nearly netted a second goal within two minutes of the restart when Owen was released through on goal but placed his ensuing shot wide of the far post. The Roosters seemed to content sitting back and hitting the holders on the break with the pace of their forward line. Penrhyncoch substitute Zac Davies went on a driving run into the penalty area in the 69th minute but his shot on goal deflected behind for a corner.
The Ardal South East leaders were denied an equaliser in the 74th minute when Jenkins made a crucial save from substitute Levi Rees before Thomas Gameson was unable to keep his shot under the crossbar seven minutes later when presented with a great opportunity to put the Bluebirds back on level terms.
As the second-half progressed, it appeared that one goal would settle the outcome of this semi-final, but the Ceredigion outfit doubled their lead in the 85th minute when Isaac Pridmore headed home from Harri Horwood's corner. Trethomas Bluebirds provided themselves with some late hope as Rees bundled the ball home five minutes later, before the holders pressed for an equalising goal in the closing minutes, but Penrhyncoch defended resolutely to hold on and secure victory. The Roosters will face Newport City on Saturday, 20 April in what will be their first appearance in the final of this competition since the 1995/96 season when they were eventually defeated by north Wales club Rhydymwyn.