Andrew Lawler tells us why he and his son, Andrew, love the passion of Trearddur Bay United
My wife and children like to spend as many weekends in Anglesey, North Wales, as is possible.
We have a static caravan in Trearddur Bay on the Isle of Anglesey so that makes life simpler.
My son is an avid Manchester United fan but has taken a liking to watching Trearddur Bay United whenever we can.
We have watched them several times and always enjoyed the experience.
Trearddur play in Welsh Alliance Division One and my son, Andrew, and I hoped there would be a home game when we last visited Anglesey.
We were not to be disappointed. Trearddur Bay United were hosting Glan Conwy in the Welsh Cup first qualifying round.
Although Glan Conwy lay below Trearddur in the league table, they played with great passion and resilience.
The standard of play was impressive and exciting. Both teams played with a determination and skill that was at times breathtaking and a credit to the Welsh Alliance.
As with any cup-tie, the tackles were hard – and a few were reckless. The referee was busy with his yellow card and both captains had a job restraining their teams from going too far.
Glan Conwy played out of their skin and were rewarded when they took the lead in the 76th minute – a wonderful Sean Shannon header that had the keeper clawing the air. The small but vocal crowd were stunned.
This setback seemed to really get Trearddur’s blood going. They threw everything at Glan Conwy and when the visitors were reduced to ten men the chance came. But there were only two minutes remaining when Trearddur were awarded a free-kick on the edge of the penalty box.
This was possibly their last chance to force extra-time. Sub Asa Thomas’ effort sailed past the wall into the corner of the net. This cup-tie was not over yet!
Glan Conwy came out fighting in extra-time but you could see that it was only a matter of time before Trearddur would grab the game by the scruff of the neck.
Eventually, Trearddur took the lead – and again it was that man Thomas.
Glan Conwy’s spirit was finally broken and the floodgates opened. The visitors did score again, courtesy of Matt Beech, at the end of the game but Trearddur Bay United had already taken their tally to five.
Shaun Jenkins and Curt Williams got on the scoresheet while Thomas completed his hat-trick to earn the player of the round accolade in the process.
As my son Andrew and I walked away, he turned to me and said: “Dad, that game was full of passion. Better than any game at Old Trafford.”
I had to agree
