Tîm Rhanbarthol y De Cymru made a sensational start to the UEFA Regions’ Cup Intermediate Round with an emphatic 7-0 victory over Macedonian side Bitola.
Gruff Harrison’s side were in ruthless form, scoring four times before half-time before adding three more in the closing stages to secure a comprehensive opening-day victory.
Just over fifteen minutes in, Ethan Edwards burst down the left before driving into the penalty area and squaring across goal to Casey Coughlin who was unable to finish, but Jack Jones was on hand to tap home and give Cymru the lead.
Just four minutes later, the advantage was doubled as a cross from the left found Jones, who floated the ball back into the danger area. Edwards reacted quickest, meeting it on the half-volley and poking the ball beyond the goalkeeper to make it 2-0.
Tîm Rhanbarthol y De Cymru continued to dominate and added a quick fire third and fourth goal before half time. A long throw from Jones on the left flank caused problems in the Bitola defence, and the ball eventually found Coughlin who turned sharply before firing into the corner to make it 3-0.
The goal of the game was Coughlin’s second as the Pure Swansea forward spotted the goalkeeper off his line and produced a spectacular lob from from 35 yards out, sending the ball over the keeper and into the net.
Harrison made full use of his squad in the second half, eventually utilising all five substitutes as Tîm Rhanbarthol y De Cymru maintained their intensity and continued to find opportunities.
The fifth arrived in the 79th minute as substitute Kofi Rowe delivered a corner into the box, where Clayton Farrah rose highest to head home. The defender arrived in Bosnia in fine goalscoring form himself, having scored twice for Pontypridd United on Friday before making the journey.
Jack Jones continued to cause problems as he carried the ball across the box from the left before a scramble ensued inside the penalty area. The ball eventually fell kindly to Coughlin, who poked it home to complete his hat-trick.
But a treble wasn’t enough for Coughlin as in the first minute of added time, substitute Mason Kelly raced down the left before feeding his club teammate who made no mistake by poking the ball beyond the goalkeeper to complete a remarkable four-goal haul and cap a 7-0 victory.
The result puts Tîm Rhanbarthol y De Cymru in an excellent position in the group after the opening round of fixtures, although the other result underlined the quality of the challenges still to come.
Zenica-Doboj of Bosnia and Herzegovina defeated FC Cilicia of Armenia 8-0, with Cymru facing the Armenian side next before the eagerly anticipated meeting with the hosts.
