Cardiff Wanderers are looking for their second straight Bute Energy U16s Cup title on Sunday, and if you’re looking at current form, they certainly look like they can retain their crown.
After victories over Canton, Rosehill, and Fairwater, Wanderers were drawn against Porth Harlequins in the semis. They went behind after a minute, but coach Ross Powell wasn’t worried, and was confident his side would rally back.
“Sometimes when you play in important games like a semi-final, things don’t start the way you plan, and to be fair to Porth, they scored a cracking goal. But I never felt worried or concerned. I just wanted the girls to settle down and play their football, which we eventually did.”
And rally they did, as the cup holders won 3-1, which isn’t a surprise when you look at the run the team are on. Cardiff Wanderers have won every game in every competition so far this season; a remarkable achievement for any side at any level.
Bute Energy U16s Cup Final
Winning has become second nature for all those associated with the team, but Powell explained how impressive this has been, especially considering the turnover in the squad.
“Last season we won the league without losing a game, we won this competition, and we lost in the semi-final of the other cup competition on penalties, which was disappointing. We’ve probably only lost one or two games in the span of three years. This season has gone pretty much as planned in all honesty.
“We lost some key players in the summer, but we signed some really committed and talented girls who have been unbelievable for us this summer. It was strange seeing some girls that we’ve had since the were U7s say goodbye, but the players who have come in have been great.”
Now they are one game away from lifting this trophy yet again. Standing in their way, however, will be Pontypridd United, a side which Wanderers know well, but also have tremendous respect for.
“I really like the team that Ponty have. My daughter plays for Cardiff City’s U19s, and I’ve seen her up against some of the girls from Ponty who play U16s and U19s football, and they are a talented group. They always try and play some good football, they have good individuals, and I have nothing but admiration for Ponty and their setup.
“They’re unfortunate that they have us in the same league, because they probably would have run away with it by now, but we’ve just pipped them this year. We know it’ll be a tough, 50/50 game on Sunday. We’re missing a few key players, but it should be a great day for everyone.”
Sunday’s final in Ystrad Mynach looks set to be an exciting one, but for Powell and Wanderers, if they were to lift the cup again, it would mean they have reached the very top of the game.
“This competition means everything to us. Last year it was the older girls who won the treble, and this is really the pinnacle of grassroots football. If we can go on and retain this trophy, it would top off an amazing season. This is the big one, and we will do everything we can to put on a good show and do our best to win.”
