Port Talbot Town deliver steely performance to win Dragon Signs Amateur Trophy

Port Talbot Town 2-1 Penygraig United

• Early goals in each half secure silverware for Port Talbot
• First trophy in 25 years for the Steelmen
• Giant killers Penygraig United put up valiant fight

Port Talbot Town struck early in each half to secure their first silverware in 25 years as they ran out 2-1 winners against battling Penygraig United in the Dragon Signs Amateur Trophy final. 

In front of a bumper crowd of 1,213 at Ynys Park, the Steelmen wasted no time in trying to press ahead as Jordan Edwards flashed an effort wide inside the opening minute to set the tone for a spirited final.

Ultimately it would take just six minutes for the Tier 4 side to stamp their authority on the game, with an inswinging corner prising Penygraig’s defence open as Lewis Davies headed home at the near post. 

The Rhondda-side responded well to their early set-back however, and grew into the contest as the half wore on. Good footwork from Adam Gould saw the midfielder work himself into space, but his drive into the bottom corner was kept out by Chris Curtis.

With both sides continuing to craft opportunities, Penygraig looked increasingly confident on the front foot and an audacious 35-yard effort from Connor Edwards threatened to dip under the crossbar, forcing Curtis to tip the ball over. 

Having been wasteful in front of goal since gaining their early lead, Port Talbot Town manager Richie Ryan would’ve no doubt been urging his side to be more ruthless during the half-time interval. His wishes were quickly answered, when Edwards latched onto Sam Baker’s probing ball forward and slipped past his marker before firing past Morgan Harrison.

Trailing by two, Penygraig’s second-half chances had been limited to brief glimpses of hope until their efforts were finally rewarded in the 79th minute. Ian Smith rose above the Port Talbot defence to head in from a corner and set up a grandstand finish. 

But despite Penygraig’s desperate attempts to force a dramatic equaliser, Port Talbot stubbornly held firm to edge their way to victory.