Border Control.

---

Intro

These two teams coincidentally faced each other just 4 days ago as they played out a 2-2 draw over at Ystrad Mynach in the Ardal League South East. Last weekend Chepstow conceded an injury time equaliser to draw in the local derby at home to Caldicot Town. Before that they won their first two league games of the season – 4-1 at home to Hay St Mary’s, followed by a 4-3 away win at Blaenavon Blues. To reach this stage of the Welsh Cup, Chepstow beat Wattsville FC 3-2 at home back at the end of July.

Risca’s season has been a bit of a rollercoaster so far: close-sounding losses to Undy AFC and Newport City either side of a convincing win over Brecon Corries, mean they will need to find some consistency if they want to replicate last season’s good showing which culminated in a promotion play-off loss to Baglan Dragons. Risca seemingly received a bye to this round of the Cup and so will look to kick off in this competition on the right foot.

---

The Ground

Chepstow lies just west of the River Wye which, for a good portion of its length, forms the border between Wales and England in the east. The town’s principal football ground is a short walk south west of the historic town centre with its impressive old castle. Larkfield Park is in a residential part of town on a road of the same name. There’s a large L-shaped club house in one corner of the ground. Outside of this there is a good amount of outdoor seating, and fortunately the weather was good enough to take advantage of this today. The sole stand is found along one touchline and is a modest-sized seated structure.

---

The Match

Despite a decent forecast, the heavens well and truly opened as I made my way across the Severn Bridge (the older of the two). Fortunately this rain dissipated by the time I arrived at Larkfield Park and it held of for the whole match! I was pleased to buy a pin badge prior to kick off and then made my way out to the pitch where the players were finishing their warm-up. It was surprising to note that, despite this being a Welsh Cup game between two 3rd tier sides, there was only one appointed referee for this match so each team had to supply a linesman.

Risca United had the first chance of the game on 4 minutes as left back Owen Cuddihy sent a near post cross in from the bye-line, but striker Daniel Battle could only steer it wide. Another well worked Risca attack forced home keeper Matthew Swann into a point blank save from Arthur Furness. Chepstow finally had a chance of their own – a long range shot which flew wide of the target. Soon after Harry Morris, in the Risca goal pulled off a good double save. It was a thrilling start from two youthful and attack-minded teams, but they couldn’t maintain the pace as the game settled down somewhat. Despite this, it was a feisty affair with heads threatening to be lost on at least one occasion. The deadlock was broken on 40 minutes – Mallachi Graham latching onto a Sonny Lewis ball over the top and beating the visitors’ offside trap. It was a good finish past Morris as Risca calls for offside fell on the deaf ears of referee Phillip Bates. United almost equalised twice in first half stoppage time, but Swann tipped over the bar well. Risca’s Lloyd Oliver then failed to make meaningful contact with his head, after a good cross into the box from the left.

Calamity befell Harry Morris 7 minutes into the 2nd half. He came out to claim a ball forward from Chepstow, but missed it. Substitute Josh Parsons initially hit the bar but managed to nod the rebound in as Morris tried in vain to make amends for his mistake. The hosts were happy to sit back and protect their lead as chances became few and far between. The Chepstow defence charged down a Furness volley on 73 minutes and then, when it looked like it was done and dusted, the away side got their goal – a strong low shot from Leon Thomas found the bottom corner. Perhaps not wanting to rely on their defence protecting their now slender lead, Town went on the offensive. Graham struck the outside of the post from a tricky angle with 5 minutes remaining. On 90 minutes the striker found himself in a similar position but this time could only find the side netting. Into injury time we went. A great long throw from David Palmer found Parsons who took on a couple of defenders, cut inside and finished smartly past Morris.

It was an entertaining cup time in pleasant surroundings; you can just about glimpse the Severn Bridge from one end of the pitch. This won’t be my last venture across the border!

---

The Photos

The full gallery of match photos is also available HERE