Crickhowell FC Crowned Open Cup Champions! 🏆

Crickhowell FC lifted the Open Cup yesterday in a thrilling final hosted by Blaenavon Blues. Facing a determined Tranch FC side, the Jackdaws battled through 90 intense minutes to secure a historic 3-2 victory - their first Open Cup triumph since the 1998/99 season.

Crickhowell FC celebrates their win with smiles and sprays, proudly displaying their trophy.

⚽ A Blazing Start

The match kicked off at a furious pace, and it took just five minutes for Crickhowell to strike first. Omar Bojang latched onto a clever through-ball from Jordan Wright, calmly finishing past the keeper to settle early nerves and give the team a 1-0 lead.

Crickhowell kept the pressure on, but Tranch responded with resilience and created chances of their own. One standout moment came when a dangerous 20-yard free kick was pushed away by goalkeeper Tom Naylor, preserving the lead.

The Jackdaws' defense, marshaled by Lloyd Morgan and Alex Ravetta, dealt with most aerial threats confidently. And on the 25-minute mark, Crickhowell doubled their lead. Another fluid move involving Jordan Wright and Aaron Williams found Omar Bojang in space - and he did what he does best: 2-0.

⚔️ Tranch Strike Back

Omar nearly made it a hat-trick minutes later, smashing a shot off the inside of the post. But Tranch refused to back down. They enjoyed a strong spell toward the end of the first half, pinning Crickhowell back and testing the defense with sustained pressure.

Their persistence paid off when Matthew Timbrell raced down the left and crossed for John Aherne, who tapped home to make it 2-1. Crickhowell held on as the half drew to a close.

Half-time: Crickhowell 2–1 Tranch FC

🔥 Drama in the Second Half

Tranch began the second half on the front foot with an early corner, but it was Crickhowell who had the first big moment. A long clearance found Omar Bojang, who was taken down just outside the box. After a consultation between referee and linesman, Tranch defender Lewis Gulliford was shown red.

Despite being down to 10 men, Tranch equalised just minutes later. A precise through ball from Robbie Peak split the defense and allowed Timbrell to slot home his side’s second. 2–2, with over half an hour still to play.

🧱 Grit, Substitutions & a Hero’s Finish

The match became a tactical and physical battle, with both sides digging deep. Crickhowell nearly reclaimed the lead when Jonah Jones met an Aaron Williams corner with a glancing header, forcing a sharp save from Tranch keeper Connor Powell.

As the sun beat down, both sides began to tire. Key substitutions were made - Milan Arambasic came on to steady the midfield, while experienced players like Robbie Bennett, Aaron Williams, and Michael Ling continued to drive the team forward.

Then came the moment. With just 10 minutes remaining, Crickhowell earned a corner. Williams floated the ball into a crowded box, where Graham Mason rose highest and nodded the ball through the keeper’s legs. 3-2 to Crickhowell!

⏳ Holding On to History

Late substitutions - Jack Keen replacing Jordan Wright and Lee Campbell coming on for Omar Bojang - helped manage the final moments. With solid game management and unwavering determination, the Jackdaws held on.

🏆 Full Time: Crickhowell FC 3–2 Tranch FC

Open Cup Champions 2025

It’s a night that will live long in the memory of everyone at Crickhowell FC - the club’s first Open Cup win since 1998/99, when legend Nick Francis last lifted the trophy.

Congratulations to all the players, staff, and supporters. Up the Jackdaws!