Damage in the Box!: FC CEFN (The Muga)

I was fortunate today, as we enter the dying embers of the season, that there was a 'local' game for me to head to that had something riding on it. Cefn Mawr based FC Cefn were taking on Corwen, in the Welsh National (Wrexham Area), and a point was all they needed to secure the championship.

This is the fourth ground i've visited to watch teams with Cefn in their name, which is amazing for such a small geographical area. Both Cefn Druids grounds (Plaskynyston Lane & The Rock) are two and Cefn United, who existed from 1999-2008, and played at The Dell, being the other. FC Cefn's ground, The Muga, is in the shadow of a supermarket that was built on the site of Druids old ground, Plaskynyston Lane.

FC Cefn were founded in 2006 and the following extract is taken from their website

"F.C.Cefn were founded in 2006 by Mr Billy Evans, Mr Bill Kempster,Steven Davies and Mark 'Jusso' Jones. The team joined the Welsh National League division 3 for the 2007/2008 season playing home fixtures at Ty-Mawr Park.That season F.C.Cefn won the div 3 title by one point from Gwersyllt. They were promoted straight to div 1, once again winning the title from Gwersyllt, this time by nine points, also winning the Div 1 league cup making it a splendid league and cup double. F.C. Cefn were promoted to the premier division.During this season they also changed their home ground and moved to The Muga Plaskynaston Lane. In their first season in the premier they finished a respectable 11th place and lost to venture 3-2 in the league cup final. F.C.Cefn's next ambition is to compete in the Cymru Alliance League"

That ambition may be a while off yet as, despite being certainties to clinch the title, promotion has already been declined. This could have something to do with ground as it is very basic to say the least. The ground is just a railed of pitch with no stands, cover or facillties...not good if you need to go to the toilet, or as today, take cover from the burning sunshine! Also, for all you paperchasers out there, no programme was issued either. However, I would say the elevated standing offered a great view of the match and no admission was charged.

As mentioned, at the start of play FC Cefn only needed a point to secure the Welsh National (Wrexham Area) championship, but managed to claim all three despite a very sluggish performance. Visitors Corwen clearly came with the intention of spoling the party and were the better side for large periods of the game.

It was no surprise when they took the lead after 30 minutes, a loose ball allowed Andy Roberts to race through on goal before slotting past in the Cefn goal. The homesters were very fortunate to go in at the break level when, after 39 minutes, Oli Davies sidefooted home Darren Williams' knock down.

Cefn seemed to drift back into their slumber at the beginning of the second period as Corwen had 5 great chances in an opening 4 minute blitz. The first four went begging but on 49 minutes a glorious lob from Dave Roberts restored Corwen's lead.

Prompted by ex-Welsh Premier League player Paul Mazzarella (left), FC Cefn worked themselves back into the game. Oli Davies thought he'd levelled for a second time but his effort was ruled offside. However minutes later they did level, Nick Williams latching onto a long clearance to fire home (63).

Nick Williams scores from the penalty spot

The momentum at this point swung towards Cefn and with 10 minutes remaining they took the lead for the first time, Nick Williams scoring his second goal from the penalty spot. The game was finally put to bed after 83 minutes when Lee Jones scored a fourth for Cefn. The mark of true Champions - when you don't play well, but can still grind out the result.

The party could well and truly start. Corwens misery was completed when Will Roberts was sent off for what I could only assume to be foul and abusive language.

The trophy was presented at the end of the game as another chapter in Cefn's short history came to a very happy conclusion.