The Graham Edwards Memorial Trophy is building up to an exciting climax with the four semi-finalists now confirmed after a busy second week which saw plenty of drama and lots of goals.
The summer tournament, sponsored by Morda’s Great Weston, is one of the most popular summer tournaments in the region.
Last week’s Group B between Gobowen Celtic and St Martins saw the latter eventually prevail 4-3 in a game which had enough drama to keep the scriptwriters going.
The Saints raced into an early three goal lead with Max Evans, Logan Richards and Rob Weir scoring within the first 15 minutes.
However, Gobowen reduced the arrears through Ed Rogers’ 29th minute penalty before the Saints were reduced to 10 men with Kai Hurdman giving his marching orders.
Action from St Martin's win over Meifod in the Graham Edwards Memorial Trophy. Picture by Andrew Donnison.
Rogers pulled another one back before his side were also reduced to 10 men early in the second-half with Sam Nash dismissed with St Martins capitalising as Evans completed his double.
Carl Harris netted in injury time but it was too late to prevent St Martins toasting glory which represented their first win in any competition since October 3, 2020.
Morda United and The Keys took centre stage on Wednesday with the defending champions winning 4-3 win in group A.
Both sides were already assured progress after TNS Under 19s withdrew from the tournament.
Action from St Martin's win over Meifod in the Graham Edwards Memorial Trophy. Picture by Andrew Donnison.
Goals from Louie Millington, Keiran Barry and Aaron Davies saw Morda race into a three goal lead before Ish Rashid added a fourth with 20 minutes remaining.
Sonny Lewis pulled a goal back in the 78th minute with late goals from Lewis Jones and Jamie Hands ensuring a tense finale.
Friday night’s game between Meifod and St Martins saw yet more drama and another seven goal thriller with the Saints eventually winning 4-3.
Meifod got off to a flyer with Hywel Bennett and Adam Davies netting before Jake Cross reduced the arrears.
Davies added his second to restore the two goal cushion but the Saints hit back to level thanks to goals from Cross and Logan Richards before Rob Weir snatched the winner.
Action from St Martin's win over Meifod in the Graham Edwards Memorial Trophy. Picture by Andrew Donnison.
The final game in the group saw Gobowen cruising to a 6–1 win over Llangollen Town Reserves with goals from Ed Rogers, Charlie Morris, Richard Hardy, Robbie Allen Joe Pierpoint and a Ben Rowland own goal before atoning with a consolation.
The first semi final between Group A winners Morda United and Group B runners up Gobowen Celtic was due to have been played at Gobowen last night.
The second semi final between the Group B winners St Martins and Group A runners up The Keys will now be played tonight (Wednesday) with a 6.30pm kick off.
The final is on Sunday, July 31 with a 3pm kick off with the trophy to be presented by Wrexham midfielder Luke Young.
All the games are played at Gobowen Playing Field with all the money raised going to Leukaemia Research.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here