We arrived in Caersws minutes before the scheduled kick off to find that
the game (between Caersws and Aber Ed.) was off. Something about the
goal area being turned into a synchronised swimming practice pool, so
with Steve Moore's help we find ourselves being taken to see this game
in the same competition between two sides whose seasons have not exactly
set the world of football aflame. Llanidloes play in Norwich colours
and have a ground that is the equal of Welshpool's (I actually thought
it was better than Welshpool's, because it had two stands, and wasn't
used as the outfield of a cricket pitch! Ed.), who wore their standard
white and black. Richley described the pitch as looking like the Somme
might have done at the end of the battle. That's being kind. It was a
mess of mud and water and both teams deserve standing ovations for even
attempting to run on it. And then the game is a perfect cup tie with
Welshpool, the more skillful team, surrendering a half time advantage
to the the energy and verve of the Cymru Alliance boys. It took a penalty
to do it, given by the sodden, cheery linesman when the referee was
going to wave play on. A penalty that was then buried with relish by
the Llanidloes #10 who had earlier put his team back in the game.
Welshpool hurled themselves into the match, their midget #12 ran like
a demon but acheived little. AND there were good passing moves from
both teams. Hell, I was impressed. And a nice sausage and chips in Llani
after the game was over. And zero visibility as the torrential rain
turned to snow on the Mid Walian hills on the journey back. One of the
most enjoyable football evenings of my spectatorial life.
J.D.Smalldon Dec 1996