Gwent Schools FA U19s Cup Final (Cwmbran Stadium)

Monmouth Comprehensive School 1 Coleg Gwent 0

THE senior boys' football team of Monmouth Comprehensive School achieved a historic double at Cwmbran Stadium – winning the Gwent Schools FA U19s Cup just a week after securing the Welsh Schools FA U18s Cup, reports PAUL HANCOCKE.

Their back-to back successes cement their place in the school’s sporting history as its most successful football team ever.

Impressive wins over Caerleon (2-1) in the quarter-finals and 5-1 over Rougemont in the semi-finals saw MCS reach the midweek final against Coleg Gwent from Ebbw Vale with high confidence, further buoyed by their Welsh Schools triumph.

MCS captain George Gouldingay receives the Gwent Cup
MCS captain George Gouldingay receives the Gwent Cup (MCS)

MCS dominated possession early on, asserting control in midfield, and it only took seven minutes for the breakthrough, captain George Gouldingay delivering a perfectly-timed through ball to left winger Jack Palmer, whose blistering pace outstripped the defender before he slotted past the onrushing keeper.

Coleg Gwent pushed forward in search of an equaliser, but the MCS defence led by Callum Wilding, Harri Williams, Lucas Harris and Finley Cummins, stood firm.

MCS line up for the Gwent Cup final
MCS line up for the Gwent Cup final (MCS)

The backline, supported by a tireless midfield, repelled wave after wave of attacks, with goalkeeper Joe Porter making crucial saves to see MCS lead 1-0 at the break.

The second half saw the Vale outfit raise the intensity, using their physicality to dominate possession.

With several taller players, they posed a significant threat from set-pieces and long balls, but the MCS defence remained resolute, clearing dangerous balls and allowing Porter to collect anything that came his way.

Losing midfielder Brain to injury added to the challenge as fatigue set in, but Harry Wilson stepped in, providing crucial defensive support as Coleg Gwent pushed forward, with Porter making a string of saves.

And MCS held out to secure a hard-fought 1-0 victory, clinching their second piece of silverware in seven days for an unprecedented Gwent and Welsh Cup double.

The victory was poignant for many players in their final school game, but a fitting end to their school football careers.