Gaerwen Goalkeeper Wins Award

By Ronald Bridges

Gwyndaf OwenWin FAW ward

Gaerwen goalie wins Welsh Cup award!
Gwyndaf Owen - Player of the Round!

Goalkeeper Gwyndaf Owen of Gaerwen Football Club has been awarded the Player of the Round for the 2nd Qualifying Round of the FAW Welsh Cup.

The Bangor-born 22 year old enjoyed an outstanding performance in his club’s penalty shootout win over Corwen on Saturday 13th September. The ‘keeper who has been at the club since 2007/08, made two point blank saves during the 90 minutes, which took the match into extra-time and then into the dreaded penalty shootout.

During penalties, the stopper was the hero of the hour, saving two of the Corwen penalties as the Welsh Alliance League division 2 side progressed 3-1 on penalties.

Gwyndaf’s performance was extra special as he played the last ten minutes in extra time and penalties, with a sore ankle, following an injury sustained in the match.

Gaerwen’s Manager Jamie Davies said; "I am delighted that Gwyndaf has won this award; it is thoroughly deserved. His performance in the match typified what he is about; a fantastic goalkeeper with tremendous shot-stopping ability and a big heart.

“He is well liked by all the players and you could see how grateful all the lads were to him for his efforts throughout the game when that final penalty was struck; everyone wanted to celebrate with him and thank him for what he had done.

“He is only young for a goalkeeper and still has his best years ahead of him. I have no doubt that he will go on to be an even better goalkeeper and this accolade will be one to remember and hopefully spur him on."

Gaerwen now face a trip to Mid Wales in Round One as they face Llanidloes Town on Saturday 4th October.

Owen was chosen for the award ahead of two other excellent nominations, Ricky Carter who scored four goals for AFC Llwydcoed in their 5-3 away win at West End and Josh Graham of STM Sports who beat Welsh League division 3 side Treharris 4-1 away.

Owen had this to say: "Thank you to everyone for all the nice comments! Very proud to have won this award. Thanks to everyone at Gaerwen FC especially to Jamie Davies for already improving me as a player in a short space of time and Mathew Thomas for turning the club around!"

This Award is a new initiative for the Welsh Cup this season, so Owen is the second winner after Presteigne St Andrews’ striker Callum Matthews became the inaugural winner in Qualifying Round 1.

Where next?

League Cup Draws Round Two League Cup Draw

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