Stars Reach Cup Final After Dramatic Shootout Win in Buckley

Buckley Town 1 Treowen Stars 1 – Treowen win 4-1 on penalties

WBS League cup – Semi final

Scorers: Green (89′)

MATCH REPORT

The Stars booked their place in the Welsh Blood Service League Cup Final after a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Buckley Town, following a hard-fought 1–1 draw in North Wales.

After a long four-hour journey, the Stars arrived in Buckley ready for a huge test, with both sides missing their captains through suspension. With a place in the final at stake, it proved to be a tense and closely contested game that went all the way to penalties.

FIRST HALF

The game started as you would expect for a semi-final, with both sides cautious and looking to settle into the contest.

The Stars made the brighter start and created the first big chance of the game. Harvery Selway broke behind the buckley defence and lifted the ball over the advancing goalkeeper from a tight angle but nobody was there to follow up and convert the chance before buckley cleared.

Jordan Needs then tested the keeper with a well-struck free kick that was pushed away for a corner as the Stars continued to threaten early on.

As the half went on, Buckley began to take control, particularly from set pieces. Cael Jones was called into action with a strong save, and the hosts caused problems with a series of deliveries into the box.

The Stars had to defend well, with some important blocks and last-ditch defending to keep the scores level at half-time , a fair reflection of a tight first half.

SECOND HALF

Buckley started the second half strongly and took the lead eight minutes after the restart. A well-worked move opened up the Stars defence, and Lewis Hodson finished well from close range.

The hosts then had their best spell of the game, putting the Stars under heavy pressure. Cael Jones was outstanding during this period, producing two brilliant saves to deny Connor Littler and Marcus Yakou and keep Treowen in the game.

With around 20 minutes to go, the momentum began to shift. Buckley were forced into a change at the back after Josh Allen went off with a serious-looking knee injury, and the Stars started to push forward. The CB was having a superb game and the chnage affected the hosts as they had to reshuffle to try and close the game out as the stars started throwing everything forward.

Despite plenty of possession, clear chances were limited and it looked as though Buckley might see the game out.

But this Stars side don’t give up.

With just one minute of normal time remaining, Lewis Green was alert to a mistake from the Buckley goalkeeper and took full advantage to level the scores and spark celebrations.

The stars sensed they still had time to win it was 7 minutes of added time. They kept throwing bodies forward but Buckley defended well to keep the stars out. There was still time for drama, with Buckley having one final opportunity, but their effort drifted into the side netting as the game went to penalties.

PENALTIES

The Stars showed superb composure in the shootout.

Callum Hodges stepped up first and calmly sent the keeper the wrong way, before Buckley missed their opening penalty.

Carter Campbell and Harvey Selway both converted their spot kicks, and after Buckley’s third penalty was sent over the bar, the advantage was firmly with Treowen.

That left Chris Hartland with the chance to seal it — and there was only ever going to be one outcome. He stepped up and confidently slotted home to send the Stars into the final.

SUMMARY

This was a proper cup tie, full of tension and momentum swings, with both sides giving everything.

Buckley will feel they had enough chances to win the game during a strong spell in the second half, but the Stars showed incredible resilience to stay in it.

Once again, Treowen found a way , showing character, belief and composure when it mattered most to book their place in the final.

Images and Videos by Chris Jenkins and Craig Thomas @ Tallboy images