NEWTOWN took advantage of a strong wind to dominate the first half of this keenly contested Mercian League cup final at Langland Stadium.

NEWTOWN SPORTS JUNIORS U13 3, WELLAND JUNIORS U13 0

Welland defended deep in numbers to frustrate the Newtown attack until a long free kick from Phil Harris caused confusion and Ricky Buckland nipped in to give Newtown the lead.

The Newtown midfield of Buckland, Harris, Ben Hardy and Adam Johnson began to get on top but were unable to unlock the Welland defence again. It was left to forward Dan Jeynes to show the required strength and pace to reach the byline before laying back a superb ball for Buckland to grab his second just before half time.

Welland started the second half well and brought out an athletic save from Newtown keeper Matt Higgs. With captain Liam Paddock prompting Welland forward, Newtown's defence of Andy Tighe, Chris Griffiths, Peter Boardman and Lee Hammond stood up well to the test.

The game was effectively won when the tireless Jamie Ferguson broke into the Welland box and squeezed a neat pass to Jeynes who scooped the ball over the keeper for a deserved third for Newtown.

Newtown came close to extending their lead when Chris Bowen brought a fine save out of the Welland keeper. Jamie Ferguson was named man of the match in this absorbing contest played in difficult conditions.