The Bears were second best out of the blocks, allowing the home team to take an early lead after only a few minutes of play as a clever dummy by the Firebrands forward allowed the ball to run through his legs, wrong-footing the Penarth defence and leaving his strike partner unmarked to sweep home, giving goalkeeper Simon Comfort no chance.

Not used to conceding early and finding themselves in unfamiliar circumstances, Penarth were guilty of forcing the play in an effort to chase a quick equaliser, and this played into Firebrands’ hands. The home side were clearly content to sit and defend their one-goal advantage, forcing the visitors to adopt a more patient approach to grind down their resilient and well-disciplined hosts.

The measured approach began to pay off midway through the half, and saw them start to control proceedings as they worked the ball around the back and through midfield. Openings were at a premium, howevger, and Penarth’s best chance of the half came as Baker drove powerfully into the 'D' only to see his reverse stick shot fly past the post, just out of reach of the outstretched Willemite.

The second half continued in much the same manner, with the Vale side enjoying more possession and territory, but failing to make inroads against a resolute defence. Against the run of play, it was Firebrands who grab the next goal, hitting Penarth on the counter-attack before adding a quick-fire that looked certain to guarantee all three points with only ten minutes left.

Three down and with nothing to lose, Penarth threw caution to the wind and mounted an all-out assault on the Firebrands goal in an attempt to rescue the game. The policy paid dividends almost immediately as Laith El Khatib dispatched a drag flick from the top of the circle.

Pressing the home team aggressively, player/coach Tyrone Moore dispossessed his opponent from a 16-yard hit out and found Khatib one-on-one with the ‘keeper. When last year’s leading scorer made no mistake from close range, Firebrands were reeling even before Penarth’s never-say-die attitude saw them draw level just minutes later, Joe Thomas netting at the back post following a goalmouth scramble.

The improbable comeback was not to have a happy ending for the Welsh side, however, as poor game management saw Penarth try to dribble out of their own end in an attempt to launch a final attack. The ball was turned over, leading to a contentious penalty corner that was put away with the last stroke of the game to leave the final score 4-3 to Firebrands and Penarth inconsolable.

Goalscorers: Laith El Khatib (2), Joe Thomas