Pontyclun’s Joel Woodington claims Player of the Round in final Qualifying Round of the Welsh Cup
Pontyclun forward Joel Woodington has been named the FAW JD Welsh Cup Round Two Qualifying, ‘Player of the Round’ after winning a poll on Twitter.
The Former Cardiff City Performance Analyst scored a hatrick in Pontyclun’s 6-2 win over fellow Division Three side Caerau as they progressed to the First Round proper.
He broke on to the scene as a first team regular at the young age of just 17 and has played for sides like the now defunct Grange Harlequins and AFC Porth.
Woodington was Pontyclun’s top goal scorer back in the 2014/2015 season before being unavailable to commit to Saturday games after work commitments but has since returned to the fold and impressed for Pontyclun, helping them to promotion to the Welsh League last season.
His goals have given Pontyclun a home tie in the next round against local rivals and Cup debutants Pencoed Athletic, with the game set to be played on the weekend of the 6th October.
Woodington fought off close competition from STM Sports’ Curtis Scotto who was named in YClwb Pel-Droed’s Division Three ‘Team of the Year’ earlier this year and his outside the box hatrick against Butetown almost earned him the honour of player of the round, but for the late surge of votes for Joel Woodington.
There were also nominations for two North Wales based players as Meliden shot-stopper Bradley Wright was nominated following two great saves, as well as saving two penalties as they overcame Dyffryn Nantlle in a penalty shootout.
Gaerwen front-man Dylan Williams was also nominated following his hatrick against Pwllheli in an entertaining 6-5 encounter.
After receiving the award, following the vote on Twitter, Joel took time out to comment on winning the Player of the Round, highlighting the quality of the Pontyclun squad.
‘It’s great to receive the award and be acknowledged for one of my finest hat tricks. But it serves only as a testament to the team we have here.
Our squad has incredible talent and it has unity is like no other. That is demonstrated alone by the fact that a different player has set up every goal we scored so far this season. Thanks to everyone that went out their way to vote, and those that support the club week in, week out. I hope we can put on another terrific display in the next round.”
I was lucky enough to be at this game and it was a gamenof two halves ( to use a famous footballing phrase).
Joel was the stand out player for Pontyclun and his second half hat-trick was incredible. Two of his strikes were exceptional and thoroughly deserved this award.
Keep up the good work Joel and the rest of the Pontyclun squad.