Hat-trick hero celebrates cup win
11th May
Hat-trick hero James Loveridge saluted his team-mates after they secured a fourth successive Welsh Cup crown.
The Swans Under-19s beat West End 7-4 at the Liberty Stadium on Thursday to follow up last year's success over TNS.
Loveridge got the hosts off to a perfect start with the opening goal after just five minutes, and the striker later went on to complete his treble in a Man of the Match performance.
"This is my fourth win in a row but it's nice for the first-year scholars to get a first title, and I'm just glad I could help play a part in winning it," he said.
"The first goal was important in terms of allowing us to settle, but to be fair to West End they came back and equalised straight away.
"But we managed to get a few more before half time which was important."
It turned out to be an entertaining night at the Liberty, with three goals in the first ten minutes setting the tone.
Loveridge added a fifth goal after the restart and he sealed his hat-trick with a fine half volley from Scott Tancock's pass.
"Glenny (Davies) said to us at half time to try and get at them early on and get a fifth goal," said Loveridge.
"Scott (Tancock) always does that ball in training so I knew what was coming and I'm glad it went in for my hat-trick."
Loveridge was one of three first-year pros in the Swans' starting line-up, featuring alongside Tancock and Henry Jones.
And the 19-year-old - playing in his fourth final - already has one eye on next season.
"I'm just glad that I've been part of it," he said. "It's also nice for the coaches because it's the only thing they can win.
"Hopefully we can push on against next year, have a good pre-season and try and take my chance if it comes."
