New ties to hero French team on the way

Praise has been heaped on the team, which comes from an area in France that is twinned with a Mid Wales.

Les Herbiers in France is twinned with Newtown, and on Tuesday night faced Paris St Germain in their biggest ever game, as they bid to defy the odds and win the French Cup.

Words of support had come from all around the footballing world, including from Newtown where the twinning association, who pay regular visits to their French neighbours and from Newtown Football Club.

It was a bridge too far for the third tier club, however, as they went down 2-0 in front of more fans than the population of the town.

Almost everyone from Les Herbiers attended the game, and after the game as a goodwill gesture the side were invited to lift the trophy alongside PSG.

After the final people in the twin town in Mid Wales were quick to praise the work of the French minnows. And stronger links are now likely to be formed between Les Herbiers and Newtown AFC.

Exceptional

Newtown AFC boss Chris Hughes said the twin town team's performance was inspirational and one to be proud of.

He said: "Les Herbiers' performance was exceptional, we kept an eye on it back here and they weren't too far away.

"Hopefully we can maybe take some inspiration out of their run, they should all be so proud."

The two towns have enjoyed a twinning link for many years, however one between the football clubs have not been there so far.

That is one that the football club are looking to strike up, and the club praised Les Herbiers for their cup success.

Chairman Howard Ellis said: "It is fantastic that Les Herbiers have had so much success – they have done them proud.

"We haven't quite struck a link up with them and the twinning association, but it is something we are going to look to do in the coming months.

"We will be contacting them soon and hopefully they will reply to us when they have finished all their celebrating."