Can they do it? (From Penarth Times)

Can they do it?

LAST WEEK Dinas Powys AFC consolidated their chances of winning the Welsh League Third Division with another two exciting victories at the Murch.

On Thursday they convincingly defeated Caerau Ely 3-0 then on Saturday they narrowly overcame a determined Newcastle Emlyn side 1-0.

These wins mean the title chase is a two horse race between the Villagers and Newport YMCA. It will go right to the wire with both teams having two games to play (at the time of going to press) with Dinas two points in front.

The Villagers and Newport both played on Tuesday night. Dinas have the more difficult fixture against Pontypridd who need the points to secure promotion whilst Newport play already relegated Abercynon.

So it looks like going to the last game of the season (almost as good as the Premiership) and guess who Dinas are playing at the Murch on Saturday - Newport!

Back to last week's games. With suspensions and injuries taking their toll, the only change to the regular squad was the inclusion of youngster Lloyd Davies at centre-back, making his Welsh League debut.

Against Caerau it was cut and thrust for the first half hour but Dinas had a slice of luck when a Nathan Hosgood cross was met on the full by Jeff Hooper.

His rasping shot hit a defender and the referee rather fortuitously adjudged it hand ball and awarded the spot kick. Player manager Paul Giles took the responsibility and sent the keeper the wrong way with a well converted penalty.

It was another half-hour of nail-biting tension before Dinas got the all-important second. Under pressure the Villagers made a swift break-out from defence and Giles's pin point through ball sprung the offside trap.

He found Rhodri Foote on the right whose cross seemed to find more dummies than in Mothercare, some intentional, some not, but eventually the ball was tapped in at the far post by Hooper who was doing what every midfielder should do, arrive late and unmarked in the penalty area.

Dinas made the game safe when Giles scored the third direct from an inswinging corner. An excellent all-round team performance with substitutes Lee Smith and Lee Street both coming on and making invaluable contributions.

Special mention to Lloyd Davies who slotted into the back and hardly put a foot wrong. He was well supported by fellow centre back David Mann and sweeper Daniel Street.

Their was no respite for the players and two days later the visitors were Newcastle Emlyn.

An early kick off was the order of the day so that everyone could participate in after match hospitality at The Star courtesy of Mark and Karen and watch the 'Cockney Cup Final.' But the match of the day was at the Murch as a win for the Villagers was vital to keep the pressure on Newport.

Hooper was out injured after his exertions against Caerau but his replacement Lee Street was "chomping at the bit" but for all his and the rest of the teams efforts, the first half was goalless with both sides playing neat attractive football.

Dinas went close through a fierce shot from midfielder and captain Lee O'Brien whilst Jamie Dix had a good effort cleared off the line. It wasn't one way traffic and the visitors were unlucky when a header from a corner hit the cross-bar.

It was going to take something special to break the deadlock and on the hour 'Captain Marvel' Lee O'Brien gave Dinas the lead with what turned out to be the winner, with a well taken goal.

Making a well timed run into the box he was found perfectly by Giles, under pressure he controlled the ball and calmly slotted it past the advancing keeper to send the players and supporters into raptures.

It took a long time coming but it was worth waiting for, a winner to grace any game. The place to be this Saturday is the Murch to see if the Villagers fantastic season in gaining promotion can be coupled with a championship trophy.

The club sends its congratulations to the rugby club in the village who have also gained promotion. It's been a good season for Dinas Powys.