Shock defeat at the Murch (From Penarth Times)

Shock defeat at the Murch

IT CERTAINLY isn't a Happy New Year down at the Murchfield where Dinas Powys AFC, who had enjoyed one of their best years ever during 2002, are struggling to gain any momentum in the early part of January.

The previous week they scraped a draw against lowly Merthyr Saints whilst last Saturday it got worse when they went down 2-1 to visiting Porth Tywyn.

After playing on a pudding of a pitch against Merthyr, old Jack Frost came and made it impossible for the local Vale Council to do any work on the surface until the thermometer rose on Friday.

Then it was all action as Lawrence and his team from the parks department rolled and marked to make it game on.

One change

The only team change was the return of Matthew Higgenson after injury at the expense of Spencer Lamb who was on the subs bench alongside Rhodri Foote and player/manager Paul Giles.

The opening exchanges went the Villagers way with Jamie Dix going close with a good effort but the visitors surprised everyone when after a defensive slip up they took the lead after 10 minutes.

Dinas kept up the pressure having more possession that the opposition but they lacked the final pass to make any clear cut chances.

Meanwhile as per the previous week the visiting underdogs were gaining in confidence and realised there was more than a possibility of getting something out of the game.

That possibility became more of a probability when on the half hour midfielder Neil Jeremy was sent off for a second bookable offence.

Working tirelessly

The Villagers going down to ten in a strange way didn't affect the pattern of play.

It was still Dinas going forward and the West Walians defending well in depth.

Just before the break Dix, who was working tirelessly up front, was brought down by the keeper and the referees fickle finger of fate pointed to the spot.

It was like an action replay from the previous week's game, Dinas struggling to score even though the more skilful side, are awarded a debatable penalty.

The result was the same, missed.

This time it was Geoff Poole who blasted his effort over the bar.

Penalty taking will now have to go to the top of the coaching staff's curriculum.

The visitors took full advantage of this let-off and on the hour they increased their lead against the run of play when their striker coolly slotted the ball past keeper Duncan Smith in a one on one.

Speed

With nothing to lose Giles took off defender Ray John and Lee Street and brought on Foote and Lamb to see if their speed could unsettle the visitors defence.

The change almost paid dividends straightaway with Foote having a fine effort well saved.

With 20 minutes to go there was still drama aplenty when "handbags" was deemed serious enough by the referee to warrant two straight reds for Michael Mayer and a Porth Tywyn striker.

So it was nine against 10. Strange, as it wasn't a particularly dirty match, maybe it was the pressure of both sides needing the points desperately in their respective promotion and relegation battles.

To be fair to the Villagers, they didn't give up the cause and with a quarter of an hour remaining they were unlucky when a Robert King header hit the crossbar.

Just after they did get on the scoresheet when, after good play by Foote, Dix was able to prod home from close range.

With only minutes before the final whistle an excellent volley from Foote was pushed around the post to deny Dinas a share of the spoils.

Prime spot

This defeat was the first in the league since last August and the Villagers still have prime spot in the division when you take into account games to be played, so the setbacks experienced over the last fortnight can be overcome.

It was a shame that the biggest crowd of the season didn't see the team at its best but there are plenty of games still to be played.

On Saturday the team is away to Porthcawl, kick off 2.15pm.