Villagers still on track (From Penarth Times)

Villagers still on track

Dinas Powys travelled to Pontllanfraith, Blackwood last Saturday to play a Welsh League Division 2 fixture against Fields Park Pontllanfraith, a side that is propping up the rest of the table, having played 20 games, winning one, drawing one, losing 18.

This, as always, was going to be a tricky game for Dinas manager Paul Giles.

It is always difficult to motivate a team that is riding high in the table, when they are playing sides that are struggling at the bottom. Today proved the exception.

In the last two games Dinas have scored within the first two minutes.

This week they had the tables turned and conceded a goal within the first two minutes.

From the kick off 'Fraith were up for turning over the top team in the league.

After several forays and a few challenges in midfield a move developed on the left hand side of the pitch.

Robert King challenged the advancing 'Fraith forward to concede a free kick outside the penalty area.

The ball was delivered into the Dinas six yard box, bounced three feet in front of keeper Duncan Smith to be toe-poked into the Dinas net.

Dinas one down after just two minutes, not the start that they were looking for.

But, and it is a big but, this could have been the motivation that Dinas were looking for.

From the re-start it was obvious that Dinas were the better side.

Even though one down it looked as though they were using the match to develop their short passing game, every member of the team moving, looking for the ball.

There were now long spells when 'Fraith didn't touch the ball.

It was from such a passage of play that Danny Street, playing in midfield, combined with Geoff Poole, which ended with Danny firing his shot just over the bar.

Dinas continued to pressurise the home defence with crosses from Leigh Vick to Jamie Dix resulting in the keeper smothering Jamie's effort.

It was then Neil Jeremy's turn to get a good shot on goal to see the keeper save again.

David Mann playing at the back, got involved in a flowing move that resulted in a fumbled save that had several players trying to force the ball into the net.

It was inevitable that Dinas, with the amount of possession and chances they were creating, were going to get the equaliser.

Again it was that man Jamie Dix getting into the box to beat the keeper on the half hour.

Dinas, even with the possession they were achieving, were not having it all their own way and it was from a 'Fraith attack, that a tussle resulted in handbags at ten paces between Michael Mayor and the home striker.

As a result both players were shown the yellow card.

Leigh Vick then started the move that resulted in Dinas's second goal.

Moving down the right he hit a glorious long ball to Geoff Poole who was advancing free on the left.

He in turn hit a perfect ball in for Jamie Dix.

Jamie at this point turned provider and pushed the ball to the left for Spencer Lamb to run onto and his shot left the keeper no chance.

Dinas were now 2-1 up with just five minutes remaining of the half.

The half time break over, Spencer Lamb was substituted for 'Knocker' (Nathan Hosgood).

He was involved in the move that got Dinas a corner four minutes into the second half.

Geoff Poole took the corner to see it headed away and into the path of Jamie Dix who hit a thundering shot to beat the keeper, 3-1 to Dinas.

Mid-way through the second half a double substitution was made, David Mann coming off to give new signing Joe Vinderson his second run out for the club, Jamie Dix making way for Lee Street.

Dinas continued to dominate the game, and could have scored a few more goals.

Overall a good performance that keeps them on track for promotion at the end of the season.

This Saturday Dinas entertain Aberaman, who are positioned mid table.

Always a difficult team to beat, it should be a good test, to see if the team can continue their recent in-form performances, ko 2.15pm at the Murch.