Early goal proves vital (From Penarth Times)

Early goal proves vital

ON SATURDAY Dinas Powys entertained Aberaman in search of three more points in their quest for promotion to the Welsh League Div 1.

Aberaman were out for revenge following a 3-0 defeat by Dinas earlier in the season.

Paul Giles fielded an unchanged side from the previous week's win at Pontllanfraith, following the old adage about not changing a winning side.

Dinas made their familiar quick start with Jamie Dix having an early chance in the opposition penalty area. However, after just four minutes they took the lead.

A long cross was hoisted into the Aberaman penalty area, their goalkeeper jumped up but was unable to hold on.

The loose ball came out to Geoff Poole who chipped the keeper and the ball was deflected into the back of the net by an Aberaman defender, although "Pooley" will no doubt claim the goal.

Most supporters thought that Dinas would move on and try and wrap up the points by half time. Dinas started to apply the pressure;

Leigh Vick went close with a diving header that was cleared by the opposition defence.

Further chances fell to Jamie Dix who missed with a left foot low shot and Joe 'V' headed straight into the goalkeeper's arms.

As the first half wore on Aberaman came more into the game.

Duncan Smith was forced to make a diving save at a striker's feet.

Then, following a corner, a looping Aberaman header hit the inside of the post, bounced down, could have gone anywhere but Dinas were fortunate to be able to scramble it clear.

Aberaman continued to build a series of attacks as the first half drew to a close. Joe 'V' was booked after a mid air collision but as the first half ended Aberaman were in the ascendancy, but Dinas had the all-important only goal.

The second half started as the first had ended, with Aberaman dominating possession and having most of the chances.

Although Jamie Dix had a couple of half chances and Nathan Hosgood made some typically effective runs, Dinas just did not look like scoring.

Aberaman's main attacking threat came from corners and throughout the second half, Dinas were lucky not to concede a goal, with two clearances off the line.

Dinas then made two substitutions within five minutes with Lee Street and Spencer Lamb replacing Matthew Higginson and Nathan Hosgood respectively.

Dinas continued to hold firm in defence with Mike Mayer, Robbie King and Danny Street all making timely interventions and preventing Aberaman from equalising.

As time started to run out for Aberaman they went close with a couple of long range free kicks, but Dinas continued to hold firm with the only real threat coming from a series of corners, but a Dinas head or foot always seemed to just get in the way.

As the final whistle blew, the home supporters and team let out a collective sigh of relief, Aberaman had pressed them hard but had just not been able to cancel out Dinas's early goal.

The Villagers were grateful to have secured the three points and Aberaman can consider themselves unlucky.