Saints pipped in Junior Cup final (From Penarth Times)

Saints pipped in Junior Cup final

CARDIFF AIRPORT B 2, PENARTH SAINTS 1

FOLLOWING a hard earned 2-0 victory over Pro-Gas in the semi-final, Cardiff Airport met Penarth Saints in the final of the Barry Junior Cup at Jenner Park last Sunday.

After a brisk start by both sides Page was sent sprawling in the penalty area by the Saints fullback and Captain Jamie Bagnall put the Rhoose team ahead from the spot kick after only 90 seconds.

Within a few minutes Airport doubled the lead when Joel Ringham ended a good move with a clinical finish.

Saints raised their game and forced their opponents on to the back foot for long periods.

Gavin Hawkins in the Rhoose goal had to be at his best to tip over a vicious half volley but could do little when Clarke scored from the penalty spot following a foul by stand-in sweeper Steve Jones, moved into defence because of the absence of Taylor and Thomas because of work commitments.

The Rhoose side suffered another blow when Joel Ringham went off through injury.

Substitute Morley helped shore up the midfield and Hawkins made at least three outstanding saves to earn the man of the match award.

As the game drew to a close, crowd favourite Michael Tanti came on for Rhoose but other subs Roberts, Evans and Briggs were not used.

Their vocal encouragement was greatly appreciated, however.

The final whistle brought relief and euphoria for the Rhoose team, and to their great credit Penarth were absolutely superb in their display of sportsmanship for the winners, something that is sadly not always the case in today's football.