Stretching away (From Penarth Times)

Stretching away

IT WAS a blank Saturday last week for Dinas Powys in the Welsh League as Wales took on the might of Azerbaijan, but the previous Tuesday the team had its own important fixture when they took on the "Mighty Quins" (that is Grange), at Leckwith Stadium under floodlights.

It was a top of the table clash with Dinas first and the Quins third in the second division, and the team responded with a magnificent 3-2 victory.

A large crowd, four hundred plus, turned up on a mild spring evening and were treated to an exciting, pulsating match that was in the balance to the last minute.

Player/manager Paul Giles had almost a full squad to select from, the exception being injured midfielder Matthew Higginson, who was replaced by Joe Finlayson.

You didn't have to be a qualified coach to realise that set piece plays would play a significant part in the outcome of the game as far as defences were concerned.

The Villagers were first onto the score sheet after 15 minutes when a long throw from wing back Leigh Vick caused havoc in the Quins' defence and Grangetown old boy Neil Jeremy, had the last touch somewhat fortuitously to force the ball past the despairing dive of the keeper.

Moments later Dinas nearly got their second.

Again it was a set piece situation when Jeremy angled over a long free kick to the far post and centre back Mike Mayer's fine effort was well-saved low down by the keeper.

The match was certainly competitive with the referee punctuating the game with a series of free kicks.

The Quins equalised on the half hour, again it was a set play.

This time a corner driven in that caught the defence unawares at the near post and the ball flew into the net.

The Quins' jubilation was short lived.

Five minutes later a well-taken free kick was superbly headed home by Finlayson.

The half ended with the Villagers just with their noses in front, but it was still anyone's game.

The opening exchanges of the second period went the visitors' way but they were unable to extend their lead, skipper Danny Street setting up the best chance when he put in a teasing cross, but no one was on hand to take advantage.

On the hour, Dinas had a set back when Mayer, a tower of strength at the back, went off injured.

Lee Street came on as his replacement into midfield whilst brother Danny took on the defensive duties.

On the seventieth minute, Dinas almost extended their lead when Leigh Vick glanced a Geoff Poole corner goalwards, but the keeper turned it for a corner with a magnificent acrobatic save.

Giles decided fresh legs were required and sent on Spencer Lamb for Nathan Hosgood up front. Hosgood, who has been in fine fettle this season, had tweaked his troublesome hamstring.

Less than a minute later Quins equalised again, this time from the penalty spot after Robert King upended the home side's striker.

The Villagers almost went back in front in spectacular fashion when the Quins' keeper's clearance was met on the half volley by Vick from about 60 yards and the arcing shot shaded the wrong side of the upright with the stunned goalie back-pedalling furiously.

Dinas did eventually get the winner with almost the last kick of the game.

Lamb's substitution paid dividends when he burst through and hit a screamer from 25 yards, which the keeper couldn't hold and ace striker Jamie Dix was on hand to poke the ball home.

Saturday's fixture is away to Taffs Well. Kick off 3pm.