Rangers no match for Cogan, who are boosted by returning players (From Penarth Times)

Rangers no match for Cogan, who are boosted by returning players

COGAN faced a stern challenge against Macron Welsh League Youth Division outfit Ely Rangers, in the Football Association of Wales Youth Cup 1st Round.

With Cogan winning their opening five games of the current season, they were quietly confident of creating a cup upset against their highly fancied opponents.

The visitors were strengthened by the eligibility of last season's Youth team captain Lewis Humphries and Player's Player of The Year, Martin'Shrimp' Boulton, and they also welcomed back Dean Morgan.

The game began in true cup fashion with both teams fully committed, and some strong challenges took place as each player attempted to impose themselves on their opposite number.

After a frantic opening 20 minutes, Cogan were able to settle some pre-match nerves and grew in confidence as 50-50 tackles were won and refereeing decisions went their way.

As the game started to open up chances fell for both teams, most notably Cogan's Andrew Richards who steered his effort just wide of goal.

Cogan goalkeeper James Curtin was called into action and did well to get his body in front of a Rangers effort, only to see the ball creep agonisingly towards the goal but he recovered well to prevent the hosts from taking the lead.

As the half-time whistle blew the Cogan players returned to their dressing room with an air of confidence, knowing that they had matched their opponents in every aspect.

The second half saw the Cogan attackers given the freedom to go out and clinch the game, and after Mike Curtin was put clear by a defence-splitting pass from Kevin Spear, the striker bravely beat the advancing Rangers keeper to the ball and placed his shot into the back of the net to give Cogan the lead.

Ely Rangers were made to chase the game as they sought an equaliser playing with three strikers, but the defensive unit of Kevin Boulton, Marc Bloxham, Dale Lawday and Tom Massey were outstanding and proved far too strong.

Just when Rangers were piling on the pressure the ball was played deep into the home team's half, and after almost every player on the pitch stopped and turned to face an expected goal kick, after thinking the ball had run out of play, Cogan winger'Shrimp' showed great alertness.

Seeing that the ball was still in play, he cheekily positioned himself in shooting range and fired the ball past the Rangers' keeper and into the top corner of the net scoring a freak individual goal.

This sealed a Cogan victory, with what can only be described as a superb team performance.

Chris Farmer was introduced late on to provide support in defence, and central midfielder Kevin Spear once again produced a man of the match display, whilst also providing both assists, although credit will go to the squad as a whole.

Cries of'bring on Cardiff City' were heard from the away team dressingroom after the game, but some of us would rather face the Swans!

Squad: J. Curtin, K. Boulton, M. Bloxham (C), D. Lawday, T. Massey, A. Richards, D. Morgan, K. Spear, M. Boulton, L. Humphries, M. Curtin, B. Morse, C. Farmer, A. Johnston

Cogan play their first home game of the season on Sunday when they entertain Merthyr Tydfil, in the South Wales FA U-18 League Cup, kick off 2pm.