Hosgood double keeps Dinas high-flyers clear at the top (From Penarth Times)

Hosgood double keeps Dinas high-flyers clear at the top

DINAS Powys started last Saturday"s Welsh League Division 1 game without injured centre half Kurt Bettles, against Afan Lido who were relegated from the Welsh Premier League last season - but kept most of their Premier League players.

The visitors began strongly, and as early as the second minute the combined efforts of Liam Jones and Rhodri Foote were needed to clear the ball off the line.

But they just had to wait a couple of minutes longer to take the lead when a cross from the right was headed in at the far post by Karl Lewis.

Afan Lido continued to take the game to Dinas, and it was against the run of play, when, from a Dinas free-kick, the ball fell to Nathan Hosgood, who shot over the keeper and into the far corner of the net to level.

This gave Dinas the confidence they needed, but Afan Lido were still dangerous, and Johnson in goal saved the home side on occasions.

Dinas started the second half strongly with a corner taken by Rikki Morgan cleared by the visiting defence, and the same player took a free-kick that was well saved by "keeper Brian Thomas.

On the hour, a well-directed clearance found Nathan Hosgood deep in the opposition half.

He advanced into the penalty area and placed his shot past the keeper from 18 yards, to give Dinas the lead and double his own tally.

The game ebbed and flowed with half-chances falling to both sides, but it was Afan Lido who struck in the 86th minute after a couple of corners.

The Dinas defence failed to clear the second and substitute Karl Roberts slotted the ball home from 10 yards.

Dinas defender Jon Carpentier had stood up well against a strong and difficult opponent in Chris Piper, who tried everything to gain an advantage and had played a major part in Dinas gaining a hard-fought point.

This Saturday Dinas Powys entertain Neath Athletic. Both sides are unbeaten so far this season, and occupy the top two positions in Welsh League Division One.

It promises to be an intriguing contest.

In the Welsh Reserve League East the 2nd Team lost 2-4 at Caerleon, with both goals scored by Gareth Shaw.

In the Vale Premier League the 3rd Team drew 1-1 with Colcot, and in the South Wales Ladies League the Ladies lost 2-3 to Caerphilly Castle, with Sophie Ingle and Cath Bancroft the scorers.