Setback, but heads held high (From Penarth Times)

Setback, but heads held high

NEATH came to the Murch last Saturday having scored 10 goals in their previous two games and were just a point behind Dinas in the Welsh League Division 1, having played one game more.

In an entertaining game, Neath were to prove a very strong side.

The first 15 minutes were evenly contested and Dinas had to wait until then for their first real chance when Ramos Karvoun-iaris headed wide from a well-taken free-kick.

Neath replied within a minute when Andrew Hill also headed wide from a corner. Hill was on the end of a right wing cross, tipped over the bar by Richie Johnson, just a few minutes later.

On 40 minutes, Dinas won two corners in quick succession without creating any clear scoring opportunities, but it was Neath who struck two minutes into injury time at the end of the first half when they won a free-kick on the left of the penalty area and Andrew Fairbairn's left footed delivery fell invitingly to Liam Hancock to score from eight yards.

Dinas started the second half in determined fashion, with attempts on goal by Nathan Hosgood and Rikki Morgan, but their cause wasn't helped when they were reduced to ten men when Jamie Dix was sent off.

It did, however, seem to galvanise Dinas into action, with Rikki Morgan and Paul Carro driving them forward without creating any real goal-scoring chances.

But with the home side pushing forward, the inevitable happened when Andrew Hill beat the Dinas keeper to a loose ball and had the easy job of scoring Neath's second goal.

Dinas didn't give up and in the 87th minute produced the best move of the game, when Paul Carro and Peter Lewis put together a great passing movement, ending with a cross from the left.

It was met by Ramos Karvouniaris who volleyed first time from 20 yards, only to see Huw Liddell in the Neath goal save with his feet. The ball rebounded to Ramos but his second effort was too high.

Neath are by far the best side Dinas have played this season, and the home side should not be too downhearted after this setback.

Other results

In the Welsh Reserve League East, the Seconds won 4-2 at Cardiff Corries, with goals from Ashley Hart (2), Tom Hamonet, and Steve Herniman.

In the Vale Premier League, the Thirds lost 0-7 to Master Mariner, and in the Welsh League Youth League, Dinas drew 1-1 with Cardiff Corries.

In the South Wales Ladies' League, the Ladies beat Caer-philly Cougars 6-1, with goals by Sophie Ingle, Sinead Mellin, Emma Farnham, and Ayshea Martin, plus two own goals.

Fixtures

Saturday, October 15

1st Team, Welsh League Division 1, Goytre Utd v Dinas Powys, ko 2.30pm.

2nd Team, Welsh Reserve Division East, Dinas Powys v Croesyceiliog, ko 2.30pm.

3rd Team, Vale Premier League, St Athan v Dinas Powys, ko 2.15pm.

Sunday, October 16

Youth Team, Welsh League Youth East, Dinas Powys v Cwmbran, ko 2.30pm.

Ladies' Team, Welsh Cup R1, Abergwili v Dinas Powys, ko 2pm.

Keep up to date through the club's web site: www.dinaspowysfc.co.uk