Cogan do themselves proud in tough clash (From Penarth Times)

Cogan do themselves proud in tough clash

With many of the Cogan team players and supporters being die-hard City fans it was pleasing to see the fans arrive in their numbers and cheer on their local underdogs.

Current trophy holders Cardiff City ply their trade in the FA Premier Academy Division against the likes of Liverpool and Arsenal, and it was interesting to see that Aston Villa went down 4-0 to Cardiff only last week.

Cardiff City were intent on progressing safely into the next round and started with several reserve team regulars in their line-up.

It was unfortunate Cogan conceded a goal so early on in the game that only added to pre-match nerves.

The defence was unable to clear their lines and a well guided header from City striker Mark Jones found the corner of the net.

More worrying was the first half loss of skilful winger Martin Boulton, from what can only be described as a horrendous challenge.

Cardiff City doubled their advantage on the half hour mark when some classy individual play by James Simpson beat Cogan goalkeeper James Curtin.

The hosts were being made to work hard as Cardiff stretched their opponents.

With just five minutes remaining of the first half Cardiff added a third in spectacular fashion.

Cogan were dealt another blow on half time when courageous centre back Dale Lawday was forced off through injury.

The'awe' factor had hit home and Cogan were in danger of a second half hammering.

But Cogan began the second half with a more confident approach which saw huge individual improvements across the park. Cogan were dealt another severe blow when Dean Morgan was red carded for dissent as frustrations boiled over.

Luckily for Cogan they had central midfielder Kevin Spear and he held the midfield brilliantly.

Anthony Johnston was introduced into the fray for the tiring Andrew Richards. The defence of Kevin Boulton, Marc Bolxham, Tom Massey and Gareth Davies held their own.

The midfield of Johnston, Spear and Sadler were getting the better of their opposition and strikers Lewis Humphries and Mike Curtin were now seeing more of the ball however Cogan found it difficult to break down the strong City defensive unit.

With Cogan battling hard and having plenty of possession it is fair to say that they were the better team in the second half but good saves from Cardiff goal keeper Scott Allison prevented a Cogan comeback.

There were outstanding displays from Kevin Spear and captain Marc Bloxham. Cogan right back Kevin Boulton was deservedly man of the match as he produced an excellent performance against tricky opposition.

Cogan's second half display turned out to be a proud performance from which they will take many positives out of such a difficult fixture.

Cogan Coro: J Curtin, K Boulton, M Bolxham, D Lawday, T Massey, A Richards, D Morgan, K Spear, L Humphries, M Boulton, M Curtin, G Davies, J Sadler, A Johnston.

Cardiff City: S Allison, C Gunter, L Evans, R Morgan, J Jacobson, J Simpson, M Chunuonsee, M Corcoran, S Dawe, I Robinson, M Jones, M Smith, J Upcott, R McCreesh.

l Cogan Coro return to league action on Sunday away at AFC Rhymney.