Convincing wins in both cup and league (From Penarth Times)

Convincing wins in both cup and league

COGAN faced a tough challenge away in Round 3 of the South Wales Youth League Cup against East Division opposition Tynte Rovers FC.

Cogan took the lead when striker Anthony Johnston, who battled well throughout, coolly broke the deadlock.

A superb free-kick from Dean Morgan and further goals from Kevin Boulton and Kevin Spear saw the Youth safely progress into the quarter-final stage of the competition.

Cogan Coro Youth 5 Bryntirion Athletic 1

Cogan returned to South Wales Youth Division West action on Sunday afternoon looking to maintain their unbeaten league form.

The Youth looked to have got off to a flier when Andrew Richards guided the ball into the net, only to see his effort ruled out for off-side.

Cogan eventually got off the mark after a Dean Morgan break in midfield saw the ball reach winger Jonny Sadler, who was able to play a neat chip into the box for striker Mike Curtin to head home the opening Cogan goal.

Cogan should have doubled their advantage when Sadler found himself one on one with the keeper, but he placed his effort wide of the post.

Bryntirion had a good spell of possession and were unlucky not to level the score.

It took a fantastic stop from Cogan keeper James Curtin and a well-timed, last-ditch tackle from skipper Marc Bloxham to prevent an equaliser for the visitors.

Anthony Johnston was a constant threat in attack with his speed and closing down and it wasn't long before he outpaced the defenders and doubled Cogan's lead with a well-taken goal, giving Cogan a 2-0 lead at half-time.

The second half saw Cogan begin in same fashion, as they sought another goal.

A superb defence-splitting pass from Andrew Richards enabled striker Mike Curtin to net his second of the game.

Cogan conceded a needless free-kick on the edge of their box and keeper James Curtin was given no chance as the ball was accurately guided into the net.

The Youth were soon back on the score sheet after a Marc Bloxham free-kick found Mike Curtin.

The striker showed excellent control as he picked the ball out of the air and placed his shot past the keeper to score his third, which makes it three hat-tricks in five league games so far, bringing his tally to 14 goals in all competitions this season.

Cogan were reduced to ten men after a late tackle, missed by the referee, on Kevin Boulton saw the full-back react and receive a red card.

However, after some good work from Chris Farmer on the right, he provided a superb assist, as his cross was met with the head of Jonny Sadler, to complete a 5-1 victory for the hosts.

There were solid performances throughout as the Youth show a good level of consistency.

Special praise must go to hat-trick hero Mike Curtin and also a Man of the Match display from full-back Nick Louch, who was making his first start of the season.

Team: J Curtin, K Boulton, M Bloxham, T Massey, N Louch, A Richards, D Morgan, K Spear, J Sadler, A Johnston, M Curtin, B Morse, G Davies, C Farmer.