Hosgoods return makes a difference (From Penarth Times)

Hosgoods return makes a difference

THIS Welsh League Division One game last Saturday was probably the last visit of Dinas Powys Football Club to the Bridgend ground at Coychurch Road before Town move to a different venue for their home games - but it was one to remember.

It was a welcome return to the type of football played at the beginning of the season and no coincidence was the come-back of Nathan Hosgood after injury.

Dinas made their intentions clear to a Bridgend side still looking to get into the Welsh Premier Division, one way or another, as early as the second minute, when Liam Jones won the ball out on the right and fed Jason Cowans. who passed on to Nathan Hosgood, whose shot from 15 yards struck the bar with the goalkeeper beaten.

Ramos Karvouniaris then headed over from a Paul Carro cross and when Bridgend conceded a free-kick on the left side of their penalty area, the ball was played square to Jason Cowans, whose shot was deflected over the bar by Lloyd Davies.

Dinas were quicker to the ball, with the home side's forwards unable to break through their defence.

In the 25th minute, Dinas got the goal they deserved when a great cross-field ball was taken in his stride by Paul Carro. He beat a defender and advanced into the area, before unleashing a low shot into the right-hand corner of the net.

Four minutes later, Steve Provis won the ball on half-way, before interchanging passes with Ramos and receiving the ball back deep in the Bridgend area, but he shot weakly, enabling a defender to clear off the goal-line.

The home side's best attacking move came when Joe Cusheri, in the Dinas goal, made two fine saves from Morgan Harris and then Peter Cheeseman, but it would have been an injustice had the away side not gone in at half-time a goal up.

Dinas started the second half where they had left off, with Rikki Morgan and Paul Carro busy in midfield, and after Peter Cheeseman had headed over from a rare Bridgend attack, Dinas got their second goal when Ramos bravely won a corner. It was taken by Rikki Morgan and Nathan Hosgood was on hand to volley in from close range.

The home side's reply came from an Anthony Wright shot, pushed away for a corner by Joe Cusheri and Morgan Harris shooting over the bar.

Dinas completed their scoring with a great goal from Steve Provis, who received the ball on the left touchline before cutting inside a defender and shooting from 25 yards. The ball went over Marty Ellacott in the Bridgend goal and into the top right corner of the net, a fitting end to what was an excellent performance from the whole team.

The Second team played at Caldicot and won 4-1 in the Welsh League Reserve East Division and the Youth Team played at Morriston, beating them 4-0 in Round two if the MacWhirter Cup.

FIXTURES

Saturday, December 17.

1st Team - Welsh League Division 1, Dinas Powys v Bettws, ko 2pm.

2nd Team - Welsh League Reserve East, Bryntirion Ath v Dinas Powys, ko 2pm.

3rd Team - Vale Premier League, Dinas Powys v Barry FC, ko 2pm.

Sunday, December 18

Youth Team-Welsh League Youth League East, Caerleon v Dinas Powys, ko 2pm.

Ladies' Team - no fixture.

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