The only goal of the game means victory for Dinas (From Penarth Times)

The only goal of the game means victory for Dinas

TAFFS WELL 0

DINAS POWYS 1

DINAS Powys won their Welsh League Division One fixture away to Taffs Well by the only goal of the game last Saturday.

The match was played in bright sunshine but with a blustery wind blowing down the pitch making life very difficult for both sides, as well as freezing the supporters.

This was a deserved win for Dinas who gave a committed performance, with Kurt Bettles making a welcome return after injury and new signing Chris Round making a promising debut.

After seven minutes Taffs Well gave away a free-kick in midfield, and it was taken by Nathan Hosgood for Kurt Bettles to head towards goal but into the arms of keeper David Jones.

At the other end Kurt was on hand to clear a Taffs Well free-kick before a good Dinas move involving four players ended with the home defence hurriedly clearing their lines.

Dinas were playing well but with the final ball going astray on a number of occasions.

On 25 minutes Taffs Well were awarded a free-kick on the edge of the area and it was taken by ex-Cardiff City player Dai Thomas but cleared for an unproductive corner.

On the half-hour following a Dinas throw Nathan Hosgood produced an excellent through ball to split the home defence only for the wind to take the ball away from Steve Provis and into the arms of the home keeper.

Just before half-time a good Dinas break saw Nathan Hosgood beating his defender before shooting low but David Jones in the home goal got down well to save.

Half-time came with Taffs Well having found it difficult playing into the wind in the first half, and the away supporters were hoping Dinas would be able to do better.

Within a minute of the restart Dinas were awarded a free-kick on the left of the area, taken by Nathan Hosgood to find the head of Lloyd Davies but referee Geoff Martin awarded Taffs Well a free-kick for pushing.

The home side were finding it a little easier to push forward with the strong wind behind them and from a throw Steven Edwards produced a good ball across the area only to see the Dinas defence clear for a corner.

Playing into the wind did not seem to be affecting Dinas too much and there were further shooting opportunities for Nathan Hosgood and Paul Carro, both off-target.

Taffs Well's best chance fell in the 70th minute from a free-kick taken by Mark Evans for the towering Steve Loverso, for once getting the better of Kurt, to head for goal only to see Richie Johnson pull off a fine one-handed save.

Just a few minutes later Dinas broke the deadlock when Bryan Craven chased a through ball into the area only for the home keeper to bring him down, and the referee immediately awarded a penalty.

The Dinas player picked himself up to convert and give Dinas a deserved lead. Taffs Well came back at Dinas with their keeper having to make a brave save at the feet of Steve Loverso but when their player-manager was sent off for a reckless challenge on Bryan Craven Dinas were able to play out the remaining minutes in comfort.

The Reserve side lost 1-2 to Caerau Ely with prolific scorer Dave O'Gorman producing the goal of the season. The Ladies' game at Llanelli was postponed.

FIXTURES

Saturday, March 4

Welsh League Division 1: Dinas Powys v AFC Llwydcoed, ko 2pm.

Sunday, March 5

McWhirter Youth Cup Semi-Final: Haverfordwest County v Dinas Powys, ko 2pm.

South Wales Ladies League: Haverfordwest Town v Dinas Powys, ko 2pm.

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