Dinas do the double over tough opponents (From Penarth Times)

Dinas do the double over tough opponents

DINAS POWYS 1

BRIDGEND TOWN 0

SINCE Dinas beat Bridgend 3-0 at Coychurch Road, the latter had lost just one match in their last 12 games. So Dinas knew they were going to be given a stern test of their improved form in their Welsh League Division One match last Saturday.

Bridgend started the stronger, with Martin Rose placing the ball wide of the near post. Dinas came back strongly and a move involving Dwayne Strong and Bryan Craven ended with a shot from Paul Carro that experienced keeper Marty Ellicott did well to push around the post.

But the home side were not to be denied. In the sixth minute, a Phil James corner was initially cleared. The ball came back to Phil and his excellent cross was powerfully headed in by Kurt Bettles from ten yards.

Bridgend came back at Dinas, forcing a number of corners. Their best chance fell to Martin Rose, whose header was just too high.

In the 32nd minute, Dinas had claims for a penalty turned down when a long clearance from keeper Richie Johnson found Bryan Craven, who went down in the penalty area when challenged by two defenders.

Both sides had further half-chances before half-time, but could not finish.

Eight minutes into the second half, Paul Carro won the ball in midfield and moved through the middle to the edge of the area, only for a Bridgend defender to get a foot in to clear just as he was about to shoot.

Andy Mainwaring then shot over, before substitute Rikki Morgan spotted the Bridgend keeper off his line, but his long-range shot was off target.

On 66 minutes, a low cross from Carl Jenkins forced the home defence to concede a corner, with Martin Rose again heading wide.

The Bridgend defence were pushing up to the half-way line and they were nearly punished when Dwayne Strong beat the off-side trap and latched on to the through ball, but his weak shot was comfortably saved by the keeper.

The home side's cause was not helped when they were reduced to ten men with the sending-off of Jason Cowans for a second bookable offence, but they held out for the remaining minutes for another good win.

Ladies' Team

The Ladies' Team beat Caerphilly Castle 4-3 through goals by Ayshea Martin (2), Naomi Wilson and Sophie Venner.

BRYNTIRION 2

DINAS POWYS 2

On a windswept day, where the weather dominated the game, Dinas tried to continue their recent good run at Bryntirion.

The home side had the wind advantage in the first half, putting the Dinas defence under pressure. However, the early chances fell to the Villagers, with Bryan Craven shooting wide.

Bryntirion had a few chances, but did not look like troubling Richie Johnson in the Dinas goal. Both Paul Carro and Bryan Craven had one-on-ones with the goalkeeper but failed to take make the most of them and the longer that Dinas went without scoring the more confident the opposition became.

After 35 minutes, a long ball was played out by Bryntirion over the top of the Dinas defence. They failed to clear and the Bryntirion forward was left with an easy goal.

Dinas made an enforced change at half-time, with new signing Dwayne Strong replacing the injured Tristan Tony. He was pushed up front with Paul Carro slotting into midfield.

Dinas pressed early on and Jason Cowans was unlucky when his speculative 40-yard shot was tipped over the bar.

Against the run of play, Bryntirion extended their lead. Richie Johnson parried the first effort but from the resulting mle, the ball was scrambled in, despite Dinas appeals for a foul on the goalkeeper.

Dinas did not deserve to be two goals down and continued pressing and were finally rewarded when a long clearance evaded everyone and Strong clipped the ball over the keeper to score.

This goal gave Dinas confidence and they deservedly equalised when a shot from Brian Craven hit the post and Paul Carro steered in the rebound.

Dinas were left to rue a number of missed chances earlier in the game.

FIXTURES

Saturday, April 15

Welsh League Division One: Bettws v Dinas Powys, ko 2.30pm.

Welsh League Reserve Division East: Treowen v Dinas Powys, ko 2.30pm

Sunday, April 16

South Wales Ladies' League: Ferndale v Dinas Powys. ko 2pm.

Tuesday, April 18

Welsh League Reserve Division East: Dinas Powys v Newport YMCA, ko 6.30pm.

South Wales Ladies' League: Swansea City v Dinas Powys. ko 6.30pm.

Keep up to date through: www.dinaspowysfc.co.uk