BRITON FERRY LLANSAWEL 2

DINAS POWYS 1

ALTHOUGH glad to be back in action after three blank Saturdays because of waterlogged pitches, Macwhirter Welsh Soccer League side Dinas Powys would have preferred easier opponents than the league leaders. But they certainly made their hosts work hard for the points.

Ferry started the game well and had several chances in the opening 10 minutes, with Dinas goalkeeper James Curtain at full stretch to save a powerful shot by Jordan Edwards.

With Dinas gradually getting into the game, Carlos Indjai caused problems for the Ferry defence down the right wing.

Further chances came Ferry's way via shots from Edwards and Rory Healey, but Dinas weathered the storm and created some chances of their own, the best of which came in the 22nd minute when a good cross from Indjai was headed just over by Paul Penikett.

Dinas had another good chance to break the stalemate when Indjai was tripped just outside the box, with Nicky Bruce's free kick finding Penikett and his powerful shot bringing a good save from home 'keeper Luke Probert. An attack down the left by Dimitri Fallas looked promising for Dinas but his cross was just behind Penikett and the chance was gone.

Dinas supporters breathed a sigh of relief just before half-time when Ross Davies' tremendous 20-yard clipped the top of the bar and went over.

Bruce picked up a yellow card early in the second half for a late tackle, and Dinas were fortunate to stay on level terms when player/manager Dave Penikett produced a terrific tackle to foil Ferry winger Gavin Jones as he broke into the box at speed and was about to shoot.

The hard-working Dinas midfield of James Marr, Paul Dawes and Marc Bonet enjoyed more possession as the half went on and, in the 60th minute, the visitors took the lead when Bruce drove in a low free kick and Ferry full back Ceri Harris, attempting to clear, unluckily sliced the ball into his own net.

With the hosts upping their game, Curtain made a great save to tip over Steve Dawes' effort but Ferry were not to be denied and, after 70 minutes, they grabbed the equaliser when an unmarked Jones slotted home at the far post.

Five minutes later the league leaders got their noses in front when, under pressure, Curtain punched a shot high into his net.

Dinas rang the changes, bringing on Luke Swaffield for Indjai and Barry King for Dawes, but time ran out .

Ferry, however, knew they had been in a battle and Dinas' performance brought praise from home players and supporters.

There is no scheduled fixture for Dinas this Saturday (January 18) but they are hoping for a rearranged game.

Dinas: James Curtain, Ryan Garland, Nicky Bruce, Dave Penikett, James Bloxham, James Marr, Paul Dawes (c), Marc Bonet, Paul Penikett, Carlos Indjai, Dimitri Fallas, Luke Swaffield, Barry King, Dan Jose and Rhys Richards.

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