CALDICOT TOWN 2

DINAS POWYS 1

WITH no games since January 15 because of waterlogged pitches, Dinas Powys' Macwhirter Welsh League soccer side were glad to be back in action on Saturday but looked somewhat rusty against their high-flying hosts.

With a stiff breeze in their favour, it was the hosts that settled first and, from Simon Crook's early free kick, Richard Sharratt headed wide of the mark. Keeping the ball better, Caldicot launched most of the attacks but failed to convert numerous chances.

The visitors forced a couple of corners, taken by Nicky Bruce, but the home defence cleared the danger.

At the other end, a thunderous free kick by Dan Saunders clipped the top of the crossbar and, from a corner, Sharratt's powerful header also struck the top of the woodwork.

The best chance of the half for Dinas came when, following a Carlos Indjai cross, Dimitri Fallas shot wide of the upright.

Dinas introduced Connor Parsons at the start of the second period in place of Indjai to try and get a grip on the midfield battle and began getting more possession. However, stand-in keeper James Bloxham had to make a good save from ex-Dinas player Matt Trottman from a free kick.

Then came the highlight of the game as far as Dinas were concerned. Picking the ball up 25 yards from goal, Tony Herrin unleashed a superb shot into the top corner to give the visitors the lead.

However, this only lasted a few minutes before a pass evaded Bloxham and Trottman had a simple tap in at the far post.

The hosts then took the lead when Dan Saunders broke through and, in a one-on-one with the 'keeper, made no mistake, sliding the ball past Bloxham from 10 yards. The same player almost repeated this a few minutes later but was denied by a last-ditch goal line clearance by James Marr.

Ringing the changes with 20 minutes remaining, and bringing on Ryan Garland and Joe Briscombe for Barry King and Dimitri Fallas who had both worked hard, Dinas thought they had equalised when, from a Bruce free kick, Garland headed goalwards but his effort was just wide, with 'keeper Matt Saniford beaten.

After injuring his back preventing a corner, Bloxham continued following lengthy treatment and the game ended with Dinas having a much better second half but unable to take anything from the game.

On March 1 Dinas entertain Undy Athletic at the Murch; kick-off 2.30pm.

Dinas: James Bloxham, Nicky Bruce, Danny Street, Dave Penikett, James Marr, Tony Herrin,Paul Dawes (c), Carlos Indjai, Paul Penikett, Dimitri Fallas, Barry King, Luke Swaffield, Ryan Garland, Joe Briscombe, Connor Parsons and Jonathan Dakin.

P K