COGAN CORONATION 4

BARRY TOWN 0

TABLE-TOPPING Cogan Coronation picked up another valuable three points in their quest for Vale Soccer League U13s title.

Knowing they had to deliver against a strong Barry Town side capable of upsetting any team on their day, Cogan's nerves were settled as early as the third minute when powerful striker Sam Green pounced on a loose ball and drilled home.

Cogan continued to dominate, with Ellis Dibble and Aron Arthur winning the midfield battle and allowing Eithan Singh to dictate the play in behind the striker. Wide men Cam Gauci and Luke Warlow enjoyed plenty of possession, running riot as they gave the full backs a torrid time and delivering a succession of quality crosses.

After a number of chances went begging, Cogan's pressure told when, after more good work from Gauci, Singh crashed home a 20-yard shot off the underside of the bar.

Town never gave in, but everything thrown at Cogan was ably dealt with by the back four of Will Parsons, Matt Frost, Louis Crook and Kellan Allison.

Another quality strike by Green from 18 yards into the top corner provided Cogan with a healthy 3-0 lead at half-time.

With such a strong squad of players, Cogan rang the changes, bringing on Cian McCarthy, Ben Fleig,Tom Cahlane, Aiden Ellis and Cole Roberts.

Now playing down the slope, Town began to pump long balls over the top, but Louis Crook impressed as he dominated at the back. And the towering figure of goalkeeper Luke Birnage dealt with anything Town had to offer.

Further chances came and went, with Gauci and Warlow unfortunate to see efforts fizz over, but, eventually, the tireless work of Arthur was rewarded with a well-taken goal.

Town battled right up to the end and only a smart save from Burnage and a goal-line clearance from Fleig kept the home side out.