COGAN Coronation played at home to so far unbeaten rivals Tongwynlais in Division 2 of the South Wales Senior League. The home side were slow to start against a well organised and physical opposition that employed long ball tactics. The lacklustre start by Cogan allowed Tongwynlais to take the lead after they bundled the ball into the back of the net after a string of sloppy team errors on the 17th minute mark. Where was the marking? Where was the tracking back? Where was the claiming of the ball in the 6 yard box?

However, excellent performances by the central defensive duo of Stewart Owadally and man of the match Wesley Drew ensured that the Cogan Coronation team would concede no more goals. These performances helped to stop Tongwynlais in their tracks, and at half time Gavin Beddard and Grant Beedell came on as strikers to ensure that Cogan took the game to the opposition for the rest of the match.

The complete change in Cogan’s second half performance saw Club Captain Haidn Dibble orchestrating play from the central midfield position. Sam Wooster came alive with an exciting display on the left flank helping to create three golden chances, which unfortunately saw team mates either blaze over the bar, or wide of the post from 6 yards out.

It was one of those football days where you would need some help to score a goal, and before long it duly, and deserevedly would come! Leigh Bennett put in a good work rate, as did Jonathan Matthews, who forced the 72nd minute equaliser, when he fired in a cross from the left hand side that was deflected into the net by a hapless Tongwynlais defender.

The race against the clock begun with Cogan having too little time and Tongwynlais having too much! However, the opposition held out for a 1-1 draw, which could’ve easily gone either way. But it was pleasing to see a strong second half Cogan display, whilst receiving a firm wake up call to perform for the whole 90 minutes in their next fixture away to Whitchurch this Saturday.

And the new Cogan Coronation managerial team of Jonothan Page and Gavin Beddard were left with plenty to mull over with their support staff of David Dibble and Paul Williams. Although, winning two and drawing one from the first three fixtures see’s the Senior 1st team of Cogan Coronation AFC climb to the top of the league table. Therefore, praise to the players and may they continue to do the Club proud.