Cwmamman United 3 v Dinas Powys 1

THE home side had the perfect start to this game on Tuesday, May 10, getting the first goal after just five minutes.

Ashley Curtis had a chance to score in the first minute bursting through the middle but his effort was wide. However, the same player then got past James Perret to cross the ball low to Cory Saunders at the far post for a simple tap-in for 1-0.

Dinas began to settle and a free kick by Perret won a corner, taken by Nicky Bruce, this was headed out for another Dinas corner but the referee awarded a free kick in the six yard box to Cwmamman and the chance was gone.

After the tricky Myles Case was fouled on half-way, Bruce put a good free kick into the home penalty area but the defence dealt with it sending Jordan Follows charging through the middle, bringing a good save from Dinas 'keeper James Curtin.

Both sides had further chances from free kicks, Bruce curling a great shot just over the bar from the edge of the box and, at the other end, Saunders got his effort on target but Curtin gathered it easily.

Cwmamman looked dangerous when they attacked with pace and Steven Hughes and Curtis combined well for the latter to get another shot away but it was off target. In particular Liam Soroka, Hughes and Curtis were giving the Dinas rearguard problems with their pace and close control.

Luke Swaffield made a good run down the right flank for Dinas and won a throw-in but there was no pressure on the home goal at this stage and it was at the other end, James Marr had to make a fine clearance in the Dinas six yard box with the strikers closing in.

Soon after this Curtis got through again and this time his shot hit the outside of the post and Curtin was able to gather the ball.

Curtin was kept busy for the final 10 minutes of the half, dropping on another shot by Curtis and pushing a header from Saunders over the bar for an unproductive corner. This was the last action of the first half and Dinas had managed to keep the score-line to just the one goal.

The home side started well again in the second half with Soroka shooting over the bar and Curtis setting up Follows for a shot but he mis-hit his effort when well placed.

Dinas then rang the chances after five minutes, Ryan Garland replacing Courtney Aviet.

The visitors were having more possession and a header by Case was cleared for a corner which the home defence dealt with.

Cwmamman then brought on a sub, Ashley Johns replacing Jonathan Eames. Dinas were competing well at this stage and beginning to drive the home side back.

Tomos Edwards was then introduced for Chris Bramhill with 22 minutes gone but just three minutes later Cwmamman were awarded a free kick just outside the 18 yard box and central and up stepped their captain David Brown to score off the inside of the left upright, giving Curtin no chance to save for 2-0.

The hosts then made another substitution, bringing on Brieg Matthews for Curtis.

With 17 minutes remaining Dinas pulled a goal back, Perret feeding Ryan Garland who broke into the box to hit a fine shot just inside the right post to beat Mark Snell and give the Villagers a lifeline.

They couldn't capitalise however and the home side began to press again with Follows forcing Curtin to parry a shot clear and with five minutes remaining they made the game safe when a cross from Saunders was fired home by Soroka for 3-1.

Nicky Bruce then made way for Aiden Perret for the final few minutes. Curtin sustained a cut chin after a clash with an onrushing forward but was ok to finish the game after treatment. Dinas had one last chance from a corner, the ball falling to Swaffield who shot over the bar and Cwmamman were worthy winners in the end.

Dinas squad: 1 James Curtin, 2 Luke Swaffield, 3 James Perret, 4 James Bloxham (C), 5 Paul Caulfield, 6 James Marr, 7 Courtney Aviet, 8 Nicky Bruce, 9 Myles Case, 10 Chris Bramhill, 11 Luke Garland, 12 Aiden Perret, 14 Ryan Garland (1), 15 Tomos Edwards.

Saturday, May 14 sees Croesyceiliog visit the Murch in a massive game for both clubs, 2.30pm kick-off.

Peter King