PENARTH TOWN 1

COWBRIDGE TOWN 0

PRODUCING a fine all-round team effort in this Premier Division Cup last four clash, Penarth Town Firsts grabbed the only goal of the game to earn a spot in the Jenner Park final. Their opponents will be Cardiff Airport and the match will be played on Friday, April 11; kick-off 6.15pm.

Saturday's semi-final for the Vale Soccer League clubs was played on neutral territory at Rhoose and, although it was dry and sunny, a strong wind made life difficult. Playing into the wind in the first half, Penarth struggled to clear their lines at times although, in a tight game, the back four of Lewis Marsh, Anthony Angove, Luke Horwood and Jack Stansfield never really looked in any trouble. As a consequence, Town 'keeper Chis Hegarty had little to do although, in a nervous moment when a shot was taken by the wind, he needed to back pedal to turn the ball over the bar.

With the wind at their backs in the second half, Penarth's midfield of Leigh Bennett, Kurtis Shapley, Ryan Williams and Pete Ryan started to get on top and offer some service to front runners Paul Beedell and Jamie Harris. When one of these balls was whipped in by Williams, it fell nicely to Harris who neatly slotted home. Getting well on top, Penarth were unlucky not to increase their lead when, after Angove's long-range effort was cleared, the same player struck a superb half volley which, with the Cowbridge 'keeper beaten, rebounded off the crossbar.

This bit of good fortune seemed to boost Cowbridge who started to build a little pressure, earning several corners and even forcing a fine goal-line clearance from Marsh.

Penarth introduced fresh legs late on in the shape of Ashley Newcombe which helped them dig in and survive until the final whistle.

Subs not used: Ryan McCarthy and James Williams.