FOLLOWING a five game unbeaten start to Vale Division One season Cogan Coronation AFC 2nds travelled to Barry Sports Centre on September 12 for a top of the table clash against Barry Belgrade.

Cogan who had only conceded one goal in five of their previous fixtures started the game the stronger of the two sides, with early chances falling to Lewis Humphries, Jamie Harris and their new Italian summer signing Paolo Marenghi, but all finding the Barry Belgrade keeper in good form.

Twenty minutes into the first half and against the run of play, Barry Belgrade who had made their physical presents felt, capitalised on a combination on unforced errors and a poor defensive clearance to go 1-0 up.

Cogan, who were in the unusual situation of being behind, soon found their form again and got their rewards when Paolo’s cross was dummied by Sam Wooster leaving Jamie Harris to level the scores with a tap in at the back post five minutes before the half time whistle.

Half time saw Cogan management team of Paul Starling and Lee Williams make two changes and replaced youth with experience; Callum Pearce and Ceajay Morgan who had received some heavy challenges in the first half replaced with the fox in the box Danny Humphries and second team debutant Curtis Body.

The changes didn’t take long to make their mark, Paolo who had terrorised the Belgrade defence all first half was fouled again but this time inside the penalty area and Cogan awarded a penalty.

Barry Belgrade keeper continued his good form and saved the first attempt by Danny Humphries but unable to hold the ball Danny calmly slotted home the rebound.

Cogan made their final change of the game and Lewis Humphries who had been solid in the centre with Kurt Shapley replaced with Jonny Mathews who was a welcome return from injury.

Barry Belgrade with nothing to lose mounted the pressure as the second half wore on, committing more players to attack.

Cogan’s defence of Bradley Munn, Nathan Self, Sean Meredith, and Curt Body held firm, with man of the match Bradley making some game saving last ditch challenges, and Cogan’s keeper Ed Smith some quality saves and clearances to maintain Cogan’s lead until the final whistle.

The Seconds will welcome BV to Cogan Rec on Saturday September 19 and attempt to maintain their 100 per cent start to the season

P6 W6 F29 A2.

Cogan would like to again thank their sponsors JL Electrical & Maintenance, Leisuretime UK and AC Humphries & Sons for their support this season.