Cogan Coronation 3 (J Clarke, Humphries, Munn)

Treforest FC 2

COGAN Coronation picked up their second win in three on the weekend, but despite completely dominating this game they still managed to make life difficult.

The teams had drawn 0 - 0 earlier in the season but, since then, Cogan have endured a difficult first half of the season and found themselves 10 points behind their visitors. That didn't seem to be the gap between the two as the game began though.

Cogan immediately took control of the game. At the back, centre backs Stewart Owadally and Nathan Self were pushing high up the pitch, allowing full backs Bradley Munn and Curtis Boddy to push forward, and the midfield three of John Sadler, Gareth Clarke and Haidn Dibble to advance further into the Treforest half.

Clarke and Dibble in particular were running the match, finding wingers John Clarke and John Matthews in smart areas, while striker Danny Humphries was always looking to find space between defenders.

It didn't take long for the dominance to pay off. A ball from midfield was taken in by Humphries who laid it off to John Clarke who smashed the ball home – his second in three games.

From there Cogan pressed on. Both Clarkes were becoming more and more instrumental, with Gareth Clarke's controlled passing keeping things ticking, while John Clarke was a potent threat for the defence.

Chances started to come for the home side. Dibble had an opening but his shot went over. Humphries was played in by John Clarke but couldn't find the finish. The screw was really turning, and eventually Cogan got what they deserved.

Dibble swung one of his trademark deep crosses in from a free kick, and Humphries was in the right place with a perfect header into the side of the net. It was 2 - 0, and Cogan were still completely dominating.

John Sadler continued to protect the back four who had complete control of the Treforest attack, and the inevitable third goal came after he had broken up play once more.

The ball found its way to the right flank, where Munn had made an overlapping run. With the box flooding with Cogan attackers and Treforest defenders, Munn swung the ball in but it looped over the 'keeper and perfectly into the top corner. It looked spectacular, but only Munn will know if he meant it.

Now it was 3 - 0 at half-time.

It continued that way in the second half. Dean Ford in goals was called into one save, and a few more crosses came his way, but he dealt with them all easily. The defence in front of his remained solid and disciplined.

More chances came Cogan's way too, with Dibble and the two Clarkes providing the creativity which was threatening to really embarrass Treforest.

The brilliant Sadler eventually had to go off though, and the enforced change disrupted Cogan's rhythm. Not long after, Gareth Clarke made way for Liam Jones. Cogan were looking to see the game out, but it was not to prove so easy.

With Cogan's defence disrupted by an injury to Owadally, a free kick was sent in before the centre back could get back onto the field. In the confusion, the ball ricocheted around the box, ending up in the back of Ford's net with Self having the last touch.

For 75 minutes, Cogan were in complete control, but now they looked rocky.

Minutes later, another Treforest attack resulted in a shot off target that should have at least tested Ford. Not long after that, another attack was ended as John Clarke was adjudged to have brought the striker down in the box.

A soft penalty was awarded and converted, and Cogan now had five minutes to hang onto the points.

They headed and cleared everything away until one cross found its way onto a Treforest head. Luckily, Ford got down to his right just in time and for the second time in three games he had to save Cogan right at the death.

Late drama that manager Lee Williams could have done without, but three points that put Cogan in a much better position in their battle against relegation.