Alan Robinson

Photos: Bob Reed

It was a question of changes in every department for Penarth Wanderers Vets' latest fixture in the Express Vehicle Services SW Casual League against Llanrumney Utd Old Skool. Playing their second match of the new season the team was optimistic of progressing with the fine football played in the previous two matches. Unfortunately that wasn't the case.

The weather had changed, the squad had changed and the general play had changed - dramatically!

With the introduction of two new players, Dan Jones, in central midfield, and Dean Huxter in defence things started off steadily. The Wanderers had lost out on a couple of their regular players however, through the usual injury and unavailability. This had a major impact on the attacking options. Darren Scanlan had picked up an injury, but could go on the bench, and Andy Cayford was away on holiday - both being Penarth's main forwards.

The starting line-up of Mark Lewis, Gary Ato, Mike Kean, Joe Taylor (skipper), Matt Hutchinson, Dan Jones, Nathan Turpitt, Chris Rodd, Scott Muir and Scott Ato looked quite strong on paper (Scanlan, Turpitt, Self and Nolan on the bench). The Llanrumney Vets had other ideas. They looked stronger and had a greater desire to win the ball, especially second phase. Penarth found it increasingly difficult to move the ball out of their own half an pose any meaningful problems to the Llanrumney defence. Chances were few and far between and, when they did present themselves, were rushed and squandered. While Llanrumney were equally profligate in their chances. It was inevitable when Old Skool picked up a loose ball just outside Penarth's penalty area allowing the Old Skool forward to fire it low past Lewis into the bottom corner. 1-0 at half time and the Wanderers were still in the game somehow?

The half-time talk was subdued to say the least. It was difficult not pointing the finger at any player or players in particular but each player was told that they needed to up their game and remember what was said at the start. Jones had to leave the game and was replaced by Nathan Self, coming on into central midfield and Bannister was brought on at left midfield. The introduction of Scanlan did make a difference with his direct style of play.

Some sort of calm was then restored but as the game wore on and glimpses of a goal came and went Penarth fell back slowly into the habit of players not tracking back or helping out in defence. Llanrumney's second goal came, although by this time it could have been the fifth or sixth and Penarth couldn't have complained. With about 10 minutes to go The Wanderers conceded the third when their defence was overrun - 3-0.

One bright point in the game, although too late of make any real difference was when the ball was played into the box from wide by Bannister for Self to make a determined header into the centre of the goal. Final score 3-1 to Llanrumney.

It'll be three weeks before Penarth take to the field again when they have two matches. In the Over 35s Division they are due to play St Pauli in the Dome and at the same time they have a Charity Division match against Cardiff Northern Old Boys. Due to this overlapping of games Penarth are accepting applications for Team Manager. Mick McCarthy or OGS need not apply!