Not vintage play but a win anyway (From Barry And District News)

Not vintage play but a win anyway

10:10am Thursday 1st November 2012 in Sport

PENTWYN DYNAMOS 0 SULLY SPORTS 6

SULLY Sports were back in South Wales Senior Soccer League action at Pentwyn where they found a bumpy and well grassed pitch.

A few changes saw Ossie returning to the defence, Paul Light back after a long injury break and Jonathan Cory making his midfield debut. With a very strong bench, it was probably Sports' strongest squad in many games. By the 10th minute, Sports, in the shape of Michael Fowler, enjoyed a two-goal lead as they attacked well and pinned down the Pentwyn back four. Indeed, Fowler, who was pulling the strings, could have completed his hat-trick but a header struck the crossbar.

The unpredictable bounce of the ball was a major factor in Sports not increasing their lead as half time approached. The second half continued in the same vein, with only the occasional home attack which was ably dealt with by the Sports defence. Sports increased their lead when Liam Beddard, returning from suspension, forced his way into the box to beat the keeper and minutes later he hit an unstoppable shot into the corner of the net.

Further goals from Gareth Hemmens and a blockbuster from Garon Davies saw Sports home, Another debut saw young Connor Ogden slot into midfield, with Alex Long tormenting the Pentwyn back four as they tired in the last 20 minutes. The previous weekend Sports, the defending cup holders, moved into the fourth round of the Welsh Trophy following a 5-2 home win over Kenfig Hill.

Physio Sian was a busy person prior to kick-off and the club would like to thank her for her help and support. Sully welcomed back Gareth Hemmens and Paul Light who had been injured for six games, and, with Mike Osbourne working, it was more positional changes as Beddard filled in at centre back. Kieron Sherratt made a great save from an early Kenfig penalty but the visitors took the lead after some shoddy defending. Gareth Hemmens and Alex Long put Sports in front but Kenfig were back on level terms at the break.

Following some strong half-time words, Sports eventually took control to ease home with goals from Long, Hemmens and Myles Case. It was not a vintage Sports display but a win on the day. The draw for the fourth round of the Trophy has given Sports a home tie with Kilvey Fords who are top and unbeaten in the Swansea Senior League. The game will take place on Saturday, November 17.

Sports are in cup action again this Saturday when they visit Blaenrhondda for the first time. The team will meet at 11.45am at Lidl for a 12 o'clock sharp departure for the long trip to the top of the Rhondda valley.

PRO COPY 1 SULLY SPORTS 0

Fresh from last week's cup victory over Wenvoe Arms, Sully's Vale League side visited First Division leaders Pro Copy.

Apart from the gale force winds, it was a perfect day for football and both sides were egged on by an RAF jet performing some barrel rolls while circling for a landing at the airport.

Rain in the week lead to the pitch being in an abject condition and the first half was a scrappy affair. Sully started slightly the better but were not really troubling the opposition goalmouth enough despite neat passages. For the rest of the half the ball rarely made it out of midfield.

A quick break led to Pro Copy being denied by the woodwork but chances were at a premium for both sides.

Both teams battled for possession after the break and an uncharacteristically quick break from Myles Case led to former Sully player Adam Bowsher clearing the ball off the line.

Then, 10 minutes later, Vincent Karbachi had a great chance when the ball was cut back by Ryan Warden for the forward to back heel, only for the spin of the ball to take it along the goal line and out.

With five minutes to go, Copy took a decisive lead with a somewhat freak goal. A debateable free kick on the edge of the box caught out Richard Sims, with the wind appearing to guide the ball into the top corner.

Sully heads did not go down and a goalmouth scramble had the management questioning how the ball failed to cross the line.

Sully and Pro Copy both put on a fine football spectacle. And many thought a draw would have been a fair result.

Man of the match was Richard Sims for some fine saves.

In the previous week's cup win over Wenvoe Arms, Sully fell behind to a questionable penalty but hit back and moved to victory with goals from Warden, Karbachi, Christos Antoniou, Kyle Lewis (penalty) and gaffer James Kedward.

Man of the match went to Antoniou for an impressive display; yellow jersey to Kedward for a ludicrous celebration.

Sully's next match is against the Borough at Barry Sports Centre this Saturday.