Draw with Ship Inn sees Cadoxton Imps move out of relegation zone

COMING off the back of five successive defeats, Cadoxton Imps were determined to give 100 per cent in this First Division clash in the Vale of Glamorgan Senior Football League.

The last time the sides met Imps recorded their first win of the season through a 3-1 scoreline so the home side were looking for a bit of revenge.

Imps started the brighter and put on all the pressure in the first 15 minutes. And, after a couple of half chances, the ball was played out wide for Darryl who took on three players to get into the six-yard box and beat the goalkeeper with a delightful chip.

Clearly worried, the Ship made wholesale changes and even made a sub in the first half hour - not to the amusement of the left back!

Imps' goalkeeper Simon Arscot made some good saves coming off his line and Logan and Mitch both made amazing blocks to keep out the Ship but, just before half time, some good work down the right saw a deep cross and who else but Gwyn 'blooming' Good (the smallest man in Europe) to nod home at a tight angle and level the scores.

It was 1-1 at half time but it could have been better for the Imps, with a late shot from Harvey going high and wide and Ash hitting the bar.

The half-time team talk was great for the Imps and, for once, it was positive and the team spirit was back amongst the players and management. The tactics were simple - keep positive and punish the weaknesses at the back - and that's what the Imps did.

Some good play from Mark Lewis and Ryan Pike down the left was causing the Ship problems and Ashley up top was playing really well but unable to get the goal he deserved. Then it was the Darryl show again and, with a break down the right, he took on another three players and the goalkeeper to smash home and put Imps 2-1 up.

The home side were furious but Imps were delighted and made a positive sub, bringing on Bish to rest the legs of Harvey who had given his all for the team.

Ship, in fairness, did have a lot of possession in midfield but were not creating the clearcut chances they were hoping for. With 15 minutes left, they did make the breakthrough with a long ball that crept over the head of Logan. Although Simon nearly made the save, the ball broke for the striker who equalised.

Imps still had chances to win it at the death, with Darryl missing out on a hat-trick after striking the bar; as the ball came out Nick Williams sent a long range effort wide.

Mark then broke down the left and had a shot parried. Darryl, through again, had his shot cleared and then sub Adam Edwards, making his first appearance for the new Imps, had a clear shot at goal but found the train tracks on Cadoxton train station (yes it was that high) even though three Imps' forwards were screaming for the ball at the far post.

In the last minute Mark was put through but was tripped on the edge of the box, and the resulting free kick was smashed into the wall. It was a brilliant end to end game and both sides played their part.

Imps have now exited the relegation zone but, with Dockers having six games in hand, can it last?

Imps would like to thank sponsor www.cardiffappliancewarehouse.co.uk for their fantastic support throughout the season.

Imps take on The Borough this Saturday and will be looking for revenge after an opening day defeat against the same opponents; with the game scheduled at the Butts they might have to look forward to a deserved week off!