CORNELLY UNITED 2

SULLY SPORTS 3

DESPITE being without five first-team regulars and falling behind twice, Sully Sports’ South Wales Senior Soccer League side deservedly reached the final of the Bruty Cup competition.

Facing the North Cornelly side at their Meadow Street home, Sports gave debuts to Jamie Halford and Chistopher Rees.

With a strong cross wind making it difficult to judge the flight of the ball, Sully began well, making a number of good chances, while the home side, also missing a few regulars due to suspension, struggled to adapt in the first half and Sports 'keeper Kieron Sharratt was rarely tested.

Dan Lawlor and Gareth Hemmens had half chances for Sports whose main threat came down the left from Conner McInery.

In the second half, Sully were forced to defend more and were unfortunate to concede a penalty when McInery was unable to get out of the way of a fierce long-range shot and was adjudged to have handled.

Returning to the offensive, Sully equalised when Hemmens provided the perfect finish to a fine move.

Just as Sports appeared to be getting on top, a very good break and fine cross ended with the home side back in front.

However, with the home side intent on defending their lead, Sully kept plugging away and making chances and, with only seven minutes left, Hemmens’ shot was handled and Alex Long was spot on with the penalty.

A shocked Cornelly now defended deep and, in the last minute, a great move into the box saw Luke Hanlon bury the ball into the far right-hand corner.

With five minutes of added time, Sports held out for a deserved win and a place in the final.

Man of the match: Conner McInery; yellow jersey, Taylor Harding.

This Saturday Sports return to First Division action with a difficult game at The Bont Penydarren; meeting at Lidl at noon.

SULLY SPORTS 1

KNAP FC 0

In a close First Division game, which Sully’s Vale of Glamorgan League side should have tied up earlier, Knap were in the mix right until the end.

The vital goal for the league leaders came from Wesley Lamb whose shot trickled over the line.

Man of the match: Scott Grayson.

This week Sully are home to Pro Copy Athletic B at Swanbridge; players to report to the ground at 1pm.

SULLY SPORTS LADIES 1

DINAS POWYS LADIES 1

After producing a fantastic performance, Sully Ladies were left to reflect on the result as two points dropped rather than one gained.

Although Dinas had the wind at their backs in the first half, Sully produced some fine attacking play, with the front three of Jess Cogbill, Molly Chapman and Jess Ham breaking the defensive line before being denied by some last-ditch tackles and fine goalkeeping. A midfield trio of Emma Reynolds, Thea Howells and new addition Abigail Smyth bonded well to nullify the opposition and offer support to the forwards.

Despite Sully looking very well organised, Dinas took the lead when, despite a great effort by goalkeeper Abi White, a wind assisted shot crashed home via a post.

With a newly galvanised Dinas team applying pressure, it was a sturdy and united Sully who once again broke the defensive line, only to see chances go begging.

With Sully having the assistance of the elements in the second half, the majority of the game was played in the Dinas half and the pressure told when Stevie Cook rocketed a free kick past the Dinas 'keeper.

With the Sully defence of Hannah Moger, Georgia Knight, Cook and debutant Sarah Glover now camped on the halfway line, nipping any occasional Dinas build-ups in the bud, the home side were guilty of more missed chances. The introduction of Kiesha Cordle and Natasha White provided Sully with more physicality and both had a positive impact. Indeed, the former was very unlucky not to bag the winner.

In a rare Dinas attack, their pacy substitute knocked a shot beyond the advancing White before woman of the match Moger raced back to clear.

Unused supportive substitutes for Sully were Kate Gronow and Frankie Taylor.

The club extend its thanks to sponsors Just4Nailz (Barry) for their continued support.