PENYDARREN 1

SULLY SPORTS 2

TWO first-half goals brought maximum points for Sully Sports in Saturday's clash between two of the South Wales Senior Soccer League's best footballing sides.

The Bont Penydarren was the venue for the must win First Division game for both sides, which started at a frantic pace, with both attacks going for broke. While Penydarren dangerman Colvin kept the Sully defence on its toes, the visitors, boosted by the busy work of Long, Lawlor and Hemmens, created the most clearcut chances and eventually grabbed the lead. When the home defence failed to clear a corner, poacher Lawlor pounced on the loose ball and hooked a shot home from six yards.

Penydarren came straight back at Sully but the defence of Sharratt, Hopkins, Jones, Halford, Harding and Brown stood firm.

Indeed, Sports increased their lead with an opportunist strike from Long, who, latching on to a clearance from the home goalkeeper, hit the ball over him from fully 35 yards.

Penydarren started the second period well, with their forwards making chances, but, again, Sports stood firm until Colvin won a controversial penalty after, according to the referee, he had been fouled. There were bookings for several Sports' players for their protests.

Although Sharratt saved the spot kick, the ball, unfortunately, rebounded to the penalty taker who was lucky to bundle the ball into the net.

The piece of good fortune lifted Penydarren, but Sports defended really well to secure the victory.

Sports' substitutes Townsend, Ferguson and Rees played their part, while Sports' man of the match was Conner McInery who remained calm throughout and led his team to a great away win.

The 'yellow jersey' went to Taylor Harding who performed some great man marking on the home side's star player.

Following a midweek 'derby' away at Cogan Coronation last night (Wednesday), Sully have yet another tough away game on Saturday when they visit Cwmbach; meet at Lidl at noon.

Sully: Sharratt, Brown, Jones, Halford, Hopkins, Harding, Lewis, Lawlor, Hemmens, McInery, Long, Ferguson, Rees, Hanlon, James and Townsend.

In the Vale Soccer League, First Division leaders Sports boosted their chance of honours with a 3-1 home win over Pro Copy B.

Although the visitors took the lead, Sports soon equalised when Ryan Boyles netted following Connor Ogden's great cross.

In the second half, Ryan Warden fed 'Spud' Reid, who blasted home, and, shortly after, Kyle Lewis cut into the box in a great move and pulled the ball back for Boyles to bag his second.

Sports travelled to Cogan on Tuesday looking for a win that would land them the title for the first time. On Saturday the side is away to Tynewydd at the Barry Sports Centre.