CADOXTON BARRY 1

CWM WELFARE 2

EVEN though Cadoxton Barry started this South Wales Senior Cup semi-final without key players, Morgan and Baker, who were committed to other callings, it was a pretty useful looking side that lined up against the First Division leaders.

There was little between the sides during the early stages, with neither creating any serious shot on goal. But that all changed in the 18th minute when a Scott Williams long throw set up a scramble involving defenders plus Thompson and Weekley. And it was the latter who finally managed to force the ball home.

Then it was another long throw at the other end that, immediately following the restart, set up a panic attack in the CB rearguard. However, the ball was cleared at the third attempt. Determined play from Blackmore in the middle of the park saw a last second challenge keep CB from doubling their lead.

From the half hour mark, Cwm began to pressurise CB as a quality long range drive went marginally wide. And then CB's Dawson tried something similar, with a similar outcome.

As half time approached, Davie made more and more saves, including one from a shot that took a deflection requiring him to make a lightning fast readjustment.

Cwm continued to press for a 15-minute spell at the start of the second half before CB had a purple patch - Scott Williams taking a long range shot that wasn't far wide. However, this phase came to an end as CB started to concede an unnecessary number of free kicks in tempting positions. And this was where CB started to miss the determined running of Baker and the silky dribbling skills of Morgan.

The equaliser came in the 69th minute when yet another free kick was given away five yards beyond the box. Somehow the hopeful low ball from Catchia found its way through the wall and, with Davie unsighted, bounced its way in.

Then, 10 minutes later, CB fell behind when a quality tackle by Weekley on the edge of the box saw Geraint Williams take advantage of a little bit of good fortune as the loose ball ran into his path, leaving him the simple task of walking the ball into the net.

But CB weren't done as Weekley won a corner, with Dawson seeing the home 'keeper making a miraculous save and, in the process and despite the difference in status, see his side through to a rare win over CB as well as to the final where they will meet Penydarren.

This was a great battling performance from the lads that, with a better rub of the green, could have seen them through.

A strong contender for man of the match was Shaun Andrews at right back, who constantly thwarted Cwm attacks.

Next Saturday Cadoxton Barry entertain Treorchy side Sporting Marvels in a South Wales Senior League fixture at Bryn-y-Don; kick off 2pm.