AFTER winning the Dockers' Cup, Vale Soccer League side Rhoose Rovers have moved to within touching distance of the Second Division title.

The pride of Rhoose looked in fine form defeating Penarth Town B 8-2 with goals from Jamie Bagnall, Tom Bevan (two), Chris Bolton, Josh Bryan (two), Chris Vinson and Josh Rowe and were then made to work hard for a competitive 1-1 draw against Barry Rovers at Pencoedtre. After appearing to have the edge, the visitors only had one goal to show for their efforts and were pegged back towards the end.

Despite the two points dropped, Rhoose were in upbeat mood as title rivals VI FC lost at Barry Albion 1-0.

This resulted in Rovers opening up a four-point gap at the top of the table and, with only five matches to go, the title race is firmly in their hands. Four victories from their last five matches will bring the title and, with tough matches still to play, those victories won’t come easily. Matches between the top three teams are still to play and there may be a few twists and turns still to come.

The success of the team and the club as a whole would not have been possible without the contributions of the club’s sponsors - GDL Solutions (Guy Lovering) and KR Building Services (Kevin Rees) for supplying the home and away kit; Nigel and Kim Wyleman-John, from The Cambrian Cafe Bar, for catering for the team after every match and putting on a fantastic party after the club’s cup final, and Craig Trickett for supplying the polo T-shirts for the players.

Rovers' next match is this Saturday against Wheelz FC at Barry Sports Centre; kick-off 2pm.