CADOXTON BARRY 2

TONYREFAIL 2

INTERESTED spectators were Max United (Treorchy) players, hoping that CB would defeat or, at the very least, draw with Tonyrefail to give them the South Wales Senior Soccer League Second Division title.

A win for the visitors would give them the title, and special preparations had been made to present the trophy to whoever won it - both sets of players being present. CB committee members went to a lot of trouble and modest expense to provide refreshments and sandwiches for the presentation.

CB started without Sam Williams, Luke Walsh, Rhodri Morgan, Cain Wells and 'keeper Mattie Davey so it was important that the side fielded gave their all. And, indeed, they did all that and more!

Deputising 'keeper, Warner was called upon to make an early save before an Adams blaster forced an equally good save from the visiting 'keeper.

In the 18th minute, Dawson and Weekley combined sweetly for the latter to give CB the lead. And this ushered in a purple patch for CB when a series of neat team passing moves threatened goals.

But the spell was broken when a defensive mix up set up what looked like being a certain Tonyrefail goal. But Warner rose to the occasion to tip the dipping shot over the bar. And CB survived a couple more scares before a Scott Williams corner saw Thompson's glancing header go marginally wide.

But disaster struck when Royle, in clearing in a non-threatening situation, found the ball rolling inadvertently from his chest to his arm. The result was a penalty which was well converted by Enoch.

Early in the second half, Scott Williams' free kick belted back off the wall before the ball went out for a corner. And Dawson was on hand to head it home from close range

On numerous occasions from that point, CB had opportunities to put the game to bed, with Baker and Thompson going close.

Just when it began to look as though there were to be no further goals, in the opposition's net at least, a wickedly deceptive bounce at the near post from a corner saw Dawson turn the ball into his own net when attempting to clear.

CB nearly picked up all three points when, after Adam Harvey replaced Royle (injury), Baker headed across to Weekley whose shot came back into play after smiting the upright.

When the final whistle blew, it was to the cheers of the title-winning Max United players. And then, as if on a mission, they hurriedly disappeared.

In conversation with CB officials, they indicated that they had not been informed that they were to receive the championship trophy (if they won it) at a presentation after the game and, therefore, would not be attending.

Instead, there was a very brief presentation of medals to runners-up Tonyrefail.

And, yes, the sandwiches were wasted, or should I say, not consumed by those they were meant for.

Next Saturday Cadoxton Barry complete their season when they play host to St Albans at Bryn-y-Don. Kick-off is 2pm.