RHOOSE FC’s competitive season got off to a winning start at Jenner Park with a 3-1 victory against their Vale rivals Llantwit Major last Tuesday evening (19), although they were held 1-1 at home to league title favourites Llanelli Town on Saturday 23:

Welsh League Division 3

Rhoose FC 3 – 1 Llantwit Major

The opening exchanges were extremely competitive as one would expect with both sides embroiled in a mid-field stalemate in the battle for supremacy. In consequence, there were few goal scoring opportunities for both sides. However, the home side took the lead on the half-hour mark with an assured finish close-in from Jacob Daley following a swift counter attacking move down the right flank.

Rhoose doubled their lead on the hour mark with an excellent finish from new acquisition Jemel Easter, the points being secured soon after with an excellent solo effort from Nathan White following a pin-point pass from defender Matthew Philips. Llantwit scored late-on through a penalty by Stuart Lindsay.

Rhoose FC 1 – 1 Llanelli Town

This was a much sterner test for the Vale side. Llanelli have title and promotion ambitions this season and the acquisitions they have made in the close season confirmed this. Goal scoring chances, however, were few and far between, although the Llanelli ‘keeper did make a miraculous save from Rhoose marksman Nicky Davison. The home side did go ahead on the half hour mark with an excellent 20 yard snap-shot, off the near post from in-form Jacob Daley. That’s how it stayed for the remainder of the 1st half, with a ‘ding-dong’ battle ensuing in midfield.

The 2nd half saw a different complexion put on the game – with the Vale side failing to start coming under increasing pressure from the visitors. This pressure told soon after with Martin Giles, Rhoose’s central defender receiving a red card for a 2nd bookable offence. Rhoose were really struggling to hold out at this point and Llanelli took advantage from one of the many free-kicks around the penalty area that they received from an obliging referee. However, hold out they did, and indeed could have won the match in the dying minutes following two good efforts from White on the Rhoose left flank – one foiled by an incredible point-blank save from the Llanelli ‘keeper.

Rhoose again face Llantwit Major this Wednesday 27 in the ‘return’ fixture at Windmill Lane (KO 6:30 pm); and are home to Cardiff Hibernian at Jenner Park on Saturday 30 in the Welsh Cup (KO 2pm).