Another late late show for Cadoxton Barry FC...

ANOTHER late late show from the Linnets sees them at the top of the Second Division of the South Wales Senior League for the third time this season.

For much of the time the match was a pretty dour affair - though in fairness, the blustery wind swirling around Jenner Park didn't help matters.

Hopkinstown won the first corner of the game after 12 minutes, but this was easily dealt with.

Mathew Bickley set up Jermain Martyn, but he was beaten to the punch as he was about to shoot. And 25 minutes had passed before CB won their first corner - though it came to nothing.

If anything, Hopkinstown were seeing slightly more of the ball at this stage. Even so, a fine solo run from Karl Steel saw the Hopkinstown 'keeper having to come out to smother his shot.

Then the Linnets did put together a good passing move which culminated in a shot from Chris Barnet. However, the Hopkinstown 'keeper had it well covered.

Approaching half time the Linnets had played themselves into the game and were seeing as much of the ball as Hopkinstown. However Lee Norris was forced into making an excellent diving save and a Hopkinstown header went just over the CB bar.

Early in the second half a Karl Steel cross was met by Darren Baker who brought a fine save out of the Hopkinstown 'goalie.

Just after Ross Mathews had replaced Steel, Alex Lee saw a shot fizz just over the bar. With 70 minutes now gone Cadoxton Barry were beginning to build up a head of steam - a Jermain Martyn scissor kick going just wide.

Linnets pressure was now intense and a goal looked very much on the cards. And come it did – though not into the goal that spectators had expected.

Adam Harvey slipped as he tried to control a long, high clearance and the ball fell loose out on the left to Grant Blacker.

There appeared to be little danger from such a wide angle and that far out. But he let fly with an absolute sizzler from 30 yards. Norris was well beaten and the ball went in, grazing the underside of the Linnets' bar on the way. This was a contender for Goal of the Month at any level of football.

With very little time left things looked bleak for CB. But with only minutes remaining, the Linnets eventually got the break they had been looking for.

A James Dawson shot rebounded of the Hopkinstown bar and into the path of Alex Lee who had moved forward from his defensive role as the pressure grew. This time there were no doubts as he buried the ball in the back of the Hopkinstown net, for what everyone thought would be a deserved share in the points.

But no, the Linnets weren't prepared to settle for that!

And just 10 seconds from the end of the two minutes added by referee Mr Loosemore for injuries, Dawson grabbed the whole of the spoils for the Linnets.

An apparent handball in the Hopkinstown penalty box resulted in appeals which were waved away. The ball fell to Martyn who passed it back out towards the edge of the box where Dawson was lurking, eager to grab a late late winner with a fierce drive that had the 'keeper clutching at straws.

Spectator-wise, the uninspiring main body of the game was more than compensated for by the intense excitement of the final ten minutes - leaving them well happy with their £1's worth of entertainment as they exited Jenner Park.

Next Saturday Cadoxton Barry visit Cwm Welfare in the C W Bruty Cup. Supporters are invited to assemble at the Cadoxton Conservative Club at 12 noon.

The 'B' team take on Cadoxton Imps at Barry Sports Centre and the 'C' team take on Inter-Penarth at Bryn-Y-Don

BARRY CUP

S W DOCKERS 2 CADOXTON BARRY FC 1

VALE LEAGUE DIVISION TWO

CADOXTON BARRY FC 4 FC TADROSS 2

THIS win sees Cadoxton Barry on 18 points, the same as leaders Cadoxton Imps. However, the fact that the latter's goal difference is two better keeps the Linnets in second spot.