Comeback victory for Cadoxton Barry 2nds (From Barry And District News)

Comeback victory for Cadoxton Barry 2nds

7:20am Thursday 27th September 2012 in Sport

INTER PENARTH 1 CADOXTON BARRY 2

THE CB plan for this Vale Soccer League (First Division) clash, as exclusively revealed in last week's paper, was to secure a clean sheet and grab a ‘scrappy’ goal or even accept an own goal.

Inter Penarth, however, were not party to the plan as they completely dominated the opening quarter of an hour but the defensive experience of Charles Davies, Lee Clarke and manager Gareth ‘Rocco’ Phillips saw to it that shots at goal were at a premium.

Half a dozen corners were easily dealt with before CB managed to mount a meaningful attack; shots were even more at a premium as the strikers were not sighted in the vicinity of the Penarth goal area until 25 minutes had elapsed.

Then, like No 9 buses, CB had three one on ones in as many minutes. Amos Geary, making his second team debut, was denied by a quick-moving keeper, Karl Steel, having dribbled through, shot past when rounding the keeper might have paid off, and youngster Kieran Ashton also elected to shoot low when a lob seemed the better option.

Penarth spoilt the plan when, on the half-hour, a CB attack broke down. The home team’s most enthusiastic player released his winger, ran 40 yards untracked and bulleted in a header. CB came back in determined fashion but a Clarke header sailing past the post was scant reward for their efforts.

The half -time water had the desired effect on CB as they took the game to their opponents. Ashton should have netted after five minutes but, instead of sweeping the ball past an unprotected keeper, elected to transfer it to his right foot, making the save easier.

A minute later, set up by ’Muscles’ Davies and Levi Watkins, Kieran smashed home from close range. CB continued to press as that old cliche - a game of two halves - sprung to mind.

Clarke, after a corner, was on hand to head home a Watkins cross. Midway through the half, it should have been game over but Geary managed to hit the keeper with the goal gaping, and Ashton blazed the rebound over.

CB failed to create further clearcut chances and almost surrendered the lead in stoppage time as they failed to hold the ball for long enough periods. Keeper Harker produced a flying save in the very last minute as players relaxed just that bit too soon.

All in all, a pleasing comeback win, given the fact the bare XI was available.