Welsh FA Trophy holders Sully Sports sting Clydach Wasps (From Barry And District News)

Welsh FA Trophy holders Sully Sports sting Clydach Wasps

7:50am Thursday 4th October 2012 in Sport

SULLY SPORTS 2 CLYDACH WASPS 1

WELSH FA Trophy holders Sully Sports entertained 2010 runners-up Clydach Wasps at Swanbridge on a good footballing day and on a nice pitch.

Sports suffered two late blows for this second round clash, with Michael Osbourne and Gareth Hemmens joining an already overloaded injury list. Positional changes saw Gavin Beddard moving back up front and Nigel Underdown coming in for his first game of the season.

Sports have been very much Jekyll and Hyde in recent weeks - one week in top form and the next not so good - and this week it was their 'evil' side which showed as, taking the game to the visitors, they spurned several good opportunities.

However, the goal they were looking for came when Alex Long received a good through pass and beat the keeper from a narrow angle. And, after Wesley Lamb had crashed a shot off the bar, Michael Fowler followed in to blast the ball home.

The visitors did not trouble the Sports' defence in a poor first half and, despite a good team talk at half time, a weary-looking Sully missed more chances to score early in the second half.

From a quick break the Wasps scored with a good diving header and started to put together some decent moves. After a rash tackle, they were awarded a penalty but, with a splendid effort, Sports goalkeeper Kieron Sharatt touched the spot kick onto the bar and dived on the ball as the Wasps forwards closed in. In the final minutes Sports were back on top but lacked the finishing touch.

In the next round Sports entertain Kenfig Hill and will be hoping that the squad injury list will subside and that they can start producing their best form.

This Saturday Sports entertain Brecon who are another useful team. Players should arrive by 12.30pm, preferably fit and raring to go!

* As Welsh Trophy winners (2011/2), Sports will parade the cup at the Cardiff City Stadium on Friday, October 12, during half-time when Wales entertain Scotland in a World Cup tie.

FC PUMAS 1 SULLY SPORTS 4

AFTER A dismal performance last week and some "hair dryer" treatment from management, Sully Sports' Vale of Glamorgan League side played some great football to clinch this Barry Cup win.

Chomping at the bit, Sports started strongly and their first goal came on the 15-minute mark from Kyle Lewis who, after receiving the ball outside the opposing box, applied some "Samba dance" moves around two defenders before burying the ball in the back on the net.

The second again came from Lewis from the penalty spot, a spot kick which was awarded after Christos Antoniou was obstructed in the area when through on goal. Sully would argue that this was a clear goalscoring opportunity but the ref saw differently.

Pumas got a goal back towards the end of the first half with a good piece of attacking football. This was against the run of play but meant that the Sully team were nervous after almost throwing away leads in recent weeks.

After the break, an injury to Lewis led to the introduction of veteran Jamie Lamb to solidify the midfield.

Sully's third goal came from one of their up and coming stars, Morgan Harris, who has progressed from the youth system. With Pumas failing to properly clear a corner, Harris won the ball on the edge of the six-yard box and skilfully slotted home. Harris celebrated heartily as it was his first senior goal and one to remember.

Sully's fourth came for Vincent Karbachi. After the ball was cleared to Antoniou in the centre of the field, his first-time volley was blocked but Karbachi, showing no regard for personal safety, produced the bravest of diving headers to net from three yards.

Some good performances from everyone this week, with special mention to Antoniou (for two assists), Will Barber and James Greenslade for shoring up the backline.and Kieron Jones for his man of the match performance at left back.

Sully opponents in the next round will be Wenvoe Arms, while Saturday's opponents at Swanbridge will be Park Vets.