Cadoxton Barry FC 3 v Cwmbach 3

WITH relegation still a threat, Cadoxton Barry needed a draw to keep their opponents below them in the league, although three points was still a realistic target.

The recent improvement in teamwork was, however, to be compromised by the absence of a recognised striker in a forward position. Former number nine Weekley was at left back for Walsh, the latter joined on the injured list by striker Oaten and midfielder Adams.

The lack of balance possibly encouraged players to run with the ball more than usual, losing possession too many times for comfort in their own half. Indeed, the first half was pretty dreadful as each team tried to make more mistakes than the other.

The away 'keeper was first called into action just before half-hour. Morgan sent Konten through, but the 'keeper did enough for the shot to be sent just past the post.

Next minute, a fine piece of skill by man of the match Dawson who set up a CB attack which ended with a collectors’ item as Morgan’s right foot made it 1-0.

Soon after, Thompson was a bit impetuous, charging into a tackle out on the wing. The winger’s theatrical tumble brought an unnecessary free kick and a bullet header to level the scores.

The second half was only two minutes old when a Harris through ball allowed Konten in to beat the 'keeper after his first attempt was blocked.

CB keeper "Edu" Harker had not made a save up to this point, but a tremendous stop from a close-range blaster preserved the lead. Offside claims had been ignored on this occasion, and they were again waved away on the hour mark as a Cwmbach striker gave Harker no chance as he made it 2-2.

CB had at last found their "A" game, restricting the visitors to breakaways. In one of these, "Edu" contemptuously palmed away a dangerous looking cross, before CB regained the lead thanks to a breakaway of their own.

Konten and Morgan easily outpaced the defence, with the former drawing the 'keeper before sensibly squaring for a tap-in.

On for the injured Steel, Ross Matthews set up Morgan whose low, hat-trick seeking drive forced the 'keeper into his first real save. As full-time and three points beckoned, CB went to sleep and a free-kick rattled the bar.

Then, with three seconds left, "Edu" made another marvellous point-blank save. "They think it’s all over" was in everyone’s mind, but, unlike Germany in 1966, there was a corner to be taken.

A recent survey found that most corners are over hit, cleared, headed in or past. One in 1,000 is allowed to bounce in the six-yard box. Make that two, as the ball eluded a clutch of players, bounced up and went in off a Cwmbach player’s shoulder to make the final score an unlikely 3-3.