Welsh League Division 1 Side

Club Manager

Mark Jones

Assistant

Manager

John Karamousis

First Team Coach

Trevor Taylor 

Match Reports -

Welsh League Division One

Sat 10^th May 2008 – Dinas Powys 2  Pontardawe Town 1

This win, in their final game of the season, keeps Dinas at the top of Welsh League Division One and the effort and commitment shown through this season was evident in this game when they went a goal behind and were reduced to ten men in the first twenty minutes.

It was the home side who had the chance to open the scoring in the fourth minute, a corner taken quickly to Shelton Payne gave him the chance to go past a defender and lay the ball back to Nana Baah but he side-footed past the left upright when he should have scored. Pontardawe had the advantage in height and maybe that was in Jason Cowan’s mind when he needlessly handled a free-kick in the penalty area to give the visitors a penalty, Luke Harris scoring from the spot. Shelton Payne volleyed over from a Ricki Morgan cross before Dinas were dealt another blow when Morgan was given his marching orders and they were reduced to ten men. At least Jason Cowan had the chance to redeem himself and for the remainder of the game he put in a controlled and committed performance with manager Mark Jones changing the formation. Dinas struck back in the twenty-eight minute when a corner found Chris Ashley at the far post, he played the ball back in and when Drew Fahiya’s overhead kick hit the arm of a defender the referee immediately gave a penalty, Geza Hajgato stepped up and coolly sent goalkeeper Mark Snell the wrong way to score. Another mazy run past three defenders by Shelton Payne ended with a shot over the bar. Despite being down to ten men the Pontardawe forwards were not giving the Dinas defence many problems and it was the home side looking more likely to score in what remained of the first-half.

Five minutes into the second-half a Dave Brooks pass gave Nana Baah the chance to advance into the penalty area but his low cross was well taken by the Pontardawe keeper Mark Snell at the foot of his post before any Dinas player could get a foot to the ball. Top scorer Drew Fahiya had been well marshalled by a robust defence but when he did get a chance his shot from the edge of the area didn’t trouble the keeper. Five minutes later he showed just what he is capable of, a Dinas throw found him in the area he flicked the ball over a defender and placed the ball past the keeper into the top far corner of the net for his twenty-fourth goal of the season to give Dinas the lead. The visitors should have equalized from a corner, the ball hitting the bar and rebounding to Ashley Richards but his close range effort was smartly saved by keeper Keiron Blackburn but this was probably the only chance they created throughout the game. In warm sunshine Dinas saw out the final twenty minutes of the game before players and management celebrated what has been the best season in the club’s history. Congratulations to Mark Jones, players and all involved at the club.

All eyes are now on the game on Tuesday 13^th May at Goytre where the title will be decided, the home side only need a point against Caerleon to move above Dinas and win The Welsh League.

Welsh League Division One

Sat 3^rd May 2008 – Dinas Powys 3  Cwmbran Town 0   Video clips thanks to Richard Jefferies(Cwmbran Capt)

There are some things you don’t want to end and this season is one of them. Manager Mark Jones has the side playing like a well-oiled machine and although they are relying on Goytre to slip up to have any chance of winning the Welsh League it will still be their most successful season ever.

Dinas had the ball in the net as early as the first minute but Drew Fahiya was judged offside, five minutes later Cwmbran lost the ball deep in the Dinas half, the ball was switched to Drew Fahiya and his cross was volleyed home from the edge of the area by Ricki Morgan for an excellent opener. Geza Hajgato was again having an excellent game at right back and with Ricki Morgan buzzing around in midfield Dinas dominated the game restricting Cwmbran to the occasional long-range shot. When Dinas keeper Keiron Blackburn’s clearance found the head of Nana Baah his flick-on was persued by Drew Fahiya and David Brooks but Richard Jefferies in the visitors goal was alert and was able to dive on the ball first. Jefferies was again in the action saving smartly at the foot of his post from an overhead kick by Fahiya. On forty minutes Dinas doubled their lead when a low cross from Nana Baah found Drew Fahiya and he was able to squeeze a shot just inside the upright.

The second half continued where the first left-off with the home side well on top and the dangerous Fahiya just off target with a low shot from just inside the area. Eight minutes into the half there was a moment of contention, Dinas were awarded a penalty when a David Brooks shot hit the arm of a defender, Geza Hajgato’s kick found the corner of the net but the referee saw Dinas players encroaching into the area and awarded an indirect free-kick to the visitors when the kick should have been retaken. Cwmbran’s Tidiany Kone had a 25yd shot comfortably saved by the Dinas keeper before Dinas centre-half Kurt Bettles moved forward for a free-kick and headed the ball on for Nana Baah his low shot the ball hitting the upright and rebounding giving David Brooks the easiest of chances to score from close range. As in the previous game Dinas seemed able to cut through the visiting defence almost at will but this time didn’t take their chances and the game spluttered to an end.

Having won their last five games, scoring twenty-three goals and conceding only two Dinas entertain Pontadawe Town in the last game of the season at The Murch on Saturday 10^th May ko 2:30.

Welsh League Division One

Sat 30th April 2008 – Dinas Powys 8  Bridgend Town 1

This was a polished performance from an in-form and confident Dinas Powys side to trounce Bridgend and move them to top position in Welsh League Division One albeit only for a couple of days.

A taste of what was to come came in the eight minute when Drew Fahiya left a couple of defenders in his wake to put in a good cross which David Brookes was unable to reach. Within a minute they had opened their account, Phil Allen played an excellent ball out of defence for Nana Baah on the edge of the penalty area to hit first time, the ball running slowly toward goal with Bridgend keeper Brendan Cropley scrambling but failing to stop it going in. A hesitant Dinas defence allowed Raith Plant to get a shot in but his effort ran just wide of a post before they got the second goal, an excellent left wing cross picked out the head of the effective Nana Baah, his flick-on gave Rikki Morgan the chance to volley over the Bridgend keeper and into the net. The third was not long in coming when a defender handled just inside the area Geza Hajgato stepped up to score despite the keeper getting a hand to the ball. The visitors’ Michael Parkin had an effort rebound to safety of an upright but further efforts from David Brookes, Rikki Morgan, and Geza Hajgato confirmed Dinas’s hold on the game and they went in at half-time looking to improve their goal difference in the second.

Within two minutes of the restart Bridgend showed they had other ideas when Raith Plant’s spectacular shot from 20 yards sailed over the Dinas keeper and into the net. Dinas were not to be denied and within a minute had struck back, Drew Fahiya challenged for the ball with the visiting keeper and with the defence claiming handball he laid the ball back for Rikki Morgan to slot home from 10 yards. In the seventieth minute Jason Cowan won the ball in midfield and played in substitute Shelton Payne he in turn found Drew Fahiya who was strong enough to force the ball over the line for the fifth goal. Midfielder Phil James had a relatively easy chance to score when only eight yards out but within seconds the ball was played back across the area and this time he made no mistake placing the ball past the keeper from only five yards. Two goals in the final minute completed the rout, again Drew Fahiya outpaced the defence and crossed for Shelton Payne, he passed the ball on for David Ham to score from close range. With the Bridgend defence in disarray Fahiya again sliced through to score with a low shot from ten yards the referee signalling the end of the game soon after the restart leaving Dinas still in with an outside chance of the Division One title.

Welsh League Division One

Welsh League Division One

Sat 19th April 2008 – Garw 0  Dinas Powys 4

Welsh League Division One

Sat 16th April 2008 – Dinas Powys 0 Ton Pentre 2

Dinas Powys were made to pay for not taking their chances in a tense first half and were punished by two excellent strikes by the visitors after the break.

As in the reverse fixture Ton were quick out of the starting blocks and had most of the possession and territory in a hectic opening fifteen minutes without really creating any clear cut chances thanks mainly to the aerial dominance of Craig Lima and Chris Ashley in the heart of the Dinas defence. In the sixteenth minute Ton striker Andrew Pearson was given room to turn in the area but shot wide of the post. Dinas had their first opportunity of the game when a defensive clearance found Drew Fahiya, he beat two defenders before laying the ball off for Nana Baah who played the ball across the area back to Fahiya who had two efforts blocked by the Ton defence. Two minutes later the same player headed Jason Cowan’s cross towards goal but Marty Ellacott pushed the ball away for a corner that the Ton defence could only clear as far as Phil James, his first time shot was heading just under the crossbar before Ellacott got fingertips to the ball to push over. Dinas were taking the game to the visitors and Drew Fahiya had another shot saved by Marty Ellacott from Nana Baahs flick-on but they were dealt a blow on thirty-five minutes when David Brookes limped off to be replaced by Shelton Payne. Five minutes before half-time shots rained in on the Ton goal, Drew Fahiya and Nana Baah both had shots saved and when a free-kick rebounded off the wall to Phil James his goal bound shot was deflected for a corner. Ton were grateful for the goalkeeping of Marty Ellacott but the Dinas forwards also had to look at themselves for some poor finishing.

Nine minutes into the second-half Nicky Jones had a shot defected for a corner befre Dinas were back on the attack with a clearance to Drew Fahiya he in turn found Shelton Payne who made progress into the area and had a clear opportunity to score but fell theatrically under the challenge of the keeper, both the referee and the keeper were not impressed with his action and he was booked for diving. Jason Cowan had a free-kick deflected before Ton opened the scoring with an attack on the right, Andrew Pearson found Jonathan Kift and his eighteen yard shot flew into the net giving the keeper no chance. Dinas pressed forward in search of the equalizer leaving themselves stretched at the back but were unable to make any real impression and it was the visitors who scored their second, Alyn Jones picked up a loose ball twenty-five yards out and hit another unstoppable shot past Keiron Blackburn in the Dinas goal. Manager Mark Jones pushed players forward but the home side did not really look like scoring in the remaining minutes and will have to regroup and look to their last six games to maintain their challenge on the league leaders.

Welsh League Division One

Sat 12th April 2008 – Dinas Powys 3 Pontypridd Town 0

Dinas kept the pressure on at the top of Welsh League Division One with this comfortable win at The Murchfield, whilst their rivals have had most of the publicity Dinas have kept going about their job with fifteen points from a possible eighteen in the last six games.

It was Pontypridd who started the better in their bid to lift themselves up the table but they did not really threaten the home goal and with Dinas youngsters Drew Fahiya and David Brookes attacking down the flanks Dinas started to turn the screw. Drew Fahiya chased a long ball down the right touchline before crossing but Nana Baah could only head wide, then David Brookes was given time to turn in the area but Ponty’s keeper Chris Golton got down smartly to save. In the sixteenth minute Dinas got the opening goal when Drew Fahiya was cut down in the penalty area, the referee immediately awarding a penalty that was comfortably converted by David Brookes. A couple of minutes later the home side had chances to increase their lead, the first from a corner touched on by Rikki Morgan with Kurt Bettles just inches away from getting the final touch, then good work by Phil James and Rikki Morgan gave Nana Baah the chance to shoot but the keeper saved comfortably. It was almost one way traffic with Nana Baah having a goal bound shot deflected for a corner, this was cleared but only as far as Rikki Morgan whose volley was well saved by the Ponty keeper. The visitors reply was a good shot deflected wide of the goal before Dinas got a deserved second goal, Jason Cowan’s corner put the Ponty keeper under great pressure and he could only clear the ball as far as Dave Brookes who immediately hammered it back into the net. A minute later Dinas almost gifted Ponty a goal when the defence were caught napping and the resulting cross was misjudged by the Dinas keeper but ran wide of the far post. Further chances fell to Dinas before half-time but they went in with a deserved two goal cushion.

The start of the second-half had to be delayed when a Dinas spectator collapsed, the ambulance arrived within minutes to take him to hospital and the Club would like to wish Arthur a speedy recovery.

Within four minutes of the restart Dinas had put the game beyond Pony’s reach, Phil Allen, returning after injury, played an excellent ball to Rikki Morgan, his cross ran to Dave Brookes whose shot was deflected high into the net by Drew Fahiya. Minutes later Jason Cowan’s deep cross was headed over by Nana Baah and Drew Fahiya had a shot well saved by the Ponty keeper. Dinas manager Mark Jones brought on substitutes Dwaine Strong, Shelton Payne, and David Ham with a top of the table clash against Ton Pentre just four days away. All three substitutes were quickly in the action, Shelton Payne stung the keepers hands with good shot before firing over the bar. Dwaine Strong beat a couple of defenders before crossing for David Ham to head bravely amoungst the flying boots just wide of the upright, he continued following treatment for a head injury. Ponty almost had the last word in this game when a twenty-yard shot was deflected back to Mike Selio but his shot was well saved by Keiron Blackburn in the Dinas goal.

Dinas go into the final seven games of the season with an excellent chance of at least finishing in the top three of Welsh League Division One.

Welsh League Division One

Welsh League Division One

Welsh League Division One

Sat 29th March 2008 – Dinas Powys 7 Garw 0

The only work Dinas goalkeeper Keiron Blackburn had all afternoon was to punch away a corner against the leagues’ bottom side Garw as the home side ran out comfortable winners.

Dinas took fourteen minutes to prise open the Garw defence and when David Ham and Phil James swapped passes giving Ham the chance to put in a good cross to Shelton Payne, he took a couple of touches before firing in a low shot into the far corner of the net beyond the reach of Tom Chorley in the Garw goal. Jason Cowan then had a chance in front of goal but he could not get a good contact on Shelton Payne’s cross before the home side doubled their lead, Rikki Morgan found Drew Fahiya at the far post and his header back across goal gave David Ham the chance to shoot low past the keeper. Fahiya then had a close range header well saved by Chorley in the Garw goal but he could do nothing but watch as Kurt Bettles effort crashed off the crossbar back to David Ham and he had the simplest of tasks to head in the rebound. A Jason Cowan corner had the Garw keeper in trouble and when his clearance went straight to Kurt Bettles he should have had better direction on his header, the keeper saving comfortably. Five minutes before half-time Dinas made it four when an excellent left sided cross from Shelton Payne found Drew Fahiya in acres of space just three yards from goal and he made no mistake with his header to send Dinas in with a comfortable lead.

Within a minute of the restart David Ham and Shelton Payne carved out a crossing opportunity but nobody was able to take advantage. Jason Cowan finished of a flowing move with a low shot that was deflected for a corner before Marcus Madder, on for injured Rikki Morgan, won the ball twenty-five yards from goal and played an excellent through ball for Drew Fahiya who rounded the keeper and scored from ten yards. Drew Fahiya would not have a better opportunity to score a hat-trick and he must have thought it was on when he left four defenders in his wake but his final shot ran just wide of the post. He did not have to wait long though and when the Garw defence gifted him the ball he took his opportunity and again went round the keeper to score his third and the home sides sixth goal. Four minutes from time Dinas completed the scoring with an excellently worked goal, a throw on the right was played across to Lloyd Grist on the left, he played a one two with Phil James before unleashing a powerful shot that cannoned off the upright back to Drew Fahiya who was able to find room to shoot low from fifteen yards past the Garw keeper. The visitors never let their heads drop but were outclassed by a Dinas side who moved to third position in Welsh League Division One.

Welsh League Division One

Sat 22^nd March 2008 – Ton Pentre 0  Dinas Powys 2

An excellent and committed display from all thirteen players who may have thought they had something to prove, they fully deserved this win against the league leaders who had won their previous six games.

Ton Pentre started the game well and pushed Dinas back into their own half, the visitors were grateful to keeper Keiron Blackburn for an excellent save from a powerful header that was destined for the top corner but he somehow got a hand to the ball and followed up with another save on the goal-line. Apart from a twenty-five yard shot from Geza Hajgato, saved by Marty Ellacott, Dinas were pegged back for the first fifteen minutes. Ton’s captain Andrew Hughes firing over from the edge of the penalty area and Rikki Morgan was on hand to help his defence with a clearance from another long throw with Ton looking to exploit the strong wind. Dinas started to work their way back into the game and when Phil James played Rikki Morgan into the area he went down from a defenders challenge but the referee waved away Dinas appeals for a penalty. Chris Ashley and Geza Hajgato’s determination in defence started to turn the game for the visitors and with Rikki Morgan buzzing around in midfield Dinas were blunting Ton’s attacks and restricting them to long throws and free-kicks, Dinas had not created any goal scoring opportunities of their own but there was a feeling amongst the visiting supporters that with the advantage of the wind and slope the second half may be a different story.

As the players went in at half-time the skies darkened and snow swept down the hillside and engulfed Ynys Park but it didn’t last too long and as the players re-emerged the sun returned and within a few minutes of the restart Dinas had their first real opportunity of the game. Geza Hajgato played a ball out of defence for Drew Fahiya who got the better of a defender before putting in a dangerous low cross along the six-yard box but it was just out of reach of the on-rushing Nana Baah. Within a minute Dinas had got the all-important opening goal, Jason Cowan’s right-sided corner was headed clear by a defender but only back to the midfield player, he beat a defender on the corner of the penalty area before curling a left-foot shot inside the far post for an excellent goal. Ten minutes later Shelton Payne limped off to be replaced by David Ham who had an immediate opportunity to mark his Welsh League debut with a goal but his shot was deflected clear. Dinas were once again restricting Ton to long range shots but when Andrew Pearson and Alyn Jones did well on the left wing Pearson’s cross was headed toward goal where Keiron Blackburn pulled off an instinctive save to keep the Dinas lead intact. Twenty-three minutes into the second-half Dinas doubled their lead when a mix-up in the home defence saw an attempted clearance cannon off Nana Baah and run towards the goal-line, Drew Fahiya and a defender fought for the ball with Drew claiming the last touch to send it over the goal-line. Ton’s reply came from Lee Mathews and Dane Williams both shooting over the crossbar. Substitute David Ham was adjusting to the pace of Welsh League football but his cross was just too high for Nana Baah and when he started another attack on the left his pass found Phil James in space, he then fed Drew Fahiya whose shot was well saved by Marty Ellacott in the Ton goal. Kurt Bettles came on for the injured Nana Baah and Dinas saw out the final minutes without Ton causing them too many problems.

Welsh League Division One

Sat 15^th March 2008 – Dinas Powys 1  Caerleon 2

Caerleon deserved to win this game as they adapted to the dreadful conditions, especially in the second half, better that the home side. Dinas opened the score when Danny Kinsey forced the ball over the line from close range following a corner but the visitors hit back almost immediately when a good right wing cross was headed home. Dinas had two players sent off near the end and their day was completed when a low shot beat the Dinas keeper just a minute from the end of the match.

The referee had turned up and insisted that work to clear vast pools of water off the pitch continued while he took his wife shopping. That worked continued with neither side thinking that the game had any chance of being played but when the referee eventually returned he insisted the game go ahead despite the fact that there were still large pools of water across the pitch and heavy rain was forecast.  The fact that no player was badly injured was more down to luck than anything else and those that turned up to watch the game had to put up with plenty of endeavour but little football.  Dinas ended up with no points, players suspended, and a ruined pitch that may take weeks to recover.

Welsh League Division One

Sat 8^th March 2008 – Bridgend Town 0 Dinas Powys 1

Manager Mark Jones had to make five changes from the previous week through injuries and suspensions and was forced into another change when Colin Loss was injured during the warm-up. A strong blustery wind was to make life difficult for both sides but Dinas ran out comfortable winners with the home side not really troubling keeper Keiron Blackburn during the whole game.

Dinas were looking to a new attacking partnership of Dave Brookes and Gary Twynham for more goals and it was Brookes who had the first opportunity in the sixth minute, his effort running wide of the post. A minute later the same player was the provider with a good cross from the right wing but Rikki Morgan, at the near post, was unable to force the ball home. Another Dinas corner taken by Geza Hajgato found the diminutive Rikki Morgan this time at the far post but his header was off-target. Despite playing into a strong wind the visitors were forcing the home side back and it seemed a goal was inevitable the fact that it took sixteen minutes was the real surprise, Geza Hajgato won the ball in midfield with Rikki Morgan and Jason Cowan continuing the move and it was Dave Brookes who finished with a low eighteen yard shot just inside the post. Following the goal Bridgend had their best spell of the game but the Dinas defence kept them to long-range shots and free-kicks and with Rikki Morgan buzzing around in midfield the home side were never able to hang onto the ball for long. Gary Twynham beat the home side’s offside game with a good run down the left side before putting in a good cross for the willing Jason Cowan but he could not get a good contact and the ball ran wide of the upright. Dinas went in at halftime satisfied with a strong performance but with just the one goal to show for it.

With the wind at their backs Dinas again started strongly with Jason Cowan shooting just over from twenty yards and when Rikki Morgan won the ball on the left his cross was cleared only as far as Phil James but his first-time shot was straight into the arms of Brendan Cropley in the home goal. Five minutes later the Bridgend defence failed to deal with a Dinas throw and the keeper could only parry a powerful Phil James shot back to Dave Brookes but his shot sailed over the bar. Bridgend’s reply came from a Michael Parkin twenty-five yard shot wide of the post and following a throw Jonathan Keaveney’s good right-wing cross had to be headed clear at the far post by Geza Hajgato. Once again Dinas came back at the home side with centre-half Danny Kinsey and Gary Twynham forcing Bridgend to concede a corner that keeper Brendan Cropley did well to take under his crossbar. Dinas substitutes Dwaine Strong and Shelton Payne came on and their pace was an immediate threat, when a long ball found Payne he drifted past a defender and laid the ball across the six yard box but just to far ahead of Dwaine Strong, a few minutes later the roles were reversed with Shelton Payne just failing to reach a Dwaine Strong cross.

This was a good performance following two a couple of poor results and keeps Dinas in touch at the top of the table with a couple of games in hand.

Welsh League Division One

Sat 1^st March 2008 – Dinas Powys 0 Afan Lido 1

For the second game running Dinas were much the better side but failed to capitalise, especially in the first-half when a number of chances including a penalty went begging.

The start of the game saw the home side make all of the running with Lloyd Grist, Jason Cowan, and Nana Baah all having efforts on goal. They should have scored after sixteen minutes when Craig Lima played a good ball out of defence for Drew Fahiya, he got past his defender and moved into the penalty area only to be fouled, the referee immediately gave a penalty. Nana Baah’s spot kick was too close to the keeper and Lloyd Grist put the rebound over the crossbar. Lido’s Steve Davies had a shot cleared before Damon Thomas brought the best out of Keiron Blackburn in the Dinas goal with a low shot, the keeper somehow pushing the ball round the post. Nana Baah almost made amends for the missed penalty with a lovely lay off for Drew Fahiya to run onto but his finish was not as good. A couple of minutes later Fahiya’s lob cleared the keeper but unfortunately also the crossbar before the same player provided a tantalizing cross from the right but neither Jason Cowan or Nana Baah could get on the end of it. The half finished following a spell of end-to-end football when neither side created a clear opportunity but Dinas went in rueing all the chances missed in the first forty minutes.

The second-half, as far as possession was concerned, was a more even affair. Centre-half Kurt Bettles had a couple of headers off-target from corners and when keeper Keiron Blackburn’s clearance found Jason Cowan his twenty-five yard shot was pushed away by Leon Cosker in the Lido goal with his defence completing the clearance. Twenty-five minutes into the half Lido’s dangerous Michael Waters shot wide of the goal but for most of the game he was well policed by Phil Allen who had another excellent game. A Dinas throw on the left gave Craig Lime the chance to cross the ball into the area where the keeper could only punch the ball to Nana Baah just eight yards out but his attempt went sailing over the bar when it looked easier to score. On eighty-nine minutes Dinas almost took the lead they deserved when substitute Geza Hajgato’s left wing cross was headed on by Craig Lima and Drew Fahiya’s overhead kick hit the post and went wide for a goal-kick. Deep into injury time Lido got the vital goal when the Dinas defence, for once, failed to deal with a Steve Davies cross and with the ball bouncing around the six-yard box Keiran Howells got the final touch and the Lido team and supporters celebrating wildly while the home side could only look back at what might have been.

Welsh League Division One

Sat 16^th February 2008 – Dinas Powys 2 Newport YMCA 1

An important win that keeps the pressure on the two sides above them in the table, but it had to be fought for against an awkward side looking for revenge following Dinas’s convincing win at Mendalgief Road earlier in the season.

It was the visitors who started well forcing a number of corners in the opening minutes hoping to use the height advantage they had at dead ball situations but the home defence stood firm and were able to break quickly with Phil Allen’s astute pass finding Drew Fahiya, his pace took him past a defender and his cross found Jason Cowan at the near post but he was unable to force the ball home and YM were thankful to just concede a corner. Five minutes later the same move again saw Fahiya beating his defender but this time nobody could get on the end of his cross. Just a couple of minutes later YM concede a free-kick on half-way and quick thinking saw former Newtown player Colin Loss play a pinpoint free-kick forward for Lloyd Grist, he made a few yards before crossing to the far post and this time it was Fahiya on the end of the cross, and he made no mistake with instant control and swept the ball into the net under the diving Gareth Wesson. Dinas had a remarkable escape on the half-hour when the towering Lewis Sommers found Aaron Stewart who was able to get a foot to the ball ahead of the onrushing keeper, the ball was on its way into the net but Chris Ashley had other ideas and somehow hooked the ball away with the help of an upright. The pace of Lloyd Grist and Drew Fahiya will trouble most defences and both players forced keeper Gareth Wesson into action before the break and Dinas went in deserving the one goal lead.

YM again forced Dinas back at the start of the second-half but it was the home side who were able to increase their lead, Drew Fahiya’s first touch following a good long clearance from keeper Keiron Blackburn enabled him to lay the ball on for Lloyd Grist and he made sure from twelve yards with a rising shot into the top corner of the net. The visitors main threat came from set pieces and when a near post corner was dropped by the Dinas keeper the ball ran over the line to bring them back into the game. Dinas manager Mark Jones brought on Kurt Bettles to play up front to give a more physical approach but it was still the pace of Fahiya that was the main attacking threat for Dinas and YM keeper Wesson had to move quickly to clear with his feet when he was put clear. The goal brought renewed impetus to the YM game and they put the Dinas defence under great pressure for the remainder of the game. An intended clearance from Danny Kinsey looped back to the Dinas keeper who caught the ball but the referee saw it as a back pass and gave YM an indirect free-kick just on the edge of the six yard box but the defence rushed out to block and the home side breath a sigh of relief. Dinas keeper Keiron Blackburn made amends for his earlier error with a good save from YM substitute Jamie Martin but Dinas hung for the three points

Best of luck to Welsh League representatives YM in the Quarter Finals of the Welsh Cup and they are sure to give Welshpool a tough game at Mendalgief Road.

Welsh League Division One

Sat 9^th February 2008 – ENTO Aberaman 0 Dinas Powys 3

This must rate as one of the best performances of the season against an Aberaman side, who narrowly lost to Newi Cefn Druids the previous week in the Welsh Cup, and who have title hopes of their own, but they were never in the game against a dominant Dinas side that excelled in every department.

Aberaman had the first meaningful attack in this game when a left wing cross had to be plucked out of the air by Dinas keeper Keiron Blackburn, this turned out to be one of just the few times he was forced into action all afternoon against a somewhat subdued home side. A minute later Dinas nearly took the lead when a first time cross from Geza Hajgato was just to far in front of Lloyd Grist. But they didn’t have to wait too long before good interplay on the left gave Nana Baah the opportunity to pass the ball across the edge of the area, Lloyd Grist helped it on and Drew Fahiya sent a low shot into the corner of the net. The visitor’s confidence grew and the home side had problems with the pace of Drew Fahiya and Lloyd Grist. A quick throw from the Dinas keeper saw another swift attack involving several players before the ball fell to Dyfan Pierce but his 25yd shot was well wide. Pierce was again in action winning the ball in midfield and powering forward to feed Lloyd Grist whose cross ran across the 6yd box just out of the reach of Nana Baah. The defensive partnership of Chris Ashley and Phil Allen was keeping a tight rein on the Aberaman front men Kurt Nogan and Chris Summers and the home sides opportunities came only from set pieces comfortably dealt with by keeper Keiron Blackburn, in midfield Phil James was having another outstanding game ably assisted by Geza Hajgato and Jason Cowans. Dinas got the second goal their play deserved and again it came from the boot of Drew Fahiya, he held off a defender at the far post to get a touch on a Dyfan Pierce cross to send the ball just inside the post. Halftime came with the visitors going in well satisfied with their performance and looking to continue in the same vein after the break.

Aberaman must have wondered what they could do and set about their task with more purpose and a lot more possession without really looking like scoring, the nearest they came was a low shot from the edge of the area saved by the Dinas keeper. Their eagerness to get forward was their undoing and eleven minutes into the second-half Jason Cowan broke up an attack and gave an early ball to Nana Baah ten yards in the Aberaman half, he pushed the ball passed a defender and then managed to reach the ball as keeper Neil Collins came rushing out and just had to pass the ball into the empty net from the edge of the area. Five minutes later Dinas nearly got a fourth when Lloyd Grist and Geza Hajgato combined to give Nana Baah a chance to get in his shot but keeper Neil Collins pushed the ball round the post, the subsequent corner fell for Nana Baah but his shot flew over the crossbar when well placed. Both managers made substitutions for different reasons with Colin Loss making his debit for Dinas following his transfer from Newtown but it was Aberaman’s Anthony Waters who nearly made an impact when put through but his first touch let him down and the ball rolled wide for a goalkick. The visitors were content to hold on to what they had for the last fifteen minutes and ran out comfortable winners to keep the pressure on Ton Pentre and Goytre Utd at the top of the table.

Congratulations to Newport YMCA on reaching the Quarter Finals of the Welsh Cup having already beaten two Welsh Premier side they now have a home fixture against Welshpool and we look forward to playing them at the Murch this coming Saturday.

Welsh League Division One

Nathaniel Car Sales Welsh League Cup Round Four

Sat 12^th January 2008 – Dinas Powys 0 Goytre Utd 1

Five hours work on the pitch before the game enabled this match to go ahead and with both sides matching that effort the crowd saw a game between two evenly matched sides with Goytre just running out winners.

The game started at a frenetic pace with Goytre forcing a corner in the opening minutes cleared by the home defence, a few minutes later the dangerous Richard Ryan had an opportunity for an effort on goal but his touch let him down. In the fifteenth minute a Dinas free-kick was played to Rikki Morgan but his cross was well taken by Chris Curtis in the visitors goal. He was again in action diving low to take a Drew Fahiya shot but could do nothing but watch a Dyfan Pierce header fly narrowly wide of his post following a free-kick. Goytre’s Ian Turner laid on a chance for Steve Connaty but his header didn’t trouble keeper Keiron Blackburn. Dyfan Pierce’s strong run out of defence left two defenders in his wake and gave Drew Fahiya a chance to put in a dangerous cross that was deflected for a corner. Just on half-time Goytre’s impressive full-back Ian Turner put over a good cross causing problems in the Dinas defence but the ball was eventually cleared.

The second-half saw the game continue in the same vein with neither side giving an inch, Rikki Morgan had a low shot saved and Danny Street’s cross was too long for his forwards. The decisive moment came twenty minutes into the half when a Goytre corner was cleared to prolific scorer Richard Ryan his shot being deflected twice before looping over the keeper and into the net. Five minutes later Dinas could have levelled the game when a good ball out of defence found Jason Cowan, he advanced into the area before firing in a low shot the keeper beat away for a corner. With Dinas pressing for an equaliser it was inevitable Goytre would get further chances on the break but Richard Ryan’s weak shot was comfortably cleared and it was the home side who nearly took the game into extra time when Dwaine Strong forced Chris Curtis into a spectacular diving save just before the referee brought an end to what had been a good hard fought game.

Welsh League Division One

Sat 29^th December 2007 – Croesyceiliog 1 Dinas Powys 2

A referees inspection an hour before kick-off allowed this game to be played but on a heavy pitch and with more rain and a strong wind good football was almost impossible.

Croesyceiliog kicked-off with the wind behind them and it took only three minutes for them to take advantage when a long ball out of defence was headed on finding Jamie Jenkins in acres of space just outside the penalty area, he took the ball in his stride and shot low into the net making things even more difficult for a depleted Dinas side. Dwaine Strong got his head to a Dinas free-kick but could not direct his effort on goal and when Drew Fahiya laid the ball on for the same player his shot was saved by John Bailey in the home goal. Shortly after Rikki Morgan came on for the injured Fahiya but it was keeper Keiron Blackburn who kept the visitors in the game when he pushed a Daniel Clouth shot round the post with Michael Dewer heading over the corner. Clouth was again involved three minutes later when he was presented the ball from a Dinas free-kick and again Keiron Blackburn saved well. Dinas started to get to grips with the strong wind and although caught off-side on a number of occasions eventually their efforts were rewarded when a free-kick was played into the area, three Dinas players were allowed space and it was Geza Hajgato who drove the ball into the net for the equaliser. Ten minutes later Dinas took the lead when Jason Cowan was bundled to the floor deep in the area and although the keeper got a hand to Geza Hajgato’s penalty the ball nestled in the corner of the net. Just before half-time Dinas again beat the home sides off-side play with Nana Baah and Jason Cowan having shots beaten away by the home defence.

With conditions worsening neither side were able to string many passes together and Dinas were again grateful to their keeper when he deflected a twenty-five yard free-kick onto the bar and gratefully grasped the rebound at the feet of a number of players. Manager Mark Jones rang the changes replacing his two strikers with Kurt Bettles and Shelton Payne but with few chances in the second half Dinas had to wait until the eighty-fifth minute for another real opportunity, Dale Gardiner was fouled on the edge of the Croesyceiliog area and home keeper John Bailey denied Geza Hajgato his hat-trick pushing the free-kick wide of the post.

Croesyceiliog will probably feel a little aggrieved with this result which, as in the first game of the season, they will feel they had done enough to at least get a share of the spoils but it was Dinas who gave their loyal bunch of supporters something to smile about as they made their way back down the M4.

Welsh League Division One

Sat 22^nd December 2007 – Pontypridd Town 1 Dinas Powys 3

With Ton Pentre not playing Dinas new that a win at Pontypridd would lift them to second position in Welsh League Division One, and having achieved that aim they can now look forward to enjoying a good Christmas.

The visitors took the game to Pontypridd from the first whistle looking for the early goal, Nana Baah won a corner that fell to Rikki Morgan but Danny Kinsey was judged offside from his flick-on, a minute later Dyfan Pierce’s cross was comfortably taken by keeper Chris Golton. It was not long before Golton was in action again but this time it was to pick the ball out of his net, Dwaine Strong moved swiftly on to a through ball, his cross was cleared but only as far as Nana Baah who turned and swept the ball home from twelve yards to give Dinas the start they needed. They were determined to keep the pressure on and when the Pontypridd keeper pushed away a Rikki Morgan pile driver more shots rained in on goal but somehow the home side survived. It was all one-way traffic with Dyfan Pierce testing the keeper and Dale Gardiner shooting narrowly wide, only the odd free-kick given away by the miserly Dinas defence gave the home side any hint of light. This was soon extinguished on the half-hour with some good passing out of defence, Rikki Morgan’s ball found Jason Cowan powering his way through and he made no mistake finishing with a low show from fifteen yards to double the visitors lead. Five minutes later the same player could only head over from a Nana Baah cross. Five minutes before half-time Pontypridd won their first corner giving David Avery a shooting opportunity but Phil Allen was on hand to clear and Dinas went in at half-time with a comfortable lead.

The combination of Dwaine Strong and Nana Baah were causing the home defence problems and it was Strong who got clear again on the left early in the second-half only to find his cross deflected for a corner. Pontypridd’s first attack of any note resulted from a poor defensive clearance enabling Jamal Roberts to cross for Ebony Dixon to head narrowly wide. The visitors’ answer came via the head of Danny Kinsey when he beat the keeper to a Phil James corner to score from close range. Dinas seemed unable to continue the pressure they had in the first-half and with the game becoming more scrappy, Pontypridd saw a chink of light when a needless challenge in the Dinas area resulted in a penalty comfortably converted by Jacob Daly. Dinas substitute Kurt Bettles had two half-chances on goal following a free-kick and Rikki Morgan shot straight at the home keeper when well placed but the game drew to a close in the gathering gloom with Dinas collecting all three points.

Dinas Powys Football Club would like to wish everybody a Peaceful and Happy Christmas.

Nathaniel Car Sales League Cup Round 3

Sat 15^th December 2007 - Dinas Powys 2 Ely Rangers 1

Local rivals Ely Rangers were the visitors to The Murch in the third round of the Nathaniel Car Sales League Cup, they are currently riding high in the second division of the Welsh League and this was always going to be a close encounter.

The early pressure came from the visitors with James Dixon firing over from the edge of the area and Dinas keeper Keiron Blackburn diving at the feet of the same player to stop another attack. Dyfan Pierce was a threat for Dinas on the left side of midfield forcing Ashley Hart in the Rangers goal to save low at the foot of a post and another great run from halfway ended with a powerful shot the keeper could only parry to Nana Baah but his shot was too high. With Craig Lima in commanding form at the back for Dinas they started to gain the initiative and another Dyfan Pierce run ended with a shot the Rangers keeper did well to hold. In the thirty-fifth minute Dinas opened the scoring when a Geza Hajgato throw into the area was headed out only as far as Jason Cowan, he found Dwaine Strong on the edge of the six yard box who beat a defender before scoring from a difficult angle. The home side were determined to press home their advantage and when Jason Cowan won a corner Craig Lima’s volley again forced the Rangers keeper to save. Another great move allowed Dyfan Pierce to put in a good cross giving the onrushing Rikki Morgan a scoring opportunity but his shot was pushed away by the keeper. With just a minute of the half left Dinas were dealt a blow when midfield man Geza Hajgato was sent off for dissent.

Manager Mark Jones sent on substitute Phil Allen for Dwaine Strong early in the second half and he was soon in action clearing a dangerous Rangers cross for a corner. When a Rangers free-kick was cleared to Drew Fahiya his run from inside the Dinas half took him into the area but he failed to find a teammate for what should have been a good scoring opportunity. With Rangers pushing Dinas back the home side got just the boost they needed when Jason Cowan’s in-swinging corner was headed in by a defender for an own-goal. Keeper Keiron Blackburn kept Dinas’s two-goal advantage with a spectacular save, pushing away a shot from Mathew Hibbs that was destined for the top corner. With the home side defending stoutly Rangers had to wait until the eightieth minute for the chance to get back into the game, captain Graham Cummings’s free-kick came back off the keeper giving Gareth West a simple tap-in from five yards. A minute later West had another scoring opportunity but his shot was too high. The final ten minutes were played out with the home defence standing strong and when Rangers did have a chance to equalise Jason Cowan was on hand to clear in a goalmouth scramble to take Dinas through to a Quarter Final home tie with Goytre Utd to be played on 5^th Jan 2008.

Welsh League Division One

Sat 24^th November 2007 - Caerleon 1 Dinas Powys 2

This was just the response needed for those who doubted the ability of the Club to continue with the progress made this season, an excellent team performance giving Dinas a well deserved win over opponents who had beaten Ton Pentre at Llanfoist Road in their last game.

In form Caerleon took the game to the visitors in the opening exchanges of this game with prolific scorer Chris Pearce firing a shot across goal and wide of the post as early as the second minute. Centre-half Danny Kinsey and Jason Cowan sent shots over the bar following Dinas corners but it was the home side who had the better of the play in the first twenty minutes with Pearce again going close with a shot on the turn and the influential Simon Truman dangerous from set pieces. Dinas started to get back into the game with swift breaks from Drew Fahiya and Jason Cowan and in defence Craig Lima showing his experience to get the better of the Caerleon attack. The visitors broke the deadlock in the thirty-third minute when a throw on the right found its way to Nana Baah, great interplay between Dwaine Strong and Nana gave Dwaine the chance to cross into the area to find Drew Fahiya who had lost his marker and headed in unchallenged from eight yards. The goal gave Dinas the impetus they needed and with Phil James taking control of midfield they looked like they could add to their lead and when Rikki Morgan played in Nana Baah for another opportunity his shot across goal rolled narrowly wide. Dinas finished the half one up and looking like they could add to the lead in the second half.

At half-time misty rain started to fall to make life difficult for both sides and it was Caerleon who had their best chance of the game six minutes into the half when a Simon Truman corner was headed against the bar. On fifty-five minutes Dinas were awarded a free-kick on the right of the Caerleon area, Jason Cowan played it low across the six yard box through a crowd of players where Nana Baah was waiting to tap in for the second goal. Dinas started to play the ball around with real authority despite the conditions and when keeper Keiron Blackburn found Rikki Morgan he played a great ball to Nana Baah who saw his cross cleared by the home defence. Following a throw Dwaine Strong found some space and made headway into the area, his powerful shot could only be parried by keeper Jon Chorley with his defence completing the clearance. Another excellent throw by the Dinas keeper gave Drew Fahiya a chance to run at the defence and his cross gave Dwaine Strong a chance but he missed his overhead kick. Manager Gareth Morgan brought on substitutes Chris Ashley and Dale Gardiner with Phil Allen and Nana Baah getting a rousing reception as they went off from the Dinas supporters who travel to every away game. The home side worked hard to get back into the game and with the ball ricocheting about in the Dinas area keeper Keiron Blackburn was grateful to clear the ball for a corner, a minute later Caerleon were awarded a free-kick taken by Todd Quarterly for Jason Price to score with a header from eight yards. Dinas almost increased their lead as Caerleon were pushing players forward, a great break by Dale Gardiner saw him leave a couple of Caerleon players in his wake and place a low cross to Drew Fahiya ten yards from goal, he had to get his shot around a defender but keeper Jon Chorley pushed the ball wide of the post for an unproductive corner.

Next up are table toppers Ton Pentre and with Dinas lying in third spot this promises to be another tough test so get there early to grab your place.

Nathaniel Car Sales League Cup Round 2

Saturday 10^th November 2007 – Maesteg Park 0 Dinas Powys 2

Manager Nick Tucker made full use of his squad for this Cup match making four changes in defence and one in midfield against a Maesteg side that had been narrowly defeated the previous week in the Welsh Cup by Welsh Premier side Newtown.

Dinas gave the home side little opportunity to get into their stride, dominating possession and creating a number of scoring opportunities. As early as the third minute Craig Lima headed wide of the post from a Geza Hajgato free-kick and when Dyfan Pierce beat a couple of defenders his pass gave Nana Baah a half-chance but keeper Gary Wager bravely saved at his feet. When Maesteg’s Leon Jeanne did get a shooting opportunity his effort was charged down. On the half-hour Dinas created the best move of the game when Dyfan Pierce put Dwaine Strong clear, he hit a great cross with the outside of his foot for the onrushing Drew Fahiya, his first-time shot cannoned off the upright and out to safety. Lee O’Brien headed wide of the post from one of the home sides few attacks in the first-half but it was Dinas who should have gone in at half-time a couple of goals up and the supporters were left wondering if Dinas might regret not taking at least one of their many chances.

For the first twenty minutes of the second-half the home side gave the Dinas defence a lot more problems with Leon Jeanne more influential, hooking one cross over the crossbar and creating a couple of half-chances for others without troubling Josh Payne in the Dinas goal. Twenty minutes into the second half Dinas brought on Jason Cowan, his impact was almost immediate when he took a Nana Baah pass in his stride and struck a fifteen yard shot low into the corner of the net for the opening goal. Following a below par display the previous week Jason Cowan wanted to make amends and when Craig Lima found him on the left of goal his shot was well saved by the Maesteg keeper, he was in the action again heading over from the resulting corner. Craig Lima was also involved in the next attack finding Dwaine Strong, his cross gave Drew Fahiya a chance just six yards out in front of goal but he uncharacteristically fired over the bar. You could not keep Jason Cowan out of the action for long and when Phil James played an astute ball over the home defence Jason found himself in a similar position to his first goal and finished equally well for his second of the game.

Dinas go into the draw for the next round hoping for a home tie, they have a break for the international weekend before getting back to league action the following week.

Welsh Cup Round 3

Saturday 3^rd November 2007 – Bryntirion 4 Dinas Powys 2

Revenge for the home side following the one goal win for Dinas in the league the previous week, Bryntirion wanted the win more and with the Dinas defence not as strong as in previous games the home side were always in the driving seat and deserved the win.

The game started at a high tempo with both sides trying to gain the initiative but it was the home side who took the lead in the fifth minute when a Leigh Vick corner found Shane Dawe with room to fire the ball back across the six yard box for Lewis Williams to score from close range. Dinas came back at the home side and when Rikki Morgan’s cross was headed behind for a corner Jason Cowan put in a dangerous cross but keeper Alain Fouanguim punched the ball clear. We didn’t have to wait too long for the equaliser, Geza Gajgato’s long throw into the area was headed on by Nana Baah and Dyfan Pierce bravely stooped low to head in at the far post. Within a minute Dinas should have taken the lead when Drew Fahiya was put clear and when a defender stretched to make a tackle he was brought down for what appeared to be a clear penalty but the referee waved play-on and seconds later booked Drew for diving, the referee must have been the only person in the ground who hadn’t heard the contact. Bryntirion’s forward line were giving the visitors defence plenty of problems, Robbie Walters fired narrowly wide but just a minute later was on hand to tap in following an uncharacteristic mistake by the Dinas keeper. Just on half-time Keiran Blackburn went some way in making up for his mistake with a good save from lager loving Ian Gearie to keep Dinas in the game.

Straight from the kick-off Nana Baah played in Drew Fahiya and this time when he was brought down on the edge of the area the referee did give a free-kick, it was taken quickly but failed to trouble the home keeper. Ten minutes into the half once again Dinas equalised when Phil James won the ball in midfield and played an excellent pass to Drew Fahiya who held off a defender before scoring with a low shot from fifteen yards. In previous tight games Dinas have been able to press on and take advantage but it was Bryntirion who got their noses in front when Ian Gearie’s strong run took him to the bye-line where he was able to play the ball back to Shane Dawe who scored with a low shot from ten yards. Nan Baah had the opportunity for an equaliser but headed over from a good Jason Cowan cross but it was the home side who put the final nail in the Dinas coffin when a throw found it’s way to Ian Gearie who capped an effective performance with a goal from ten yards.

With three forwards out injured Dinas were unable to make the changes that have been so effective in previous games and will have to wait another year for a chance to get into the latter stages of the Welsh Cup.

Welsh League Division One

Saturday 13th October 2007 – Dinas Powys 4 ENTO Aberaman 1

This was the best performance of the season so far against a strong and experienced Aberaman side that expect to be near the top of the table at the end of the season.

Dinas started this game at a high tempo, Drew Fahiya was the first to test Neil Collins in the visitors goal and following good interplay between Geza Hajgato and Nana Baah, Jason Cowan had a shooting opportunity but his effort was wide of the upright. Aberaman had had their share of the game but hadn’t really troubled Keiron Blackburn in the Dinas goal and it was the home side that came closest to scoring with Chris Ashley flashing a header narrowly wide of the post. In the thirty-sixth minute Dinas got the goal they deserved when Phil James played the ball into the area and Nana Baah got a foot to the ball before the keeper could get there, the ball taking an age before crossing the line. Keeper Keiron Blackburn then had to come to the edge of his area to take one high ball and produced a good save from Jon Phillips’s 18 yard shot to preserve the home side’s lead. A goal just before half-time is what any side needs and when Drew Fahiya robbed a defender on the right touchline his excellent cross gave Dwaine Strong time to pick his spot and score the second from ten yards.

Nana Baah’s overhead kick just wide of the post was the first real effort on goal in the second-half. Aberaman came back into the game with substitute Kurt Nogan injecting some venom into their attack and he saw a shot go wide of the upright before Jason Cowan hit the Aberaman upright direct from a corner, the ball rebounding back to him and this time his shot was saved by the keeper. Dinas increased their lead when Dwaine Strong beat two defenders on the left touchline before feeding substitute Rikki Morgan just inside the area, he rounded the keeper before scoring from a narrow angle. Within a minute the home side had made it four when Chris Ashley powerfully headed home a Jason Cowan corner at the far post. Aberaman quickly hit back when the home defence had a lapse on concentration and prolific scorer Chris Summer scored at the far post following a free-kick but Dinas comfortably played out the remaining five minutes to send the home crowd home happy.

Welsh Cup Round Two

Saturday 6th October 2007 – Cwmamman 0 Dinas Powys 5

Dinas are safely through to the next round of the Welsh Cup following this comfortable victory at Grenig Park with goals from Dwaine Strong, Rikki Morgan, Dyfan Pierce, and Drew Fahiya(2).

As early as the third minute Dinas made their intentions clear when Jason Cowan found Dyfan Pierce who advanced into the area, his low cross somehow managed to elude the onrushing Drew Fahiya. Within minutes Rikki Morgan, back from coaching duties in America, crossed from the right and Dwaine Strong beat his marker to open the scoring from 8yds. Drew Fahiya’s 18yd shot was just wide but when Jason Cowan was put clear on the left his pinpoint cross was headed in at the far post by Rikki Morgan giving Dinas just the start they needed. It was not all one-way traffic and in the eighteenth minute Cwmamman’s Andrew Lewis beat his marker and crossed to the far post but Roy Tomlinson placed his shot narrowly wide. Dinas were finding plenty of space and time with Jason Cowan showing his usual commitment and Phil James tidying things up in midfield, at the back Danny Kinsey and Chris Ashley dominated the Cwmamman attack leaving keeper Keiron Blackburn to deal with a couple of crosses but little else. Despite Dyfan Pierce heading narrowly wide and home keeper Adrian Barnsley clearing a good cross Dinas could not add to their lead before half-time.

The home side came out with a little more belief in the second half forcing a couple of corners and when Marc Baker found Roy Tomlinson inside the Dinas area keeper Keiron Blackburn did well to push his shot over the bar. Their efforts though were short-lived when Dinas scored their third, Jason Cowan let the ball run for Dyfan Pierce to score his first goal for the club with a low 20yd shot into the far corner. This was a signal for Manager Nick Tucker to bring on all three substitutes Neil Passmore, Shelton Payne, and new signing Phil Allen and within minutes two of them had contributed to the fourth goal, good play between Neil Passmore and Danny Street enabled Danny to free Shelton Payne and his cross was converted by Drew Fahiya. Cwmamman’s cause wasn’t helped when they had a defender dismissed for a second bookable offence and when they did get an opportunity on goal Kevin Bartley’s shot hit the keepers legs. Jason Cowan almost got the goal his play deserved when he was inches from connecting with a diving header. Dinas did get a fifth when Chris Ashley played an excellent ball through to Drew Fahiya who outpaced the defence before finishing with a low shot past the keeper to complete the scoring.

Dinas have been rewarded for their efforts with an away tie against Bryntirion Athletic to be played on 3rd November.

Saturday 29th September 2007 – Dinas Powys 2 Goytre Utd 3

At half-time the crowd were entertained with a game of mini-football put on by the Dinas Powys Under nine team.

This top of the table clash lived up to its’ name with both sides showing why they are up there. Dyfan Pierce just signed from Welsh Premier side Port Talbot started on the left side of defence and Dinas deserved a share of the spoils but the visitors have been one of the best sides in Welsh League Division One for a number of seasons and know how to win games.

With both sides showing great commitment it was Goytre who had the upper hand for the first ten minutes and when Richard Ryan was tackled from behind in the area the referee had no hesitation in pointing to the spot with Ryan scoring the penalty. Dinas’s reply was almost immediate when Geza Hajgato’s thirty Yard free-kick was deflected onto the