IT WAS a scorching hot Saturday afternoon when Ely Rangers entertained Llantwit Fardre in their opening league game of the season on 8th August.
In a competitive Premier Division game, Rangers took the lead just before half time when player-manager Richard Greaves benefitted from a mistake by Llantwit Fardre’s goalkeeper for a simple tap-in. The game throughout was end-to-end and eventually Llantwit Fardre got their equaliser 15 minutes from the end.
Last Saturday Ely Rangers hosted SWPL’s W John Cup holders Afan United. In a keenly-contested affair there were three goals inside the opening eight minutes. Richard Greaves opened Rangers’ account in the second minute. Afan United equalised before Alex Long reinstated Rangers’ lead from the penalty spot. The game ebbed and flowed, with Afan getting an equaliser in first half stoppage time. Nick Hill again put Rangers ahead on the hour mark but another stoppage time equaliser meant the spoils were shared at 3-3.
Dinas Powys opened the defence of their Championship – after their disappointment of failing to secure a promotion place last season – with an away victory against last season’s Division One West champions Margam Youth Centre. Luke Boyle opened the scoring just past the half hour mark and sealed the win in the last minute with his second. However, the dry weather caused their home game against Cardiff Bay Warriors to be postponed.
Barry Athletic, following their promotion from the Vale of Glamorgan League, had a tricky opener in Division One West – an away trip to Vale rivals Cogan Coronation. Finding themselves two down inside 30 minutes to a brace from Joe Pinch, Athletic had an uphill struggle, going down to 10 men and conceding a third before half time. Jamie Harris scored Corries’ third. Athletic dug deep but a fourth for Corries late on by substitute Will Limbrick made sure of all three points.
Cogan Corries hit four for the second week running when they overcame FC Porthcawl. Going behind after a ninth minute penalty, they bounced back with goals from Kellan Allison, a Joe Pinch brace and Jack Preston.
With their home games restricted, Barry Athletic were out on the road again, travelling to face Bettws and they came away with their first points of the season. Athletic were three up by half time with goals from Morgan Stavert Hawkins, Teejay Caton and Theo Savva. A second half stoppage time goal from Ashton Fitchett secured the points.
Sully Sports faced an early season in-form Grange Albion and went down 1-0. Unfortunately, their opening home game against Caerau All Whites was postponed.
Vale United Stags also struggled against Bettws – three down inside the opening 50 minutes. Substitute Henry Adams scored their consolation in a 3-1 home defeat. The Stags next travelled to Cardiff to face Cardiff Hibs in a difficult game. Henry Adams opened the scoring for the Stags before a goal either side of half time gave Hibs the lead. Jason James pulled the scores level on the hour mark but two stoppage time goals meant the points went to Hibs 4-2.
This Saturday (22nd August) Ely Rangers are in FAW Welsh Cup action away to SWPL Premier Division rivals Pontyclun while Barry Athletic face Abertillery Bluebirds from the Gwent County League Premier Division.
In SWPL League action, Dinas Powys host Llangeinor at The Murch, Cogan Corries travel to play Bettws and Sully Sports host Tonypandy Albion.
Terry Allday
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