Cornelly spurn chances to punish Cefn Cribwr BC

FOOTBALL

conceded in the 68th minute that sent Cefn Cribwr Boys Club two goals clear.

The Meadow Street boys had taken a W J Owen Cup-tie at the ground back in January, winning the day 2-1, only to be removed from the competition for fielding ineligible players.

But seven months on, the Riders were the better team during the early stages, and benefitted from an eighth-minute goal.

Ioan Clatworthy was played into space down the right flank and a delightful lob left goalkeeper Sammy Jones helpless – and the ball just squeezed in close to the junction of cross bar and post.

That provided Scott Dryden’s side with a dream start, but they then tended to go into their shells, and it was Cornelly who began to pose more questions.

Electric sweeper Matt Davies headed over a Carl Owen corner in the 25th minute, and soon after an Owen free-kick resulted in Dann Jones striking a post.

Cornelly did have the ball in the back of the net in the 30th minute when Dale Smith headed home, but it wasn’t allowed to stand by Port Talbot referee Matthew John.

And the Meadow Street boys continued to push for an equaliser during the early stages of the second half.

Smith fired a shot wide while Shaun Duffy missed out with a header from an Owen flag-kick.

However, the issue was settled in the 68th when Cefn won a free kick 30 metres from goal. Curtis Grant aimed it towards goal, and goalkeeper Jones fumbled it over to double the lead.

However, Cornelly refused to lie down and late on both Smith and Nico Evans just failed to get a consolation token.