Caerau come back to win – without Merson

CAERAU came from a goal down at half time to card a morale-boosting victory over Penrhiwceiber Rangers on a boggy Riverboat pitch, writes Tony Poole. With Paul Merson mania having subsided in the Llynfi Valley, it was business as usual without the former Arsenal and England star against the Cynon Valley men.

There was little to choose between the sides during the entire first half – but it was Ceiber who went in with a goal to nil lead.

Brandon Hill tapped in just ahead of the whistle, but it was Caerau – who missed the passing skills of artful dodger Dale Price – who shaped up better on the restart.

Former Penybont star Paul Evans – who recently returned to the Riverboat from FC Maesteg – twice went close.

But in the 56th minute, it was a telling Evans ball that he slipped through to Shaun James that caught Ceiber out. James crossed for Lewis Kingdon to sidefoot home and crown a splendid move. And a quarter of an hour later Caerau had the lead when it was the turn of Ellis Horrigan to go on a mazy run.

He found Scott South and with the goalkeeper advancing off his line, the tricky wide man lifted the ball over him for 2-1.

That proved a pivotal moment in a decent clash that delighted Riverboat lovers. Caerau enhanced the lead in the 79th minute when more Kingdon magic resulted in him getting a magnificent seventh goal of the season – and this put the points to bed.

Ceiber did come again with substitute Elliot Williams pulling a goal back.

Next up for Caerau is Ynysygerwn home this Friday night while on the following Friday they are away to Ely Rangers.

The next Saturday home league game is on November 18 against lowly Treowen Stars.