SOUTH WALES SENIOR CUP

FAIRWATER FC ............ 2 CORNELLY UNITED ..... 3

A WONDER goal from returning hero Jedd Beavis punched a Cornelly United ticket into the last-16 stage of the tournament, writes Tony Poole.

The former cup winners led 2-0 before Fairwater squared matters, leaving the stage clear f or star golfer Beavis to drive in a 70th-minute winner.

Beavis took up a central defensive role alongside Jimmy Morris, as captain Tug Wilson and electric sweeper Matt Davies were both unavailable for selection.

Cornelly had to ring the changes in other departments at Poplar Park in Pentrebane with three 16-year-olds – Luke Dingle, Damian Pace and Kian Wells – all coming into the side.

And they paraded a new star signing in Jason James, who last winter knocked in 24 goals in 21 games for high-flying Garw.

But he tore ankle ligaments in March, and missed the twilight stages of the Blandy boys march to the second-division title.

This second-round tie in Cardiff parkland was a first Cornelly outing since November 11, and a 2-2 home draw with Trebanog.

There were obvious signs of rust on display during the first half while mass changes in personnel also led to a lack of fluency.

But Dai Clarke with a first strike in this Millennium gave Cornelly a goal to nil lead at the break.

Better followed on the restart when Dale Smith doubled the lead, and Cornelly seemed set for a comfortable win.

But having gone down to 10 men, two goals from corners by Dai Howells got the unbeaten Cardiff Combination Premier Division side back on terms.

Poor discipline led to Fairwater then going down to nine men, and it came as a massive relief when Beavis chose the right time to get almost a rare a goal as the earlier Clarke effort.

Cornelly resume league duties on Saturday against Treforest at Meadow Street while a week later they visit Trebanog.