DIVISION THREE
CAERAU ......................... 3 ELY RANGERS .............. 1
CAERAU had to work much harder last Friday night than the scoreline appeared to complete a league double over relegation-threatened Ely Rangers at the Riverboat, writes Tony Poole.
To do so Adrian Shearan’s side had to come from a goal down, and didn’t get their noses in front until final knockings.
On a cold night in the Llynfi Valley, both sides gave it their best shot with the men from the Welsh capital dominating early on.
They deservedly took a 10th-minute lead through Jake Cotterill and at this point it seemed as if more goals were about to flow.
But a combination of two fine saves from Caerau goalkeeper Matt Rowlands and woeful finishing kept them at bay.
But Caerau, who took Glamorgan League scene, Llanharry did likewise on the Bridgend & District League circuit.
Both sides went on to gain promotion to the South Wales Alliance via SWFA play-offs, and back in the autumn Vale triumphed 4-2 at Llanharry.
But there was only one team in it during the rematch with the visitors only posing a minimal amount of clout in front of goal. the reverse fixture, 3-2, via a Jack Page hat-trick, decided to flick a switch in the 25th minute.
It brought a dark opening to an end, as bright sparks Dale Price, Paul Evans, Shaun James and Lewis Kingdon shone through.
And it led to them getting back on terms in the 33rd minute after Kingdon was dragged down in the box.
Page tucked away the ensuing penalty, turning it in to an 11th goal of the
With fox in the box Luke Cox having gone to ground, Vale welcomed back Dean Hanson into midfield while Alex Gregory had shaken off a broken rib.
Dick Evans took over in goal from Gerwyn Teague, who spent the weekend at a hair-transplant clinic.
Gregory turned in a man-of-the-match display, including two assists, and without breaking sweat, Vale were easy winners. season, and it was 1-1 at the changeover.
In fact even though Caerau seized a higher percentage of possession, the scoreline remained dormant until the 81st minute.
Ox in the box Joel Joseph rode a few challenges, and squeezed a pass through to Shaun James who calmly chose the perfect moment to collect a first goal of the season.
Back came the visitors and a stinging challenge from buzzing Caerau
Ryan Jenkins was on target again – making it three goals in as many games – while there was a 19th goal of the season from top scorer Jack Dummett.
Canny Scot Jay Tominey made it 12 goals for the campaign, it was 3-0 at the break, and captain Joey Williams went on to complete the list of goal scorers.
“The boys turned in a decent shift on a difficult wasp Nathan Watkins prevented it becoming 2-2.
But with Ely pressing during time added on, a defensive header from outstanding defender Kyle Dickinson settled the issue.
Golden boy Price steamed on to it and played in Kingdon, who slotted the ball home for a 10th time this winter.
Caerau are in league action tonight (Wednesday) against Newport City, and on Saturday they visit Treowen Stars. playing surface against a Llanharry side that offered little in attack,” said Vale United CEO Lloyd Williams.
“But one thing’s for sure, we’ll have to play a lot better on Saturday to bring the points back from St Joseph’s.’’
A 12th league victory from 17 completed matches left Vale in fourth place ahead of another trip on Saturday to the Welsh capital.