DIVISION ONE

PORTHCAWL TOWN ATHLETIC ...................... 2 COGAN CORONATION 3

PORTHCAWL Town Athletic failed to confirm another season at this level after conceding a seasonal double to fellow strugglers Cogan Coronation, writes Tony Poole.

But after a disappointing day for the Seasiders, they still hold a three point-advantage over Cogan with two games in hand.

A win would have removed any uncertainty but when push came to shove, Porthcawl simply weren’t good enough.

They conceded a dreadful fifth-minute goal when Cogan captain Jonny Clarke crossed and Jamie Harris knocked it close to the penalty spot.

But the time that Haiden Dibble had to rifle the ball past home goalkeeper Tom Booth bordered on the criminal.

The game then swung on two goals in a minute.

The Seasiders won a free kick wide on the right that pop idol Jordan Marks curled past goalkeeper Jimmy Curtin.

But Porthcawl were still celebrating the goal when Cogan hit back straight from the restart.

The ball was played up to unmarked Dan Hopkins and 30 seconds after Porthcawl scored, Cogan had a 2-1 lead.

A 20th-minute counter attack led to Marks shooting just wide, and Cogan took the one-goal advantage into the second half.

But two teams struggling to avoid the drop into Division Two produced precious little in the way of quality until the Seasiders got a 78th-minute equaliser.

Substitute Hayden Lau floated a corner into the box, and an Andy Fisher header resulted in curtains for goalkeeper Curtin.

But this time, Porthcawl remained on terms for three minutes before a defensive blunder led to Hopkins finding an empty net.

Late on, Joe Downes flashed a shot just wide while from final play, a Lau free kick was struck straight at goalkeeper Curtin.

Next up for Porthcawl on Saturday is an away league clash with promotion-chasing Cardiff Draconians.