Cimla United 1--- Penrhos United 3

S. Lupton

Match-day Squad: Calim Bowen, Dafydd Davies, James Edwards, Owen Evans, Steffan Lupton, Morgan Pemberton, Matthew Phipps, Cameron Underwood, Ben Wyatt.

Penrhos started brightly but were foiled initially by some excellent defensive work from the Cimla defensive unit of Ben, Calim, James and Matthew who were all involved in some strong tackling and clearance work. Goalkeeper Dafydd needed to remain alert as pressure built from Penrhos who forced a dangerous free kick following a mistimed tackle from Steffan. Cimla however remained ready to break down their opponents and their first opportunity came when a long clearance from Dafydd was flicked on by Calim to put Cameron into space who was unlucky not to convert. Penrhos took the lead halfway through the first period when a strong shot found it’s way into the net following some desperate defending by Cimla. This however spurred on the Cimla who were unlucky not to force an immediate equalizer as a strike from Morgan went narrowly wide following some excellent build up play from Owen. Cameron was then unlucky as he tried a strike from distance. Cimla fans thought their side was back level as Owen rounded the Penrhos keeper, but he was unlucky to see his effort slip agonizingly wide from a very difficult angle. Further Cimla pressure resulted in an attacking free kick as Cameron was hauled down, but Cimla could not conjure anything from this position and so remained a goal down at half -time.

Tactical changes at half time saw Calim and Dafydd swap roles. Early in the second half, a good cross from Steffan on the left was unlucky not to be turned in by Cameron. The half progressed quite evenly until possibly the deciding moment arrived as a Penrhos drive from distance nestled into the corner of the Cimla goal following a succession of excellent saves from Calim. As Cimla strived to get back on terms, Penrhos took advantage of the extra space when a quick break resulted in a third goal. However the Cimla players refused to let their heads drop and provided their fans with the highlight of the match with some two minutes remaining when a succession of quick throw-ins, involving half of the Cimla team, saw Steffan put through one on one with the Penrhos keeper and his cool finish was just reward for Cimla’s battling performance. As time ran out, Cimla finished strongly and were unlucky not to further reduce the margin of victory.