Penarth Sport
Dinas Powys grind out a hard-earned win at Ammanford
7:50am Thursday 16th February 2012
AMMANFORD 1 DINAS POWYS 2
by PETER KING
THIS Second Division clash was one of only a handful of Welsh League games played last Saturday with frozen pitches again curtailing fixtures.
The Ammanford pitch was in remarkably good condition for this time of year and the hosts started the game well, having improved significantly since the last time the two sides met.
Dinas looked a bit rusty after the inactivity of the previous weeks, but gradually got into the game and had a half chance when a good run and cross by Gareth Tedstone almost found Matt Trottman - but the Ammanford keeper came off his line quickly and gathered the ball.
On the 20 minute mark Ammanford were awarded a free kick on the edge of the box; Matthew Fisher stepped up and shot low, but it was just wide of the upright.
Dinas began to get into the game and forced a couple of unproductive corners. The Villagers were then awarded a free kick on the edge of the box, Adam Raymond bringing a fine diving save from Jamie Rano.
Then came a controversial decision by the referee. After Matt Trottman fed Liam Jeremy out wide on the left, he cut inside the full back and lobbed the advancing Rano, the ball glancing off the underside of the crossbar and bulging the net just inside the far post before spinning out again.
It looked a fine goal to everyone except the referee and his assistant, and even the Ammanford management team said it was a goal, but these things happen at all levels of football and the goal was not given.
As half-time approached the visitors forced another corner which Trottman took. Chris Hinam headed back towards goal at the far post but Rano caught it as the Dinas forwards closed in.
So the half finished goalless with Ammanford having more possession but Dinas looking more dangerous when attacking.
The visitors started the second half in the ascendancy with an early chance coming as Jeremy crossed for Joe Hinds, but he got underneath his volley and it sailed over the bar. At the other end Damien Lack gathered a free kick at the second attempt.
Joe Hinds sustained a foot injury and was replaced by Steffan Davies.
Dinas got the breakthrough when the ball fell to Matt Trottman, who was having a superb game, and he hit a sweet shot into the top of the Ammanford net from 15 yards for 1-0.
Dinas had another chance when good link-up play between Richard Yarr, Trottman and Tedstone saw the latter shoot just wide.
Tedstone was replaced by Robbie Fowler who soon made his presence felt, volleying in a fine low cross from Trottman to double the Dinas tally.
However, as so often happens, just a couple of minutes later Ammanford pulled one back as Dinas only half cleared their lines, the ball falling to Rhys Morgan who gave Lack no chance from 12 yards.
Dinas made their final substitution, introducing Jordan Phillips for Jeremy.
The hosts then found themselves down to 10 men after Fisher was show a straight red for foul and abusive language, and the Dinas rearguard of Steve Provis, Chris Hinam, Dave Penikett and Mike Lewis saw out the remaining minutes comfortably for a hard-earned win.
Dinas: 1 Damien Lack, 2 Steve Provis, 3 Chris Hinam(c), 4 Mike Lewis, 5 Dave Penikett, 6 Adam Raymond, 7 Matt Trottman, 8 Richard Yarr, 9 Joe Hinds, 10 Gareth Tedstone, 11 Liam Jeremy, 12 Chris Lewis, 14 Jordan Phillips, 15 Robbie Fowler, 16 Steffan Davies, 17 Mark Dunford.
• This Saturday Dinas entertain Croesyceiliog, with a 2pm kick off.