Under 12's

Coaches

Daniel Davies / Stef Evans
Chris Arnold / Rhys Davies

Eligability

Year 7 school year

No older than 12 years old by 31st August 2013

Proud Primary Sponsors of Penrhos United Under 12's

Proud Sponsors of Penrhos United Under 12's

Previous Result
Penrhos  5 - 1  Cwrt Herbert


Scorers 
Joseff / Cameron (2) / Liam / Kai

Man of the Match
Cai


Next Game
Cwrt Herbert (Away)

League Table

Match Reports

Penrhos v Cwrt Herbert (Home)

The clocks go forward and the inevitable fixture pile up caused by the bleak British winter is eased with the return of the mid week games!

Following a highly impressive 4-1 victory over Bryn Rovers last Monday night and with the Easter holidays providing a well earned weekend off, it was time for the Penrhos players and parents alike to brave the arctic conditions at Penrhos Youth Club field.  The sun was shining, but the wind was at gale force conditions as the under 12’s took to the field.

There was a bit of extra spice to this fixture, as Cwrt Herbert were the only team that Penrhos hadn’t played this season yet, but also, 2 of the Under 12’s, top scorer Cam and captain for the evening, Cai, used to play for the visitors and were playing their first game against their former club.

The game got under way and it wasn’t long before the home team were in their rhythm, passing the ball about in the fashion that has delighted the home fans this season.  The midfield trio of Cai, Liam and Kai were forming their usual triangles, also switching the ball to the wings of Josh and Lewis J whenever the away team closed down.

At full backs were Luc, who was reverting back to left back for the evening following his impressive form in midfield, Penrhos’s very own Gareth Bale!  On the right was Mr Utility, Brooky, who has impressed highly in his last 3 games, at left wing, centre back and now at right back!  The heart of the defence was the return of Lewis Vale, who has become affectionately known as the Phantom by the coaches and Joseff, the man who is fast becoming THE centre back of the league!

The first sign of any kind of attack came when the away team hit a ball over the top, only for Conner, who was looking very up for this game, to use his area well and smother the ball.

Penrhos were quickly on the attack, winning corners as the away defence stood strong.  Cam ‘The Goal Machine’ was putting dangerous crosses in from the corner and it wasn’t long before one was hit inch perfect to the on running head of Joseff, who powered in a header to make it 1-0 to the home team!

Penrhos were buoyed by the goal and started to push on, with Cai, Liam and Lewis putting through balls for Cam, only for the visiting linesman to flag for offside.  With the pressure piling on, it wasn’t long before Kai put an inch perfect pass over the defence for Cam to run on to, as the defence shouted for offside, the referee ruled on side, by a few of yards as Cam took his time to chip the ball over the advancing keeper to make it 2-0 and for Cam’s 35^th goal of the campaign.

With a 2 goal deficit, the away team sprang in to life as they had their turn to pressurize the home goal.  Conner was in inspired form, using his area to clean up ball after ball over the top.  But as the defence lived on the edge, a moment of hesitation by the Penrhos back 4 allowed the Cwrt Herbert striker to sprint past and slot the ball past Conner to make it 2-1.

The goal was a stark reminder the Under 12’s, that this game was far from over.  With Josh playing a more defensive game, marking his opposite number out of the game, the play was switched to the left where Lewis was linking up superbly with Cam in attack.  The support play of Kai and Liam to allow Cam to play back, soon proved fruitful as a scrappy passage of play eventually fell to Liam who hit low.  The ball took a slight deflection and trickled past the keeper to make it 3-1 just before half time.

Half Time:  Penrhos  3 – 1  Cwrt Herbert

The 2^nd half saw the arrival of Jamie, not only to the game, but to the actual field itself!  Enjoying the Easter Holiday’s and losing track of time, he made in time for the game and came on in the 2^nd half in place of Lewis Vale.  With Brooky, again switching positions to centre back, Jamie was on at right back.  His aim was to get forward at every opportunity, which he wasted no time in doing with his fancy footwork and step overs.

Cwrt Herbert started the 2^nd half well and were exposing gaps that were opening in the middle of the field, but every time they went through, they were met by the ‘plug’ that is Cai, who was putting in a performance that a young Claude Makalele would have been proud of.  If it was on the ground, it was taken off the visitors feet.  If it went high, the ball was met with the powerful head of Cai.  To frustrate the visitors more, if the ball did go over the head of Cai, it was met by Joseff, who was in no mood to concede any more goals.

Cwrt Herbert did finally break the defence as the visiting striker ran the line to perfection as went through on goal, but he was met by an in form Conner, who saved the 1 on 1 to keep the score at 3-1.

As the game drew to a close, Penrhos piled on the pressure with Josh going close with a long range effort, Kai trying an audacious over head kick from 40 yards out and a goal mouth scramble from a corner where Lewis J, Luc or Joseff could have made it 4-1 put the visitors defending superbly.

The hosts did finally get their rewards as a ball over the top allowed Cam to latch on to the ball and again chip the advancing keeper and seal the game, making it 4-1.

With that goal and the clock ticking down, the visitors couldn’t be blamed for thinking the game was over, however, there was one more attack to be made.  A bouncing ball behind the defence saw the cool as a cucumber Kai latch on to calmly slot the ball over the keeper to wrap up the win at 5-1.

The coaches were keen to praise every single player at the whistle in what was a great display from the Under 12’s, who look to continue to finish the season strong. 

The win moved Penrhos to 6^th in the league, but the form table makes even better reading, with the Under 12’s perched at the top with 6 wins from the last 6. 

Keep it going boys!  You’re doing us all proud!!

Penrhos v Bryn Rovers (Away)

The great freeze of 2013 was finally over and as the birds began to chirp from their hibernation and the ice melted on the mountain tops, we finally got to see some football played again!

Following the bitter defeat on their previous outing to table toppers Neath Boys Club (where you may notice there is no match report due to the management fears of a West Glamorgan League reprimand for comments made for the manner of the loss), the Penrhos boys travelled to the summit of the Black Mountains to face 2^nd placed Bryn Rovers.

The sun was shining bright on the Bryn pitch, which looked to suit both teams, who like to pass the ball about and this promised to be a good encounter.  The under 12’s kicked off and quickly settled in to their passing style with the midfield trio of Cai, Kai and Liam switching the ball between midfield and the back four of Moggs, Jamie, Corey and Joseff.  What was especially pleasing for the coaching staff was the way the back four were stylishly playing the ball out from the back, reminiscent of the Premier League team down the road.

Complimenting the early passing was the usual and dependable workhorse displays from the two wingers Luc and Josh, who didn’t stop running all game, supporting attack and defence when required.

With the early posessional dominance from the boys in blue and yellow, all that was missing was their deserved goal.  Set pieces have been something of a non-entity with Penrhos this season, which the coaches have clearly looked to work on going on this performance.  Every corner was a threat and the lead so nearly came as Cameron whipped in a corner for the on running Joseff to power towards goal, but unfortunately just went over the bar to deny him his first goal for the club.

But when you have a boy who has scored 25 goals in 11 games this season up front, the Penrhos fans are never short in confidence that the goals will come.  True enough, mid way through the first half, that opportunity came.  A Bryn clearance was picked up by Corey on the half way, who assuredly threaded the ball in to midfield to Cai who turned to beat one man before playing a simple ball to Kai who fed the ball in behind the Bryn defence for the on running Cameron.  As he took a touch going to the right of the area he superbly slotted the ball to the left of the goal, across the keeper, low in to the corner to make it 1-0.

The Under 12’s didn’t have to wait long before Cameron doubled his and Penrhos’ lead.  A pin point ball over the top of the defence by Cai found Cameron in acres of space who calmly steadied himself before smashing the ball high in to the corner of the goal past the keeper at the near post for a goal that wouldn’t have looked out of place at the Nou Camp!

At 2-0, the confidence was soaring in the boys in Blue and Yellow.  Joseff and Corey’s partnership at the back was giving Conner next to nothing to do.  Joseff was assuredly breaking up any Bryn attack and calmly playing the ball in to midfield, where Cai was orchestrating attacks.  A great curling ball over the top of the Bryn defence found Luc who had made a surging run on the left hand side.  In all honesty he probably had too much time to contemplate his shot as he hit it low, only to be denied by a great save ensuring the half ended at 2-0.

Half Time Penrhos 2-0 Bryn Rovers

Looking comfortable at half time, changes were made, with subs Brooky and Lewis coming on in place of Luc and Josh, with Brooky picking up where Luc left off on the left wing, surging forward at every opportunity.  One such run resulted in him being hacked down on the edge of the Bryn Rovers penalty area, despite ferocious calls for a penalty from the coaching staff and Penrhos players.

Credit to the home team has to be acknowledged as they inspired a 2^nd half fight back, putting the Under 12’s on the back foot mid way through the half.  On the occasions the attack got past the impressive Jamie or Joseff on the right, Corey or Moggs were there to clean up and it was the similar story from the left, with Jamie and Mr Dependable himself, Joseff clearing up with calmness and assurity.

Despite long spells watching the game unfold, when called upon, Conner sprang in to action to keep the ball out of the net.  But, with the sustained period of pressure, the Penrhos goal was unlocked with the unluckiest of goals.  The Bryn team worked the ball down the left side and whipped a dangerous low cross in to the near post.  Moggs got in front of his man first and tried to clear with his right foot, but unfortunately the pace of the ball sliced the ball off his foot, looping over the helpless Conner to give the home team a lifeline and make it 2-1.

The game got scrappy at 2-1 with ferocious challenges and a number of close calls from the referee for both sides.  None more so than when a fantastic ball through the defence by Kai found Josh surging on to ball perfectly from the right wing.  As he controlled the ball in the box and settled himself to shoot, his legs were clipped and the penalty was awarded.  Confusion then came as the referee changed his decision to give a free kick to the home team, as there was a late flag up for offside.  This did seem harsh on the visitors as Josh was clearly on side, however Lewis was in an offside position, but clearly walking back and nowhere near interfering with play.  Credit to the Penrhos boys however as they quickly got on with the game and got their rewards as Cameron sealed the game with his hat trick, latching on to another through ball, taking the ball on to his left foot before smashing low to the keeper’s right to make it 3-1.

The cheers from the away support summed it up, as so often this season, their great displays haven’t resulted in the deserved result.  This however was not one of those days.  It was a greatly contested match, but the boys in Blue and Yellow edged it and were good money for the win, making it only one loss since October as they continue to head away from the foot of the table and safely in to the middle of the pack.  Next step now is to look at breaking in to the top tier of teams and on their current form, there’s no reason to suggest this can’t be achieved.

Final Score: Penrhos 3 – 1 Bryn Rovers

Penrhos v Clydach (Away)

With the Christmas trees taken down and the last Quality Street eaten, it was time to get back to footballing matters with the first Saturday of 2013 bringing the return of the league fixtures.  Having not lost since October (though there were no games played in December), the Under 12’s were looking to keep their impressive winning streak going against the team one place below them.

Traveling to Clydach, the ground of so many memories for two of the Penrhos coaches (Daniel scored a penalty whilst playing in goals for Penrhos U15’s all those years ago.  It was also the scene where Stef scored a memorable own goal whilst making his senior debut for Rhos - we had to get those facts in there somewhere!) Penrhos were ready to get back to action.

The game started well for Penrhos, who settled early, passing the ball around in midfield.  The lovely triangle passing between Cai, Kai, Luc and Moggs on the left hand side would have had Michael Laudrup drooling. Moggs in particular was showing his cool side, playing out of trouble at the back, allowing defence to quickly turn to attack.

On the right hand side, a new duo of Jamie and Lewis J were equally as effective in linking with Liam in the middle and soon their hard work put Cameron through on goal to do what he does best with a cool finish to make it 1-0.

The goal allowed the Under 12s to settle and get in to their rythm, much to the frustration of their hosts. It wasn’t long before the lead was doubled, as Kai played an inch perfect pass through the defence for Cameron to latch on to and double his tally.

The 2nd goal seemed to stir the home team on however and they quickly got back in to the game, capitalising on some loose play, as the Penrhos midfield opened up as easy as a tin of beans.  Fortunately for the boys in blue, the centre half pairing of Corey and Joseff were equal to the Clydach strikers. 

Pace was proving to be a real threat for Penrhos, with Clydach pumping long balls over to their lightening quick striker, who finally went one on one with Conner in the Penrhos goal, with the on looking crowd resigning themselves to seeing a goal clawed back, Conner pulled off a fantastic save to palm the ball away for a corner.

Penrhos managed to soak up the pressure and keep the home team at bay, running all their excess turkey off as they ran themselves in to the ground.  With Brooky and Tam coming on to freshen things up, the Under 12s almost bagged a 3rd straight away.  Moggs again skipping past players and playing 1-2’s with Luc and Cai got the ball through to Cam on the edge of the area who rifled a cross low and hard to the back post for Brooky who just lost control of the ball to stop him scoring his 2nd of the season.

As the half drew to a close, a Penrhos corner allowed them to further their lead to 3-0 as Cameron’s cross was met with a scramble of players trying to score and clear the ball equally.  The ball was cleared to the edge of the box, only as far as Kai, who took a touch to steady himself before shooting low through the melee of players and past the keeper.

Half Time: Penrhos 3 - 0 Clydach

With the coaches reminding the lads at half time that they were fortunate to be 3-0 up due to the loose play, the boys in blue started the 2nd half as they started the first, keeping it tight and moving the ball about nicely.  And in fairness they could have been 5-0 up, with Cai hitting the bar, Luc and Kai hitting the post and the inspired saves from the very impressive Clydach goalkeeper.  Twice the ball was cleared off the line from the Clydach defence, which I was told after the game, were clearly over the line.  In fairness to the fantastic referee, it was hard to give either goal, which again will bring the argument of goal line technology being introduced.

The yellow and blues did finally get the ball past the keeper when Liam added to his tally and make it 4-0 with a lovely finish after another heroic defensively display from the home team.

At 4-0 the Under 12’s seemed to completely switch off and straight from the kick off, the Clydach striker skipped through the whole midfield and defence and cooly chipped the ball over the advancing Conner.  The goal should have given Penrhos the reminder they needed that they were still in a game, but the looseness remained and Clydach were quick to punish the mistakes being made and were unlucky not to make it 4-2 straight away, again a great save from Conner tipping the ball on to the post. 

It was Clydach who were imposing all the pressure and they too had 2 balls cleared off the line, making it a very nervous 2nd half for the coaches.

They did get their rewards with another through ball, exposing the high defensive line of Penrhos and a low shot was turned in at the near post by the scrambling Brooky as he tried to clear away.

The match ended at 4-2 and was a good victory for the Under 12’s, described as an ‘ugly win’ by the coaches.  But again, it was a clear sign of how far this team has come that they could play, not a their best, but still come away with a victory and that was pleasing for the coaches. 

“A win is a win!” as they say and the word ‘Win’ has been the regular statement since the end of October for this team, unbeaten since then, co-incidentally the time they had the new kit with sponsors Touratech UK.  Good luck charm?  Who knows, but what a way to start 2013!




Penrhos v Coedffranc Celtic (Home)

If ever there was a team that deserved more for their efforts, then Penrhos Under 12s are that team.  Performances this year have been encouraging, with lady luck not quite the close friend for Penrhos as she is with others. 

However recent weeks have seen a turn in fortunes for the team in blue and yellow.  Finally clinching their first league win at the start of the month, followed by a 2^nd win the following week, could the under 12s make it 3 on the bounce?

With league leaders Coedffranc Celtic the visitors, the odds seemed to suggest that this would be an extremely uphill challenge.

With the heavy rain in the week, the game was passed to go ahead by referee Stef Evans and if the elements were suggesting gale force winds and minus zero temperatures, it didn’t show in the faces of Penrhos, who arrived fired up and ready to play.

The game began with neat passing by both teams as they settled in to their rhythms.  With a mere 2 minutes on the clock, the deadly Cameron picked up a loose clearance from the visitors 30 yards out and ever the optimist, struck the ball sweetly as it flew high towards the goal and past the keeper to give Penrhos an early lead to boost the already soaring confidence of the under 12’s.  That’s 20 goals for Cameron already this season, a very impressive tally indeed from 10 games.

The contest livened up as the league leaders looked to stamp some authority on the game pressing Liam and Kai in midfield trying to find any gaps possible.  Unfortunately for the visitors, the home team were hungry for this and any holes exposed were greeted with the outstanding Cai in the ‘plug’ role.  You could almost hear the cries of ‘Leon, Leon, Leon!’ as he kept Celtic at bay like Swansea’s pocket dynamo.

Celtic then tried their luck to expose the wide spaces, but were greeted with the aggressive and in form, Luc and Josh, who’s physical ‘Roy Keane’ style tackling reminded the league leaders these were no dancing ‘Ronaldo’ type wingers.

With the aggressive style of Penrhos, it was inevitable the odd free kick would present Celtic with a chance to test keeper, Conner, returning between the sticks after his chance as striker in the previous game.  A sweetly struck free kick soared over the wall, with cries of, ‘It’s in! It’s in!’ met with the strong hands of Conner as he tipped the ball over for a corner.

The impressive team defensive display from the midfield and the back four or Moggs, Vale, ‘Captian Marvel’ Corey and Joseff, who was making his debut for the home team.  For a debut performance, Joseff was certainly catching the eye along with Corey, who instantly struck a partnership of Hansen and Lawrenson proportions (or Vidic and Ferdinand for all those under the age of 40).

Half time: Penrhos 1 – 0 Coedffranc Celtic

The half time team talk was all about keeping their composure and re-iterating how good a team Penrhos are and not to be in fear of any team, which struck a chord with the lads as they came out for the 2^nd half in the same vein.

It wasn’t long before Penrhos were attacking with aplomb and high pressure from a Celtic goal kick, allowed Kai to dispossess the defender and play in Cameron who didn’t hesitate to strike the ball ferociously past the keeper to double the Penrhos lead and give a little buffer.

Confidence was soaring and the attacks were coming more frequently from the under 12’s, as Liam hit the post from a long range effort and Cameron missed an opportunity to grab his hat-trick after a fantastic ball over the top from Cai, Cameron rounded the defence only to shoot wide.

But the home team were not finished and as a corner and a goal mouth scramble was cleared, the ball sat up like a gift from Santa to a young child for Cai to power a half volley in to the net to make it 3-0 to Penrhos.  There have been a few quality goals to celebrate of late for the Under 12’s and that was certainly one to add to the contender for goal of the season. 

The league leaders looked stunned, but credit to them continued to fight and had an opportunity to pull one back as a ball beat the defence for a one on one with Conner, who stormed out like a world war one soldier from the trenches to clean up the ball and clear it for a corner.  Unfortunately for the outstanding keeper, his efforts left him with the scars to show as he took a blow to the knee.  With Lewis J taking the gloves, Celtic felt their opportunity was now to get back in to the game.  Lewis J picked up from where Conner left off though, using his area with great affect to collect the ball, to let Celtic know, he was no slouch between the sticks.

Penrhos were beginning to tire as the game ran in to it’s final stages, so the coaches brought on subs, Brooky and Ayden to freshen things up.  The league leaders took their opportunity to strike as the changes disrupted the shape for the one and only time in the game.  A ball over the top of the defence left the Celtic winger in space on the right, who clinically finished with a venomous strike to make it 3-1.

Penrhos were able to see the game out with their fantastic team ethic, with everyone committed to the cause to clinch their 3^rd win in a row to send shock waves through the league with this victory.  It was no more than they deserved for their efforts this season, with a win against the team, who I don’t think I mentioned, were top of the league!


Penrhos v Ynysygerwen (Away)

With the Under 12's still looking to get off the mark in the league, they made the short journey to Ynysygerwen on a bitter and crisp Autumn morning.
The sun however was shining as the Under 12's, sporting their new kit for the first time, looked to finally break the league win deadlock.

Penrhos got off to a dream start as all their early pressure, unlike previous weeks, resulted in a deserved goal.  Cameron who was already looking his dangerous self, crossed the ball low across the goal for Ayden to tap his first of the season at the back post.
Ayden could have doubled his tally for the season minutes later as a clearance dropped to him on the edge of the box, with his quick thinking, chipping the keeper, only for the ball to go inches wide.

It wasn't long before Penrhos did grab their 2nd.  Jamie, putting a pin point ball through to put Kai in acres of space and cooly finish low past the keeper.
The confidence was growing for the Under 12's who were playing some lovely passing football and Jamie again was the provider with a pass that Steven Gerrard would have been proud, driving the ball over the defence with pin point acuracy for Cameron to control and cooly lob the keeper for his 10th goal of the season.

The boys were putting their authority on the game and soon it was 4 as Cai slid the ball through for Liam and Kai to run on to.  Almost fighting to get to the ball first, Kai just edged the race hitting it low only for the keeper to make a great save.  Unfortunately for the home team, Liam was on hand to tap in the rebound.

With Penrhos looking increasingly comfortable, the defence could be excused for making a momentary lapse in concentration.  A loose pass by Ynysygerwyn was rolling in to the path of Conner to pick up, but a pass back by Moggs led to the referee awarding an in-direct free kick.  Ynysygerwyn wern't going to waste any opportunity and the lay off was smashed high in to the top corner of the net, with Conner rooted.

Ynysygerwyn boosted by their goal, looked to attack and try to get back in to the game. However as they attacked, a goal kick fell to Tam on the edge of the area, who shot low and hard back towards goal.  It was unfortunate for the home keeper as the ball trickled under his legs for Tam's first goal for the club.  Cracking strike, but the Michu celebration needs work!

Half Time: Penrhos 5 - 1 Ynysygerwyn

The second half started with a bang as Cameron continued his great scoring form to net Penrhos' 6th.  The ball fell to him on the edge of the box, hitting it on the half volley.

With the result all but concluded, the home team were buoyed with another long range free kick from the home umber 10 that sneaked under the legs of Conner, much like the home keeper in the first half.  The groundsman may need to look at that patch of grass.
In no time at all Ynys had bagged a third and were making the coaches very nervous, with a fightback on the cards.

Luckily for the Under 12s, new signing Kai had other ideas and as he picked up a through ball t go one on one with the keeper the cheekiest of touches past the keeper would have had any Barcelona fan standing in applause.
Kai put the result beyond doubt as he sealed his hat trick minutes later.  Luc, playing in a more advanced role on the wing ploughed past the home defence to cross across the goal, Conner Mac got a foot to the ball to tee up Kai to net Penrhos' 8th.

Credit to Ynysygerwyn, they kept going til the end and the defence of Dan, Moggs and the ever vocal Corey had to stay strong to keep them at bay.
The game was wrapped up with one of the moves of the game, as Josh danced like a balerina through the midfield and defence, crossing the ball in to the area.  Cai was first to get his foot to the ball, but was just out stretched, the touch took the ball off the boot of Conner Mac, who was itching to get on the score sheet, but his touch managed to work the ball through to Ayden at the back post.  The turn by Ayden wrong footed the defender and the lay up for Tam couldn't have been sweeter as he placed the ball in to the bottom corner, netting his 2nd in off the post.

The goal sealed the first league victory for Penrhos, who finally got their just deserts.  NOW THE SEASON STARTS!!

Final Score: Penrhos 9 - 3 Ynysygerwyn



Penrhos v Resolven (Away)

Following a poor start to the first season under the 11 a side format, the Under 12s were looking to claim their first league victory of the season after an impressive first win of the season in the cup 2 weeks earlier.

Traveling to the form team of the league, Resolven, on a glorious sunny autumn morning, team spirit was high after the last game.  The eagerness was clear from the outset, with the Penrhos boys showing up a good 10 minutes before the home team, or indeed before the goals had been put out.

The game kicked off and the boys in yellow and blue started where they left off in the last game, passing the ball around freely and hounding the opposition for the ball.

Within 10 minutes, long range efforts form the in form Cameron and recent addition Kai had the home team’s coaches looking worried.

Resolven were struggling to get started and when Liam hit a shot low and hard, the home team were relieved to see the shot deflect of a defender and go for a corner.

This gave Penrhos their first opportunity to get bodies in the box for the corner, which Cameron whipped in near post inviting Cai to head toward the top corner.  Unfortunately, the keeper was equal to it, getting a hand to the ball to tip it just over the bar.

The following 10 minutes continued in much the same vein with Liam, Josh, Cai and Kai moving the ball around in the midfield, supplying Cameron with chances to go one on one with the keeper.  Unfortunately the wet, dewey surface was slipping the ball through just too far.

At the back, Corey, Vale and Luc had little to do but watch their attacking team mates try to break the deadlock.

Moggs pushed forward at every opportunity to support on the left, along with Jamie on the right who looked to be enjoying his new role.

With 5 minutes left of the first half, the cruelest of blows to the Under 12’s as a through ball was latched on to by the Resolven striker, who hit low and hard. The shot hit a bobble as it cruelly bounced over Conner, who had been sitting on his deck chair until that point.

Minutes later, disaster struck as the Resolven picked up a loose ball inside the Penrhos half and a simple through ball again found the home striker who hit low inside the area, beating Conner at the near post.  As good as a finish as it was, sympathy went to Conner as the shot scuffed off the boot to curl in to the bottom corner.

Just when it couldn’t get any worse, Resolven made it 3. Again a hard shot from outside the area swerved ferociously as it went in past Conner.

Half Time Resolven 3 - 0 Penrhos

Following a team talk trying to get heads up following a very harsh half time scoreline, came the cruelest of starts as Resolven made it 4-0 following a goal mouth scramble.  The ball ended up in the net from a questionable offside position to all but end the contest.

Minutes later it was 5-0 and heads dropped.  Subs, Luke, Brooky and Lewis J came on as Penrhos went 4 at the back to try and pack the midfield, but something was missing today in the middle. The usual doggy steel had been drained following the sucker punches of the goals either side of half time.

Chances were created, with Liam and Cam going close late on, but the game was wrapped up when Conner was lobbed, only for Vale to pull off a save Joe Hart would have been proud of to concede a late penalty.  The drama didn’t end as Conner saved the spot kick, only for the ref to order it to be re-taken, which was converted the 2nd time of asking. 

A disappointing morning for the Under 12’s, who will hope that the good play shown in the first half will return for the next fixture.  They will take heart from the home coaches words, ‘you totally out played us for the first 20 minutes.  No other team has done that to us in this season.’  However the boys will be looking to take positive words and turn them in to points next week.