Splott Albion 2 - Dinas Powys Ladies 3

DINAS Powys Ladies FC were again on their travels this weekend as they had a top-of-the-table clash against Splott Albion.

The home side started very brightly in the open exchanges keeping Dinas pinned in. The Splott forwards had a few chances as they found themselves through on goal but with poor finishing they failed to break the deadlock.

Alex Allen, Leanne Pattermore, Kelly Tuck and Vicki Elison weathered the early 20 minute storm as their experience stood out. Sam Saunders and Jo Jones started to get to grips with the middle and slowly Dinas got back into the game. The introduction of Molly Chapman on 30 minutes was a massive turning point as her pace and willingness to work lifted the girls.

At the break a few issues were addressed which saw the visitors on top right from the whistle. Laura Murray playing through the pain barrier was guilty of not opening the scoring as she fired over from 15 yards.

Gemma Crowley fired wide from 25 yards and Laura Lewis snapped at a chance when she failed to realise she had time to take a touch. But you could sense it was only a matter of time.

As the game opened up Albion won a corner and their number nine was the fastest to react heading home after the ball bounced off the cross bar. Within minutes, Molly Chapman and Murray linked up for Chapman to equalise.

It was then all Dinas, forcing corner after corner. Albion then scored a goal from one of these hitting Dinas with a good counter attack. This only spurred the Dinas 'Villagers' on and changing to a 3-4-3 formation for the final 15 minutes Dinas threw the kitchen sink at their opponents.

The three forwards proved too hot to handle and Laura Murray managed to draw Dinas level. With only minutes remaining another Dinas corner fell to the feet of Chapman who drilled the ball home from five yards.

Murray thought she had increased the lead in the final minute as she managed to squeeze her shot across the goal only for it to bounce out off the post. Beare, Bowles and Page all put in a good performance in the second half as they wouldn't lie down.

The attitude from all the squad today was superb, honest hard work and the desire to go the extra mile for team mates is vital. Training twice a week has had the desired affect on the girls as they are becoming fitter.

Molly Chapman showed the reaction the coaches were looking for with a woman of the match performance.