Reality Bites

The 2nd XI entered the weekend as Division De Cymru 2 leaders, but left with their tail firmly between their legs after a disappointing performance against old rivals Llanishen and Caerphilly in Barry.

Bolstered once more by some old faces returning to the fray, Penarth appeared to have a strong side, and the opening 15 minutes reflected this as the home side enjoyed the upper hand. As has become a habit, however, pressure was not turned into goals, and, as in the past, that failure returned to bite the Vale side.

Having resisted increasing Llan & Caer pressure as the half went on, Penarth were undone by a ball into the ‘D’ which was sharply deflected past the hapless Calum Grant, giving the visitors an undeserved advantage as the teams turned around for the second 35 minutes.

The interval words of captain Nick Pratt were designed to spur his men to greater efforts, but the desired response was lacking as Llan & Caer opened with two soft goals to take the score to 0-3. A change of tactics aimed at giving Penarth greater control of the midfield failed in its execution, leaving vice-captain Rob Harrison exposed in the middle of the park, and the defence, at times, swamped by the number of attacking opponents.

Despite occasional forays into the Llan & Caer half, Penarth were never really in the game during the second half, and the visitors – one of the stronger sides in the division – took full advantage, rattling in another three goals before the final whistle eventually put the hosts out of their misery. With an even record after two games, Penarth have now slipped to mid-table ahead of a crucial early encounter at winless Neath on Saturday.