Barry Sport
Cadoxton Barry 2nds put 10 past Park Vets
7:50am Thursday 16th February 2012
PARK VETS 1 CADOXTON BARRY 2NDS 10
THE ATHLETIC Ground, Barry Island, survived an early Saturday morning inspection and the VOG Division 1 league match between Park Vets and Cadoxton Barry 2nds went ahead.
With several regulars unavailable for numerous reasons, CB rang the changes in the squad, giving youngsters Rhys Hopkins and Mike Coles the nod to come into the squad from the third string.
With the majority of games in the Vale off due to the frozen ground, word spread that the Island pitch was deemed fit for play and a sizeable crowd gathered prior to kick off.
CB's game plan was to start at a fast and furious pace which they did and it was evident from the first whistle that the pace of Hopkins and 'Muscles' Davies out wide was going to cause the Vets defence problems.
Hopkins provided the cross for the opener as Muscles applied the finish.
Soon to follow was a second as the evergreen 'Budgie' Hawtin expertly dispatched the ball into the net following good build-up play from Hopkins, Charles Davies and Chris Hurn. CB were now hungry for more and it was Hopkins who got the third from a difficult angle.
The Vets did rally but Luke Walsh and Lee Clarke were a solid unit at the rear whilst Charles Davies and Gavin McKinney enjoyed joining in with the visitors' attacks up field.
C Davies claimed an assist as Hurn netted the fourth and the hard-working Gareth Fiddler finished off a neat passing move in style for number 5 just before half time.
At the break, CB felt the game was theirs but obviously the Vets had several danger men in Rattenbury, Preece and Rhys Jones, who could turn such a game, so instructions were to retain the shape and play a carbon copy of the first half.
From the kick off it was evident that CB were hungry for more and the tireless Ross Matthews, fresh from his marathon training, bagged the sixth before the changes were rung.
Sean Andrews and Mike Coles were introduced and Coles had an instant impact, scoring from outside the box with his first touch on his debut. Very impressive!
Andrews' game is all about pace and power and he was next to register on the scoresheet with a clever turn and finish.
The Vets pulled a goal back when Craig Rattenbury bent a free kick round the wall but CB were not content with 8, they wanted more.
As 'Rocco' Phillips was introduced for his cameo, it was pointed out that CB had scored through eight different players so far, highlighting that they are a threat from all over the pitch.
Matthews and 'Muscles' scored further goals to make it double figures whilst the ever alert Warner in the CB goal was on hand to deny the Vets any further joy with two outstanding saves near the end.
Outstanding team performance was the verdict, but a special mention for the two youngsters Hopkins and Coles who showed that the future holds a lot of promise, and two old heads in McKinney and Charles Davies who put in a faultless shift.
* A reminder to all that there is a fundraiser on Friday, February 17 in aid of Ross Matthews' London Marathon efforts. All proceeds go towards Ty Hafan.
Proceedings kick off at the Cadoxton Cons from 7.30pm and there will be fun, games and entertainment in the form of acoustic singer Matt Blumberg. All are welcome to give Panto some support!