Penrhiwceiber Rangers and Cefn Cribwr play out entertaining goalless draw
Penrhiwceiber Rangers and Cefn Cribwr played to a stalemate. (Image: Lewis Mitchell)
Penrhiwceiber Rangers and Cefn Cribwr could not be separated as the two played to a goalless draw in the Ardal South West.
The top two sides in the division met at Glasbrook Field and despite chances for both sides, neither team could break the deadlock. Penrhiwceiber could have won it late on with their chances but both defences were on top form.
Cribwr remain top of the league with a five-plus goal difference separating them and Penrhiwceiber. Dean Brown’s men do have a game in hand.
The visitors started the game on the front foot and created the first real opportunity. Matthew Symons worked the ball down his side, and cut inside the box before curling a shot into the side netting.
Penrhiwceiber captain Warren Jones entered the referee’s notebook in a moment that would set the game’s tone. His shoulder barge was one of many tough challenges from both sides.
The home goalkeeper Jacob Ireland needed to grab the ball from Matt Symoms’ feet after good work from Craig Wilcox. Ireland’s act of bravery got Penrhiwceiber up the pitch and from 30 yards Jones went just wide from a long-range effort.
The home side finished the half the strongest out of the two sides. Jarrad Welch from 25-yard made Liam Hopkins dive down low to save and then Joseph Jenkins missed on the follow-up.
As the two sides emerged from the dressing rooms, Penrhiwceiber picked up where they left off. Harvey Hughes had his head in his hands as he failed to turn home from close range after Jack Thomas teed him up.
Shaun Williams who had put in a tireless performance to this point went near to scoring fortuitously. His corner kick had to be tipped away by Ireland.
Cefn Cribwr had another opportunity as Ioan Clatworthy broke through but the Ceiber goalkeeper blocked his shot to take it over the crossbar.
In the final ten minutes, Penrhiwceiber put all the pressure on with two good chances. Jones headed over the bar for the hosts and then Dean Brown saw his half-volley loop just over the. bar.
Neither side could break the deadlock in the few minutes of additional time allowed. Honours even as the two sides prepare for their next games. Penrhiwceiber play their game in hand against South Gower at the weekend before a midweek round of fixtures next Tuesday with Cefn Cribwr playing Seven Sisters.
Penrhiwceiber Rangers
Jacob Ireland, Owen Orford, Brandon Hill, Dean Brown, Scott Lewis, Alex Rees, Jarrad Welch, Warren Jones (C), Harvey Hughes (Morgan Grahame, 85), Joseph Jenkins (Garrin Withers, 62), and Jack Thomas (Brandon Davies, 62).
Subs: Christopher Stonelake, Morgan Grahame, Garin Withers, Jordan Ellis and Brandon Davies.
Yellow Cards: Warren Jones 9, Brandon Hill 17, Joseph Jenkins 50′
Cefn Cribwr
Liam Hopkins, Benjamin Symons, Rhys Alden, Ross Hooper (C), Jonathan Tiffin, Craig Wilcox (Jamie Isidoro-Marlowe, 56), Shaun Williams (Toby Galliers, 70), Curtis Griffin, Ioan Clatworthy, Matthew Symons (Rob Symons, 46), and Arron Weaver (Daniel Jenkins, 85),
Subs: Jay Ellis, Daniel Jenkins, Rob Symons, Jamie Isidoro-Marlowe and Toby Galliers.
Yellow Cards: Arron Weaver 51, Ross Hooper 83, Rob Symons 87′
