A quick start has been a regular occurrence for Penarth this season so it was surprising that they came out of the blocks slowly on this occasion. Cardiff were able to gain the upper hand and create several good chances which required some excellent saves by Simon Comfort, playing against his former club, to keep the game level.

Having survived the shaky start, however, Penarth found their feet and slowly changed the momentum of the game, gaining the ascendancy and settling into their game plan. Unlike their hosts, the Bears were also able to capitalise on their dominance and grabbed the first goal when a good move down the right wing saw Richard Baker smash in a cross which was dispatched by Phil Lane.

Penarth thought they had doubled their lead soon after, with James Kidby flicking in from the top of the ‘D’. However, as the ball was on its way goalwards, the whistle was blown to give Penarth a penalty corner, which went unconverted. The Vale side didn’t have to wait too long for a second goal though, with Chris McCarthy ghosting in behind the Cardiff defence to slap home a through ball from Dave Stevens.

Although Penarth were on top, the experienced Cardiff side always looked dangerous and grabbed a goal back on the break. This only spurred the Bears on, however, and as they kept attacking, the two-goal lead was soon restored. This time, McCarthy turned provider to set up Tom Parkinson at the back post, the winger making a hard finish look very easy as he reacted to a deflection on the pass.

Penarth could and should have had a fourth before the break, as they passed the ball around quickly and confidently, arguably playing their best hockey of the season. However, ultimately failing to convert their chances kept Cardiff in the game despite the 3-1 interval scoreline.

The resumption saw a more organised home team take the field and, as they gained dominance over much of the half, Penarth were limited to counter attacks and became increasingly guilty of turning the ball over too quickly. This put a lot of pressure on the Bears’ rearguard, but the back four and defensive midfielder Andy Strong rebuffed the majority of attacks and, when when the defences were breached, Simon Comfort remained in inspired form to keep the two-goal cushion until the last five minutes, when Cardiff grabbed a second to set up a tense end to the game.

The Bears dug deep to see the final moments, however, and gained a very valuable three points, made all the more important as second-placed Bridgend had lost earlier in the day, allowing Penarth to close back in on the promotion places ahead of their meeting with Whitchurch this weekend.

Goalscorers: Phil Lane, Chris McCarthy, Tom Parkinson

Penarth Hockey Club

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