BRITON FERRY  3 - 1  GARDEN VILLAGE

Welsh Football League Division 2
Saturday November 4th, 2006

There were fireworks both on and off the pitch during Saturday's league encounter at nearby Briton Ferry which saw the hosts claim all three points with a 3-1 victory.

While organisers were preparing for the fireworks' display at the rugby club next door later that evening, a nasty challenge by Ashley Richards on a Ferry defender sparked a brawl between both sets of players and resulted in the front-man receiving his marching orders mid-way through the second-half.

The home side couldn't have asked for a better start when they took the lead after just 3 minutes. A low cross from the right crept under Stuart Lloyd, Michael Harvey was unable to clear his lines and the ball was bundled home by Rob Cann to make it 1-0.

Steve Devenold had a couple of chances with a free-kick and an effort from close-range, both saved well by the 'keeper, but it was Briton Ferry who scored next on 22 minutes as they doubled their advantage. A poor corner from the right was missed by Phil John at the near post and, similar to Ferry's first strike, was easily bundled home.

As the half drew to an end Jamie Mansell came close to finding the target with a back-post header and the home side struck the post but the scoreline was to remain 2-0 until the break.

Village started the second-half brightly and had did have a few chances. Ashley Richards saw his weak shot saved on 50 minutes and shortly afterwards the referee waved away two penalty appeals - Steve Devonald looked to have been brought down as he broke into the area and a few seconds later Phil John was grounded.

But the visiting team were punished for not being able to convert chances as Briton Ferry put the match beyond their visitors with a third on 63 - a diving header from close-range which went under Stuart Lloyd.

The talking point of the match, though, was the sending off of Ashley Richards in the 68th minute. A Ferry player had cleared up-field near the touchline and as he hit it was caught by the high foot of Richards who left the referee with no choice but to dismiss him.

There was a slight consolation for Bob Lloyd's side as David Rimmer found the net with 14 minutes remaining; the centre-back connecting with Steve Devonald's well-struck free-kick from close range.

Village: Stuart Lloyd; Michael Harvey, David Rimmer, Jamie Mansell (Phil Myles, 45'); Cameron Hopkins (Owen Williams, 70'), Phil John, Scott Evans, Steven Evans (Dayle Selvage, 70'), David Evans; Ashley Richards, Steve Devonald.

*Apologies for the report not appearing sooner, I did not have an internet connection in my house until Tuesday evening*