Ten-Man Croeserw Athletic were knocked out of the Intermediate Cup after a losing 2-1 to Bridgend & District Premier League side Broadlands in the First Round.

 First Half Report

The Athletics’ team for the game was unchanged from the last against Margam YC, with Geraint Ferguson taking up his usual position at number 1. Captain Nicky Johnson, Liam Reynolds & Kyle Bowen made up the back line while, Michael Williams & Ashley Bamford were on each wing. Dewi Hopkins, Nicky Walton & Lee Hughes took up their positions in the center of midfield, while Simon Gibbs & Jared Lee once again made a partnership up top.

 Croeserw Athletic started brightly in the game, with many chances created and being able to move the ball around freely without any harm. Athletic were able to exploit the flanks without Broadlands getting much sniff of the ball.

 A well worked move by Croeserw between Michael Williams & Nicky Walton saw an opening for the Athletic, but was not taken. A sweeping cross from out wide by Nicky Walton was unluckily missed by Simon Gibbs by a few center meters.

 Even though Croeserw Athletic saw most of the first 20 minutes or more of possession in their favour, it was the Broadlands who found the back of the net first through a penalty.

 A through ball to the Broadlands striker saw him get a one on one with Geraint Ferguson at pace. Geraint dropped to his knees by the slippery surface carried him into the Broadlands players’ leg. Penalty!! The Penalty was sweetly swept into the net away from Ferguson, 1-0 Broadlands.

 The game soon turned sour and became an uphill struggle for a battling Croeserw Athletic. An instant dismissal for Athletics’ Central Midfielder for a reckless challenge on the Broadlands right back, meant that Athletic were down to 10 men, as well as 1-0 down.

 Croeserw Athletic saw the half out, knowing they were still in the game with 45 minutes left to play.