Hoping to consolidate their position as leaders of the South Wales Men's Hockey League, South Pembs. needed a win against strong opposition who finished second in the league last season.

Without in form 'Freddie' Fordham or defensive maestro Simon Moseley, a restructured team was required. Chris Rogers returned to the first team for his first appearance for seven years at this level, looking like he had never been away.

A tight game from the outset, the midfield quartet of Wheeler, Woods, Hanniford and Lounds looked to gain control and disrupt the opposition play.

Neither side had created much until Smith and Kendrick combined to create a one-on-one with the Bridgend 'keeper which Kendrick was unlucky not to convert, just striking the side of the goal.

Chances were kept away from Dave Miller in the South Pembroke goal by the solid defence of Thomas, Irving, Stear and Rogers, the 'keeper only having to make a couple of important saves in the first-half.

The breakthrough came from one of several short corners won by South Pembs.

Wheeler took the corner and saw his shot saved, but Lounds was on hand to slot the rebound over the diving 'keeper into the roof at the net for a deserved lead.

Following this, South Pembs. had to dig in deep and restructure the team again as first right-back Thomas pulled a groin muscle and had to move up front, with Woods moving into defence and Kendrick back to right-half.

Shortly, after this, Lounds took a blow on the ankle which left him struggling for pace for the rest of the game.

Despite this, the second-half team performance was outstanding as further chances were created for Smith and others as an elusive second goal was searched for.

Unluckily, a good penalty appeal was turned down and further short corners were not rewarded with a goal.

An equaliser was a possibility, but 'keeper Miller was in fine form, denying the Bridgend striker from close range.

A tense last 10 minutes were seen out by some solid defending from the whole team and as victory was confirmed the relief was there for all to see.

Team: D. Miller, A. Stear, N. Thomas, C. Rogers, S. Irving, H. Hanniford, B. Wheeler (capt.), R. Woods, T. Lounds, S. Kendrick, J. Smith. Umpire - Jane Wheeler.

UNEVENNESS UPSETS BALANCE OF PLAY

South Pembroke A travelled to Treforest to take on Cardiff D. Work commitments forced skipper Sean McCarthy to make two changes from the line-up that lost to Penarth.

The home team won the toss and elected to push back. Right from the start, Pembroke found themselves in the middle of a well balanced game. The game was fought in the midfield and 'keeper Kenniford was hardly called upon to make a save.

Midfield was where all the action took place and South Pembs. appeared to dominate most of the possession, but were lacking the final player to put the goal in the net.

McCarthy, Lewis and T. Ferguson came close at times, but were thwarted by the Cardiff defence. Similarly, when Cardiff pressured the South circle, D. Ferguson, Minney and Kendrick were able to defuse the attack.

Half-time came with the stalemate yet to be broken.

From the start of the second-half, as the rain started, Moore, T. Ferguson, Beynon, Morris and Harrison pushed at the home team and Ferguson scored a goal from the top of Cardiff's circle.

But almost immediately Cardiff equalised.

Again the game looked set to stay in the midfield, until Minney received his second card of the game and had to leave the field for 10 minutes.

With the extra man and the ability to bring on fresh legs, the inevitable second goal came for the home team from a short corner.

Once back to full strength, South Pembs. continued to dominate the possession, yet the equaliser failed to arrive. Everything was thrown forward for the last five minutes, but the game ended 2-1 to the home team.

Umpire: K. Edwards. Match sponsor: Optic UK Services Ltd.

Squad: J. Kenniford, S. McCarthy, D. Ferguson, A. Kendrick, J. Moore, P. Lewis, P. Morris, T. Ferguson, C. Harrison, N. Beynon, B. Minney.