ON Monday, May 11, Barry Athletic FC Under-14s were crowned Vale of Glamorgan League Champions after beating Cogan in a championship play-off.

Having been the only side in the division to have beaten and drawn with Cogan during the season, the Athletic nonetheless knew they would be in for a difficult game.

The game itself was a tense affair, with both defences holding firm and the midfield personnel cancelling each other out. The two best chances of the game came in the second-half.

After great work from Davies and Edwards, who was a constant thorn in the side of the opposition, the ball fell to Woolmer in the box. With the crowd anticipating the ball hitting the back of the net, the Cogan 'keeper pulled off a point blank save.

Then 10 minutes later, a Cogan striker was fortunate to find the ball deflected into his path and placed a firm, low shot towards the Athletic goal but the faultless Mayor pulled off the save of the match, getting down low and keeping the ball out with his feet. Overall, the Athletic defence was tested by Cogan but held firm throughout. The midfield covered every blade of grass and the strikers worked the Cogan defence.

The game entered into extra-time but both 'keepers were rarely troubled and with both teams tiring, the game would eventually be decided by a penalty shoot-out.

Cogan put themselves 1-0 up and then Allwood took the brave decision to step up for the first penalty only to see his well struck shot saved by the Cogan 'keeper Edwards, Bright and Montgomery expertly dispatched theirs for the Athletic.

With Cogan missing one penalty and Mayor saving another, up stepped Richards for the Athletic to take the high pressure spot kick. With the Barry support behind him, Richards placed the ball into the bottom corner leaving the Cogan 'keeper helpless.

The Athletic players erupted into a jubilant celebration and rightly so as they thoroughly deserved their victory following their performances over the course of the season.

The foundations of the victorious campaign were formed by the defence of Mayor, Barnett, Allwood, Montgomery, Such and Davies who conceded just 12 goals all season. The midfield of Richards, Wells, Woolmer, Jones and Bright provided the creativity and the strike force of Edwards, Peets and Walpole, hit the net, time and time again.

The coaching staff would like to congratulate the squad who have, from pre-season through to their final game, displayed not only their talent but their desire to continually improve.The coaching staff would also like to say thank you to the parents and supporters of the boys for their continued backing and to Tema Fabrications for their sponsorship.

The victory came at a fitting time for the club as they had recently received the news that Barry Athletic legend Johnny Prosser had sadly died only a few days before. The coaches, players and officials of Barry Athletic FC would like to dedicate the win to Johnny and would also like to pass on their heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.

The club would also like to remind readers that this year sees the club celebrate their 40th anniversary. The club are holding a disco with buffet for players, officials and supporters both past and present at the Masonic Hall in Barry on Saturday, July 4.

Tickets for the event need to be purchased in advance and are priced at £10. Please contact Steve Heathfield on 07795 560476 or Adey Heathfield on 07886 074230. The club can also be contacted onbafc75@gmail.com.