Tivyside | Archive | 2002 | February | 19
From the Tivyside Advertiser, first published Tuesday 19th Feb 2002.
Whilst it could be argued that league leaders St Dogmaels contributed to their own downfall at King George V Field through over-confidence beforehand, in terms of all-round ability Cardigan Town were on a different planet.
An emphatic 5-1 win was no more than the Magpies deserved, as they roared into the last four and a head-to-head with Lampeter Town.
Home goalkeeper Martin Ladd was a virtual spectator for most of the afternoon as the danger posed by Chris 'Hope' Jones was snuffed out.
The Town back four of Shamus Docherty, Steve Harper, Barry Morgan and player/manager Justin Evans were dominant throughout, while at the other end the visitors were given a torrid time by attacking livewires Gary Souter and Richard Evans.
Saints lost inspirational Colin Owen with a leg injury after half an hour, and in the second period Town midfielder 'Charlie' Adams- Lewis suffered a gashed knee, which required 12 stitches.
Cardigan opened their account after 15 minutes, when Justin Evans netted with a 25 yard free kick, the ball going over Andrew Thomas into the roof of the net.
After half an hour the Evans brothers took a hand for Town. Richard squared the ball to younger brother James, and he gobbled up the simple chance that came his way.
Souter sent an effort thudding against an upright with Thomas stranded, before the rampant home side made it 3-0. A cross from Simon Jones on the right was put into his own goal by a hard- pressed Saints defender. The villagers were given hope early in the second half when former New Quay favourite Daniel Ramsey, who replaced Colin Owen, was put through by Ioan Owen, and the new boy netted with aplomb.
But the Magpies restored their three goal advantage almost immediately. Substitute Kevin Morgan crossed from the left and Souter slid in on the six yard line, giving Thomas no chance whatsoever.
As Saints heads visibly drooped Town sprayed the ball about confidently, and it was no surprise when the dangerous Souter took a pass from Dean Winney and made it a nap hand for the cock-a-hoop homesters. There were three or four bookings, but the derby tie was played in good spirit, and expertly controlled by referee Mike Thomas.
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