Aberystwyth Town vs Cwmbran Celtic

Match Report

We returned to Aberystwyth for the first time in 44 years having last played the Town, who were the holders, in the 4^th round of the Welsh Amateur Cup, which they drew 2-2 before losing the replay at Cwmbran Park. In those days we were named Cwmbran Catholics. The current side was no match for the hosts in front of 246 spectators. However, our boys defended valiantly and were still in the game at 1-0 down until Town scored their second goal in the 5^th minute of time added on. We had the first shot on goal when Sam Powell’s ball into the box was played on to Josh Gibson by Jac Evans. Josh pushed the ball sideways to Gabriel Howells, who with a clear sight of goal, powered the ball over the bar.

On 20 minutes Town took the lead. A long ball pumped upfield by Desian Martin found Jonathan Evans, newly returned to his former club from Briton Ferry Llansawel, who coolly lobbed the onrushing Lewis Watkins to put his side ahead. Town stroked the ball around with aplomb and had chances to increase their lead with skipper Martin pulling the strings. He saw a shot deflected for a corner and another shot was wide.

Half time: Aberystwyth Town 1 Cwmbran Celtic 0

After the break the hosts continued to rule the game but in the final 10 minutes of normal time we suddenly came to life fashioning 3 good chances. A long ball out of defence by Joe Bowen played Howells in down the right but he sliced his shot wide. Then it was the turn of Gibson to latch onto a long ball from Mario van Dieren and he shot just wide. Then Howells was played clean through down the middle by Gibson but before he could shoot he was superbly tackled. In the closing minutes Town regained the ascendancy. Reid skipped down the left and closed in on goal but Watkins got his body in the way of the shot. Jonathan Evans shot over the bar and in 90+5 minutes Dafis dribbled past 3 players to shoot. Watkins parried the ball but it fell to the feet of Evans who gleefully pouched his 2nd goal. Town’s Ben Davies was red carded in 90+7 minutes.

Full time: Aberystwyth Town 2 Cwmbran Celtic 0

POM: Mario Van Dieren