On a cold and bright afternoon, Port Talbot took the initiative early after a competitive start when Aber failed to deal with a corner and Liam McCreesh pounced from a few yards to head home. Talbot were on top for the majority of the first half, with Neil Thomas twice going close and McCreesh missing another opportunity from close range. Aber’s one meaningful effort came from impressive debutant Ryan Fraughan, but his free kick was saved by Lee Kendall.

If the hosts were glad to go into the break only a goal down, then just six minutes into the second half the gulf widened as Leigh de Vulgt curled a free kick from outside the area into the left hand corner of Steve Cann’s goal. Martin Rose then missed a sitter from close range after a cross from Drew Fahiya, and Aber ended the game with a flurry, as Luke Sherbon attempted a lob, and after a lovely move Graham Evans’ shot was parried to safety by Kendall. Aber also had a late penalty shout turned down, but in truth there was only ever going to be one winner in this game, and the Steelmen deservedly progressed to the Welsh Cup Quarter Finals, in front of am impressive crowd of 506.

The Black and Greens will be hoping for better things when Port Talbot visit Park Avenue again in two weeks time, for a Welsh Premier League game on Friday 12th February.