Aber Town Ladies 2 Willows Ladies 0: Match Report

SWWGL Welsh Women's League (WWL)
Sunday 7th October 2018
Aberystwyth Town Ladies 2 Willows Ladies 0

Aber Town Ladies made it four wins in five matches thanks to two excellent goals on a chilly Sunday afternoon at Park Avenue writes Steven Brookes.

After victory at Dafen last week Aber were keen to to pick up another three points and the Black and Greens made a strong start against Willows. The home side were causing the opposition defence numerous problems and nearly opened the scoring through Kelly Thomas on two separate occasions, both from corners, whilst Tania Wylde and Lisa Cowdy were causing problems for the Willows full backs. Wylde also had a long range attempt tipped wide by the keeper and later fired over from a tight angle after an excellent ball from Cowdy. Willows did have their moments though, Ffion Ashman making a couple of important saves, but it was the team in green that broke the deadlock. Kelly Thomas won a free kick a fair distance from goal, former Wales international Caroline Cooper wasn't afraid to shoot and the ball looped over the keeper and into the net. Cooper nearly scored again later in the half from another free kick but the away side's keeper did well to tip the ball over the bar.

Despite being in the lead and creating numerous opportunities there was a sense of frustration going into the break and the home side seemed determined to improve in the second half. Wylde and Cooper both came close again to getting Aber's second, but Aber did eventually double their lead... and in some style! Some well-worked build up play was followed by an outstanding strike from Thomas from distance, her third goal in the last four matches. Ffiona Evans later saw her close range strike saved as Aber began to really dominate. The day then got worse for the visitors as they were reduced to 10 players when a red card was shown due to 'Foul and Abusive Language' aimed at the referee. Town were looking very strong and continued to threaten: the Willows goalkeeper had to make another good save to prevent Cooper from scoring again, whilst Naomi Evans was unlucky not score her third of the season after turning well in the box before seeing her strike saved. Wylde came close once again near the end with another long range strike; this one was spilled by the goalkeeper who then did well to recover and stop the ball from crossing the line.

This was a well-deserved win and another clean sheet for the hosts as they continue their promotion push. Next Sunday the Ladies face a Welsh Cup tie aganst Merthyr Town at Park Avenue with a slightly later than usual kick off time of 4pm.