Aber Town Ladies 3 Caldicot Town 2: Match Report & Highlights

(Photo courtesy of Chris Howells)

Welsh Women's League
Sunday 3rd March 2019
Aberystwyth Town Ladies 3 (Thomas 3, Wylde 36 (pen), Cooper 39)
Caldicot Town Ladies 2 (Cutler 54, Lockwood 69)

Despite a second half scare, the Black and Greens edged even closer to their target of a league title and promotion to the Welsh Premier Women's League with a hard-fought victory over a last season's Welsh Prem side Caldicot Town Ladies, writes Steven Brookes.

For the majority of the season Caldicot have been one of Aber's big promotion rivals along with Barry Town United, but the South Wales based side were recently deducted 29 points, leaving them just outside the relegation zone and ending their promotion hopes. Three minutes into this match Caldicot were behind thanks to a mistake in defence, combined with a determined Kelly Thomas, Aber had broken the deadlock. After closing down the defender and winning possession, the midfielder slotted the ball past the keeper as the hosts made a perfect start. Both sides were struggling to play to their potential but chances were still being created. Caroline Cooper saw her shot saved and Naomi Evans came close at the back post. At the other end, the away side missed a good opportunity in a one on one as the ball went wide of Ffion Ashman's post. The next goal was going to be crucial and 36 minutes into the game it was the Ceredigion-based side that doubled their lead. Following a foul on Cat Davies, Tania Wylde stepped up to convert a penalty right into the corner and out of reach of the visiting goalkeeper. Two soon became three on 39 minutes. From out-wide, Caroline Cooper cut in on her right football and her outstanding effort beat the keeper and ended up hitting the back of the net.

Despite Aber's lead, both sides were desperate to improve in the second half. The hosts came agonisingly close when Tania Wylde's strike hit the post but it was the visitors who scored the goal they needed. Kelly Cutler found herself behind the Aber back line and with a calm finish ended she Ffion Ashman's run of clean sheets. Nerves seemed to kick in for the Seasiders as the visitors grew in confidence. The hosts were looking far from their best and things got worse 21 minutes from time when a free kick was turned in from close range by Hazel Lockwood to ensure the Black and Greens were in for a tough battle if they wanted to keep their vital lead. The hosts did eventually find a way out of the bad spell though and it was in-fact them that looked the most dangerous team once again. Kelly Thomas had a goal disallowed after an excellent Wylde strike bounced of the post before falling to the feet of the midfielder and later on Stevie Cook was denied a goal of the season contender thanks to the post. With the hosts coming close on numerous occasions an equaliser would of been unfair but this Aber side would remain strong and were delighted when the final whistle blew.

A very difficult test but yet another three points for Aberystwyth who remain five points clear of second place Barry Town United, with the latter having played one game less. Aber Town Ladies will now look forward to a League Cup Quarter-Final fixture against Penybont on Sunday 10th March.