Aberystwyth Town 0-2 Cefn Druids: Match Report

JD Welsh Premier League
Friday 21st December 
Aberystwyth Town 0-2 Cefn Druids 

Aberystwyth Town fell to a disappointing home defeat at the hands of Cefn Druids on a miserable night for Nev Powell's side in the JD Welsh Premier League. An early James Davies strike (4) followed by a second half stunner by Jordan Evans (56) was enough to hand Huw Griffiths' side a deserved victory on a tough night for the Black and Greens in appalling conditions. 

Aber made two changes to the side defeated by Caernarfon at The Oval last weekend as Ryan Wollacott came back into central defence after suspension, and Joe Phillips replaced the suspended Declan Walker. It was the visitors who started brightest as they took the lead with their first meaningful attack of the game. Dean Rittenberg snuck in behind the home defence before sliding an inch perfect cross towards James Davies, who slotted the ball beyond Terry Mccormick to made it 0-1 after just four minutes. Aber were shell shocked, but responded well as Joe Phillips cut inside and forced a fine save from visiting 'keeper Michael Jones. As the wind howled and the rain poured, both sides struggled to create clear cut opportunities with a real midfield battle ensuing. On 25 minutes, Ash Ruane attempted an audacious bicycle kick that sailed harmlessly wide, before Druids carved open an excellent opportunity on 38 minutes as Davies raced through on goal once more only to be denied by a brilliant save from McCormick. As the first half drew to a close, Druids pressed for a second, as Neil Ashton challenged McCormick from a set piece and Davies saw his goal bound effort cleared off the line by Alan Goodall, and the hosts would enter the break somewhat fortunate to be just one goal behind. 

The second half started in similar fashion to the first, with the Seasiders unable to get into their usual rhythm and flow. On 56 minutes, Druids punished more slack Aber defending as Jordan Evans turned and unleashed a powerful half volley from outside the area which flew into the top corner to make it 0-2, and it really was an uphill task for the hosts. Soon after, Aber introduced Geoff Kellaway and Lee Jenkins in place of Paulo Mendes and Alan Goodall as they searched for a way back into the game. But credit to the Druids, they continued to frustrate the home side with some superb defending and threatening attacking play on the break. On 63 minutes, Mathew Jones went close as his half volley sailed inches over the bar, before Ash Ruane fired a low effort inches wide of the post from a Wes Baynes set piece. As the half wore on, it became evident it wasn't to be Aber's night, as James Davies tested McCormick once more in the dying minutes, with Druids seeing out their victory in a comfortable manner on a disappointing evening for the Seasiders. 

Despite defeat, Aber continue to occupy 6th place in the league table - a factor they must take heart from as they attack two crucial festive clashes with Mid Wales rivals Newtown. The Black and Greens will be fully aware that two big performances in the coming eight days could well catapult them up the table and confirm their place in the top half of the table by the New Year. The Seasiders are back in action at Park Avenue on Boxing Day, as they welcome Newtown in a 2:30p.m kick off. 

Teams: 
Aberystwyth Town: McCormick, Baynes, Goodall (58), Wollacott (C), S Edwards, Mendes (58), Phillips (69), R Edwards, Ahmadi, Jones, Ruane. Subs: Rimmer (69), Kellaway (58), Blake, Rowe, Jenkins (58)

Cefn Druids: Jones, Cartwright, Ashton (C), Peate, Arsan, Owen, Evans, Kershaw, Mudimu, Rittenberg, Davies. Subs: Simpson, Hajdari, Taylor, Ap Gareth, Morris.