Aberystwyth Town 1 Hull City Under 23s 3

Pre Season Friendly
Sunday 6th August
Aberystwyth Town 1 Hull City Under 23 3

Aberystwyth Town fell to defeat in their final pre season friendly of 2017 to an extremely talented Hull City side. Liam Edwards opened the scoring for the Tigers on 27 minutes and Elliott Holmes doubled the lead a minute later. The outstanding Tyler Hamilton scored a third eight minutes into the second half but Joe Phillips' excellent consolation goal four minutes later was the least the Black and Greens deserved for a spirited performance against high level opponents.

The hosts started the game sharply and dominated opening exchanges. Malcolm Melvin's corner was fired over by Jon Owen, and then Luke Borrelli found an inch to send the ball across the face of goal but no-one could convert. Declan Carroll showed some lovely tricks on the edge of the area before being disposessed and then a trialist brought a save out of visiting keeper Charlie Andrew. The visitors were finding their feet however and  took the lead when Hamilton slid Edwards in down the left wing, and he finished low into the far corner for the lead. A minute later Holmes smashed the ball into the roof of the net from ten yards to double the lead, and leave Aber feeling hard done by. Johnny Spittle headed wide from another Melvin corner, then Greg Lear squandered a great chance to put the game to bed when he curled wide from an excellent position. Borrelli brought two late saves from Andrew before the break, and a trialist headed just over the bar at the back post, and the visitors went in at the break with a rather flattering two goal lead.

The game continued to entertain after the break with Borrelli denied for a third time before Chris Mullock thwarted Lear at the other end. Hull were not to be denied however and Hamilton raced seventy yards before dinking home a superb individual effort to put the game to bed. Credit to the Black and Greens however, they kept coming and when sub Joe Phillips was released down the left he unleashed a superb low drive from the edge of the area with virtually his first kick of the game, which snuck into the far corner off the post for a well deserved goal. Andrew once again denied a trialist (twice), and Phillips twice more, while Mullock at the other end managed to prevent Hamilton, William Annan, Benjamin Hinchcliffe and Brandon Flemming from adding to the scoreline, and a very entertaining game ended up at 3-1 to the talented visitors.

This was certainly Aber's toughest test of pre season and despite the final score Neville Powell will take great heart from the attacking potential his side displayed on the day. Black and Green supporters applauded both sides from the field and have to wait only a week for the real thing, as Town's WPL Campaign kicks off next Sunday evening at Jenner Park, Barry (ko 5.15pm). The Coach leaves Aber at 10.30am. Don't miss it!