BOUNCING DIAS TREATED TO THRILLER

Aberystwyth Town 2 v 2 Port Talbot Town
Corbettsports Welsh Premier League
Friday 13th March (ko 7.45pm)

A bumper crowd of 463, helped by the ever successful student deal, were treated to a thrilling match as Aberystwyth Town came back from two goals down to draw 2-2 with Port Talbot Town.

It was the visitors who had the best of the first half, the first shot easily saved by Aber goalkeeper, Mike Lewis, before Chris Jones blasted a shot over the bar from distance. The home side fought back and came close to taking the lead from two Ross Stephens set pieces. The first, a corner, was headed just over by Luke Sherbon and then Mark Jones was unable to squeeze in a free-kick at the back post. Aber were left to rue their missed chances as Port Talbot broke and Luke Bowen rounded the 'keeper to fire the Steelmen into a 25th minute lead. Port Talbot could've doubled their lead but Mike Lewis kept the Black and Greens in the game with an outstanding double save, first denying Keiran Williams and then Lee Surman at close range. Both sides saw acrobatic efforts miss the target as an enthralling first half was brought to a close.

The second half got off to the worst possible start for Aber as they conceded after just 4 minutes, Chad Bond capitalising on a charged down goal kick to double Port Talbot's lead. Encouraged by the rocking Dias Stand, the home side forged a way back into the game, Craig Williams finishing off an excellent move to halve the defecit. Aber continued to press relentlessly for 20 minutes and were unlucky not to equalize as Stephen Wright headed just over. All the pressure finally payed off as Port Talbot keeper, Steve Cann, brought down Mark Jones in the box, the resulting penalty confidently dispatched by Craig Williams to equalize. It was Aberystwyth who were on top for the final 15 minutes as Mark Jones, Craig Williams, Stephen Wright and Stuart Jones came agonizingly close to snatching all three points at the death.

An evenly matched contest and an electric atmosphere under the lights proved a good advert for the league. As the race for 2nd heats up, Aberystwyth head to Newtown next week in search of a win.

Report by Tomos Ings