Briton Ferry Llansawel 1 Aberystwyth Town 2: Match Report

Pre Season Friendly
Saturday 29th July
Briton Ferry Llansawel 1 Aberystwyth Town 2

Aber Town concluded a successful weekend in South Wales with a hard fought 2-1 win over tough opponents Briton Ferry, thanks to goals from Ryan Wollacott and Jon Owen.

In pleasant sunny conditions - a marked contrast to their game at Llandarcy the previous night - the visitors started confidently with Owen looking lively, although Ian Hillier's long throws were a weapon the hosts looked repeatedly to threaten with. Ferry's Rob Cann had a header disallowed on 9 minutes for offside and Town capitalised on this let off by taking the lead on 20 minutes when Declan Walker's excellent ball in to the box was knocked down for Wollacott to bundle home from close range. Aber's two Declans were shining with Carroll showing some fantastic touches in midfield,  which marked him out as a target for some zealous tackling from the hosts. With Borrelli, Melvin and Owen all going close Aber looked in control but six minutes before the break Ryan Griffiths headed home an equaliser to bring the Seasiders back down to Earth with a bump at half time.

Aber attacked with purpose in the second half with Carroll, Walker and Melvin all going close, while at the other end Cann brought a good save from Chris Mullock in Aber's goal. Thirteen minutes in a misjudgment by home keeper Probert saw the ball fall to the irrepressible Owen, who composed himself before lofting the ball deftly into the net to regain the lead for the Black and Greens. Johnny Spittle then slid Owen through who again finished craftily, only to be harshly denied by an offside flag, and Luke Borrelli was was also denied by the flag minutes later. A slew of substitutions then occurred and Ferry did rally late on with sub Sam Baker again bringing Mullock into action, but Town showed an admirable determination to hold on for the win which will hopefully serve them well in the coming season.

Some strong individual performances yesterday saw Aber home, with Centre Back Johnny Spittle just pipping Jon Owen for the Supporters Man of the Match. Well supported by their South Wales contingent of fans - with an admirable turn out from Aber Exiles FC - Town gained a workmanlike win which the very same supporters will hope to see replicated in Barry in two weeks time. Before that come Hull City Under 23s at Park Avenue next Sunday August 6th (ko 2pm). Not to be missed!