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Nathaniel MG Cup: Second Round
Tuesday 25th September Cambrian & Clydach Vale BGC 3-1 Aberystwyth Town Aberystwyth Town fell at the second round of the Nathaniel MG Cup as they were defeated by Welsh League Division 1 outfit Cambrian & Clydach at the M&P Group 3G Facility on Tuesday evening. Aber's starting line-up included five changes from Saturday's 2-2 draw with Carmarthen Town, but the mixed team of youth and experience were unlucky to come away empty handed after putting in a solid performance on Tuesday evening. Abe started the game the brighter of the sides, with Joe Phillips and Elliot Assi producing some neat interplay in the final third, but they were unable to carve out any clear cut chances in the opening 10 minutes. Hosts Cambrian & Clydach gradually grew into the game, breaking on Aber's defence with pace, but it was the visitors who came closest to opening the scoring when Phillips unleashed a low effort that was easily saved by Dan Bradley in goal. Soon after, Aber went close once more as Ryan Wollacott rose highest from a corner only to see his header blocked on the goal line. Then, on 20 minutes, the hosts took the lead with their first meaningful attack as Leigh Jenkins saved well from Josh Maksimovic but Sam Jones was on hand to prod home the rebound for 1-0. The visitors, unfazed, continued to play some neat football and very nearly got back on level terms when Geoff Kellaway raced through on goal only to be denied by Bradley. Soon after, Elliot Assi was denied by the 'keeper as he tipped a 25 yard rasper over the crossbar. The visitors continued to press for an equaliser, and on 39 minutes went agonisingly close once more as Joe phillips crossed for Assi, who's shot was somehow blocked on the goal line by Cameron Keetch. Less than a minute later, as Aber raced back to defend the counter attack, the hosts doubled their lead as Sam Jones again pounced on a rebound in the penalty area to make it 2-0. It was a sucker punch that Aber didn't deserve after their first half play. The second half started in similar fashion to the first, with Aber on the front foot looking for a way back into the game. On 56 minutes, they found their breakthrough as Harri Rowe surged down the left flank before finding Geoff Kellaway with a pinpoint cross, before Geoff rifled home a half volley into the roof of the net for 2-1. The goal gave Aber a lift, and they were very nearly back on level terms just eight minutes later as Joe Phillips raced clear before being denied by Bradley's outstretched right hand. As time ticked on, the hosts found a surge of energy, clinging on to their slender advantage. On 72 minutes, they almost found a third goal as Lee Jenkins produced a last ditch tackle in the penalty area, but on 87 minutes they made sure of victory as the referee pointed to the spot for an apparent foul on substitute Morgan Grahame, and Dai Thomas stepped up from the spot to make it 3-1. It was a disappointing and frustrating end to what had been a solid performance from a largely inexperienced black and greens side. The mixed team of youthful and experienced players can be proud of their performance despite defeat, and will rue those missed chances that could so easily have got them back into the game. Aber's attentions now turn to Saturday's crunch JD Welsh Premier League clash with Barry Town United at Park Avenue - in a game where the seasiders could climb as high as third place in the league table with victory! Teams: Cambrian & Clydach: Bradley, Griffiths, C Thomas, Coles, Keetch, D Thomas, K Jones, Strinati, S Jones, Maksimovich, M Jones. Aberystwyth Town: Leigh Jenkins, C Morgan, Wollacott, Lee Jenkins, Assidjo, Kellaway, M Jones, Rowe, Phillips, Blake, Assi. Comments are closed.
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Gem Nesaf
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