Aberystwyth Town 1 Airbus UK Broughton 0

Dafabet Welsh Premier League
Saturday 4th February
​Aberystwyth Town 1 Airbus UK Broughton 0

​A much improved performance from a Black and Greens side containing three debutants was crowned by Captain Luke Sherbon's 50th Minute winner, as he slotted the ball home from a narrow angle inside the box. The team defended excellently throughout and were good value for a vital win which keeps Aber right in the fight for a UEFA Europa League Play Off spot come the end of the season.

Aber started the game in desperate need of a response after last weeks’ performance, and Manager Matthew Bishop made four changes, bringing in debutants Dylan Rees, Malcolm Melvin and Dafydd Jones plus the return of Jon Owen. In a cagey start the visitors missed a great chance early on when Glen Rule’s corner created a point blank opening for Steve Tomassson which the visiting defender contrived to blast wide. On a pleasant sunny day Aber’s first chance came as Rees dropped a lovely ball into the box for Dafydd Jones, and his superb first time volley flew agonizingly wide. Jones sent in a great left wing cross which evaded everyone before the impressive Melvin’s cultured goalbound ball just evaded hard working Luke Borrelli. At the other end Obi Anoruo was a threat for Airbus and he hit the side netting from the left flank, before Borrelli almost returned the favour by setting up Melvin, but in vain. Overall Aber were playing much better than last week with the debutants doing well, and the half ended goalless with the hosts ahead on points.

​Minutes after the break Town had another lay off when Anoruo created a gilt edged chance for Liam O’Neill, who straight through look certain to score before failing to unleash a shot. Three minutes after the break the unfortunate Bailey Jackson hauled down Borrelli to give Aber a dream chance, but Sherbon’s penalty hit the crossbar to the bar to the despair of the home faithful. A good player will not be denied however and just two minutes later the selfsame Sherbon turned in the area and unleashed a low shot which sneaked in at the far post to finally earn a vital lead in a tight game. Keen to put the game to bed Town pushed on and Owen picked out Borrelli’s run, and his low shot found the side netting. Airbus of course now had a spell of pressure but with the home defence imperious in the air, inspired by the wonderful Ryan Wollacott, their chances were very limited. Tony Gray fired a shot over from outside the area and James Murphy aimed a long distance fizzer just past the post, while at the other end Owen went close with a long range effort and sub Chris Jones brought a save from Shaun Pearson with a late curler, and the Black and Greens held on for a hugely important result.

Perhaps the most pleasing aspect of the game to the Management was that Aber’s committed defending meant that Airbus failed to register a single shot on target in the entire game, and if Town can replicate this level of performance over the next nine games the season could yet finish on a high. Matchday number 24 comes next Saturday away to Cefn Druids with a 2.30pm kick off. You’re never short of intrigue with Aber Town!