Llandudno 1-0 Aberystwyth Town: Match Report

JD Welsh Premier League
Saturday 31st March
Llandudno 1-0 Aberystwyth Town
 
Aberystwyth Town fell to their second consecutive JD Welsh Premier League defeat at the hands of Llandudno on a disappointing afternoon for the Black and Greens at the Giant Hospitality Stadium. A late volley from Matty Williams secured all three points for the hosts in a game that failed to entertain for large portions, as Aber now turn their attentions to next Sunday’s mammoth JD Welsh Cup semi-final clash with Newtown at Bala’s Maes Tegid.

Aber made two changes to the starting eleven that lost at home to Barry Town United last weekend, with Kurt Sherlock and Matthew Jones coming in to replace Craig Hobson and Luke Borrelli. And it was the visitors that started the game on the front foot as Declan Walker fired his first effort towards goal after just two minutes. But the game gradually turned into a scrappy affair, with both sides unable to get their usual flowing footballing rhythms going, and very few clear-cut chances being created. On 19 minutes, Llandudno had their first real opportunity of the game, as Lee Thomas gained possession in midfield before breaking into Aber’s half and passing the ball to Danny Hughes who seemed certain to score, but Malcolm Melvin produced a superb last-ditch tackle to deny him. The pattern of the game continued as Aber struggled to create an opening in attack, and on 32 minutes they had their goalkeeper Chris Mullock to thank as he tipped Toby Jones’ low volley around the post. As half time approached, Declan Walker did all he could to break the deadlock as he rifled a dangerous free kick into the wall, but it wasn’t to be as the referee ended a disappointing half for the neutrals.

The second half started in similar fashion to the first, with Aber appearing to show more urgency in their play but unable to create a goal scoring opportunity. On 56 minutes came the first half chance of the second half as David Thompson cut inside for the hosts before unleashing a left-footed effort that sailed over the crossbar. Aber introduced Luke Borrelli and Ryan Wade for Kurt Sherlock and Damien Allen to add more pace to the front line, and the substitutions very nearly had an instant impact. On 75 minutes, Borrelli flicked the ball inside to John Owen, who turned his man before striding into the penalty area and dragging his low shot inches wide of the post. Soon after, Aber would be ruing that missed chance as the hosts took the lead on 80 minutes; substitute Robbie Parry went on a weaving run down the right flank before crossing the ball into the six yard area, where the ball ricocheted for Matty Williams to volley the ball into the net and make it 1-0. Aber suddenly upped the tempo of their play in search of an equaliser, as Geoff Kellaway replaced Joe Phillips in the final throw of the dice. The visitors began to pen the hosts back in their own half and threw a couple of dangerous crosses into the penalty area, but it was to no avail, as Llandudno saw out the 4 minutes of stoppage time to pick up a valuable 3 points that ensure their JD Welsh Premier League safety.
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A very disappointing afternoon for the seasiders, who will be especially frustrated at the lack of cutting edge and creativity they showed in front of goal. Aber remain in 10th place in the JD Welsh Premier League table and now turn their attentions to their massive JD Welsh Cup semi-final clash with Newtown at Maes Tegid next Sunday lunchtime.
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