Penybont 3 Aberystwyth Town 1: Match Report

JD Cymru Premier
Friday 23rd September
Penybont 3 Aberystwyth Town 1
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Despite a spirited performance, Aber Town fell to defeat at high flying Penybont last night, amid a great atmosphere at the SDM Glass Stadium and a crowd of 506. Billy Borge gave the hosts the lead on 26 minutes, but Niall Flint equalised for the visitors from the penalty spot eight minutes later to delight the Seasiders’ superb singing supporters. Nathan Wood regained the lead for Bont six minutes before half time, again from the penalty spot, and Kane Owen’s 84th minute free kick settled matters late on.

Black and Green supporters turned out on force for this one and cheered their team onto the field for a tough challenge. Mael Davies blasted over early for Penybont, but then Harry Arnison volleyed wide for Aber. The prominent Arnison slid another volley over the bar soon after, while Dan Jefferies headed over from Owen’s corner, and Rhys Kavanagh was twice denied by Lewis Webb in an exciting game. Aber’s Sam Phillips had an attempt from half way saved by Kelland Absalom, but then Kai Whitmore found space down the left to send in a devilish cross, which Borge tapped in from close range for the lead. Kavanagh volleyed wide but then back came the Seasiders, and they were awarded a penalty for a foul on Iwan Lewis minutes later. The impressive Niall Flint stepped up and converted the pen confidently to send the visiting fans into a disco dancing delirium. Sadly within five minutes Penybont were awarded a penalty of their own, and Wood regained the lead in front of a throng of young home supporters. The visitors finished strongly with Flint’s shot from the left pushed out for a corner, and Steff Davies sent in a goalbound header which Absalom held on to, so that an exciting half ended with Penybont 2-1 up.

Roared on by their fans Aber continued to press after the break with a series of free kicks sent in by the dangerous Sam Phillips. Arnsion headed wide, and then Aber were denied delight as Harry Arnison tapped in a back header from close range, but the goal was ruled out for offside. Some desperate defending from Penybont denied Steff Davies from close range, Phillips had a shot blocked and sub Jack Rimmer sent in a dangerous ball which was saved, with Aber pressing hard for a vital equaliser. Davies volleyed over again, and the sub Jon Owen saw a low shot deflected back to the keeper and safety. The hosts then enjoyed a spell of pressure and possession, with Aber defending stoutly, and Webb did well to gather a cheeky chip from Wood. Then with seven minutes to go the game was decided by a free kick from close range for a back pass, and Owen joyously blasted home the killer third into the far corner to break Aber hearts. Penybont saw the remaining minutes of the game out and came away with a win which takes them into second place.

Aber’s two goal defeat in such a close game was decidedly harsh, with the footballing gods not smiling on Anthony Williams’ team last night. They competed well, created a number of chances and the fact that the team was cheered off the field by the away supporters should give the team great confidence ahead of Tuesday’s JD Cymru Premier meeting with Airbus UK Broughton, at Park Avenue (ko 8pm). The football fun just keeps on coming – see you in three days for your next instalment!