Ynysygerwn 1 Aberystwyth Town 2: Match Report

Pre Season Friendly
Friday 28th July
Ynysygerwn 1 Aberystwyth Town 2

A youthful Aberystwyth Town side prevailed over Welsh League Division Three outfit Ynysygerwn in dreadful conditions at the Llandarcy Academy of Sport on Friday night thanks to goals from Steff Gittins (51 mins) and Harri Horwood (56 mins). Jonathan Evans' 84th minute response proved to be no more than a consolation on a night which underlined the strength of Aber Town's squad.

Heavy rain and winds gave this game an unseasonal feel and the die hard fans who braved the torrential downpour deserve credit. The visitors started with the wind and Cledan Davies used it to assist an early effort just over the bar. Daniel Thomas then drew a good save from Scott Coughlan in Aber's goal, but Davies and Luke Borrelli caused problems for the hosts at the other end and keeper Scott Rogers suffered a broken wrist making a crucial save to keep the scores goalless. After a lengthy delay James Newell twice went close for Gerwn before Borelli and Jack Rimmer fired over for Aber, and an undistinguished half ended goalless.

Young Steff Gittins, introduced as a half time sub down the right took just six minutes to make his mark cutting inside and slotting then ball under Richard Powell for the opener, and with the rains easing off Horwood doubled the lead tapping home from close range after Josh Crowl's effort proved too strong for Powell just five minutes later. Town now relaxed and looked confident on the ball, with Niall Coleridge bringing a good save from the home netminder. The hosts did hit the post with a cheeky effort but at the other end the impressive Gittins sent in a great cross which Crowl headed goalbound, only to be denied by Powell. Evans then ensured an exciting last five minutes with a low drive from distance which sneaked in under Coughlan.

Aber's young guns however - with young Centre Back Lee Jenkins looking particularly solid - held firm to see out the win, and must earn plaudits for a good result earned in difficult conditions. 

Ynysygerwn (5-3-1-1): Steffan Rogers; Sam Pearson, Neal Willis, Johnny Davies, Joe Humphreys, Carl Evans; Daniel Thomas, Jonathan Evans, Nicky Rutheroe; Corey Tristram; James Newell. Subs: Richard Powell, Dean Morris, Robbie Doherty, James Carsley, Alex Brown.
Aber Town (4-3-3): Scott Coughlan; Dan Hopton, Harry Cotham, Lee Jenkins, Cledan Davies; Josh Crowl, Jack Rimmer, Niall Coleridge; Geoff Kellaway, Luke Borrelli, Harri Horwood. Subs: Carwyn Morgan, Steff Gittins, Liam Doherty.