JD Welsh Premier League
Saturday 14th October
Llandudno 2 Aberystwyth Town 3
Aberystwyth Town earned their first league victory of the season in dramatic fashion on Saturday afternoon, as captain Jonny Spittle's late header stole all three points for Nev Powell's side at the Giant Hospitality Stadium, writes Adam Bitchell. In an engrossing game, Declan Walker gave Aber a 52nd minute lead, only for quickfire goals from Toby Jones (59) and Danny Taylor (62) to put Llandudno within sight of all three points. However, an 84th minute own goal from Danny Shaw set things up for Spittle to leap like a salmon to claim a 90th minute winner and send the travelling supporters into raptures. The win means Town have now picked up five points from three games and confirms a welcome upsurge in results for Nev Powell's team.
The game started at a frantic pace, with Llandudno striker Marc Williams missing two golden opportunities in the opening minutes. Shortly afterwards, Toby Jones fired over from close range for the hosts, but after 15 minutes Aber got a grip on the game and had a chance of their own as Ryan Wade shot narrowly wide. Wade continued to be a thorn in Llandudno's side as he thrived in the number 10 role behind front man Luke Borrelli. Aber continued to grow into the game as Joe Phillips and John Owen both delivered dangerous crosses into the penalty area, but the first half ended goalless.
As the second half got underway, it was evident that Aber had upped the tempo, and on 52 minutes they found the goal they deserved. Ashley Young's deep corner kick was brilliantly headed into the roof of the net by Declan Walker, who sprinted towards the touchline in celebration and was greeted by the jubilant away supporters. However, Aber's lead was short-lived as on 59 minutes Llandudno winger Toby Jones found space on the edge of the penalty area, and fired a low shot into the bottom corner for the equaliser. This gave the hosts momentum, and indeed they built on that momentum almost instantly as Danny Taylor followed up after a good save by Aber goalie Chris Mullock to put Llandudno 2-1 up. Town looked stunned, and struggled to get themselves back into the game, as Craig Hobson was introduced to try and add some physicality up front. As the game headed into the final ten minutes, Aber sensed it was time to pull out all the stops as they began to push for an equaliser. On 84 minutes, they got their just rewards as Mathew Jones sent a deep cross over to Ryan Wade, who brought the ball down superbly and drilled an undefendable ball across the six yard box, where defender Danny Shaw was on hand to deflect the ball into his own goal. Aber grew in confidence and went searching for a late winner, as Luke Borrelli shot straight at home 'keeper Dave Roberts. Then, as the game entered stoppage time Aber were awarded a free kick about 30 yards from goal. Ashley Young lofted the ball into the box, and after a deflection looped the ball high into the air, captain Jonny Spittle rose highest to nod home the winner in dramatic fashion.
It was evident how much the victory meant to Aber's players and management team at full time, and the win now extends Town's unbeaten league run to three games. Manager Nev Powell will be delighted with the desire and perseverance shown by his team, and will be looking for more of the same next Friday night as Town welcome The New Saints to Park Avenue.
Saturday 14th October
Llandudno 2 Aberystwyth Town 3
Aberystwyth Town earned their first league victory of the season in dramatic fashion on Saturday afternoon, as captain Jonny Spittle's late header stole all three points for Nev Powell's side at the Giant Hospitality Stadium, writes Adam Bitchell. In an engrossing game, Declan Walker gave Aber a 52nd minute lead, only for quickfire goals from Toby Jones (59) and Danny Taylor (62) to put Llandudno within sight of all three points. However, an 84th minute own goal from Danny Shaw set things up for Spittle to leap like a salmon to claim a 90th minute winner and send the travelling supporters into raptures. The win means Town have now picked up five points from three games and confirms a welcome upsurge in results for Nev Powell's team.
The game started at a frantic pace, with Llandudno striker Marc Williams missing two golden opportunities in the opening minutes. Shortly afterwards, Toby Jones fired over from close range for the hosts, but after 15 minutes Aber got a grip on the game and had a chance of their own as Ryan Wade shot narrowly wide. Wade continued to be a thorn in Llandudno's side as he thrived in the number 10 role behind front man Luke Borrelli. Aber continued to grow into the game as Joe Phillips and John Owen both delivered dangerous crosses into the penalty area, but the first half ended goalless.
As the second half got underway, it was evident that Aber had upped the tempo, and on 52 minutes they found the goal they deserved. Ashley Young's deep corner kick was brilliantly headed into the roof of the net by Declan Walker, who sprinted towards the touchline in celebration and was greeted by the jubilant away supporters. However, Aber's lead was short-lived as on 59 minutes Llandudno winger Toby Jones found space on the edge of the penalty area, and fired a low shot into the bottom corner for the equaliser. This gave the hosts momentum, and indeed they built on that momentum almost instantly as Danny Taylor followed up after a good save by Aber goalie Chris Mullock to put Llandudno 2-1 up. Town looked stunned, and struggled to get themselves back into the game, as Craig Hobson was introduced to try and add some physicality up front. As the game headed into the final ten minutes, Aber sensed it was time to pull out all the stops as they began to push for an equaliser. On 84 minutes, they got their just rewards as Mathew Jones sent a deep cross over to Ryan Wade, who brought the ball down superbly and drilled an undefendable ball across the six yard box, where defender Danny Shaw was on hand to deflect the ball into his own goal. Aber grew in confidence and went searching for a late winner, as Luke Borrelli shot straight at home 'keeper Dave Roberts. Then, as the game entered stoppage time Aber were awarded a free kick about 30 yards from goal. Ashley Young lofted the ball into the box, and after a deflection looped the ball high into the air, captain Jonny Spittle rose highest to nod home the winner in dramatic fashion.
It was evident how much the victory meant to Aber's players and management team at full time, and the win now extends Town's unbeaten league run to three games. Manager Nev Powell will be delighted with the desire and perseverance shown by his team, and will be looking for more of the same next Friday night as Town welcome The New Saints to Park Avenue.
