Kellaway's Killer Strike Keeps Aber on Course

JD Welsh Premier League
Friday 1st February
Aberystwyth Town 1 Llandudno 1

A superb 30 yard volley from evergreen Geoff Kellaway thirteen minutes from time finally put an end to Aberystwyth Town's seven match losing streak, and earned the Black and Greens a thoroughly deserved point at home to Llandudno, for whom George Harry's 17th minute deflected shot was the high point of the evening.

On a chilly evening on the Ceredigion coast the hosts rang the changes, giving debuts to Marc Williams and Carwyn Jones, and recalling keeper Terry MCormick, Alan Goodall, Leigh Jenkins and Ash Ruane to the starting eleven. The game struggled to get going but then Matthew Jones played a sweet ball across to Ruane, whose low goalbound drive was gathered by Shaun Pearson in the visitors goal. Les Davies blasted over for Llandudno then Jones was the next to test Pearson with a low drive. Williams was prominent for Town, dropping deep to pick up and bringing others into play as he excelled in the number ten role. Toby Jones fired over for Llandudno but they then got a lucky break when Harry’s low drive from the edge of the area took a big deflection and nestled into McCormick’s net. In response Jones sent in another cross which Williams glanced wide, Declan Walker aimed a long range drive straight at the keeper and despite creating more chances Aber went in at the break a goal down and under pressure.

The hosts pressed again after the break, with Matthew Jones again setting up a Williams header to bring another save from Pearson. Alun Webb sent a shot wide but then at the other end Leigh Jenkins had a shot deflected for a corner. Kellaway then sent a superb volley inches wide from 30 yards, Williams hit the post with a curling shot and Matthew Jones fired wide as Aber upped the pressure. Town had a let off when Toby Jones’ goal was chalked off for offside, and then McCormick pulled off a great save to deny Webb down to his left. Those of a nervous disposition were fearing that the game was going away from Town but then up popped the legendary Kellaway, who pulled out a brilliant low drive from 30 yards to equalise with a vital goal, before celebrating in front of an adoring Nark’s Corner. In an exciting last ten minutes sub Ryan Edwards sent a volley just wide, Marc Williams saw a shot deflected for a corner, before Llandudno enjoyed some late pressure. Harry sent a shot narrowly wide, and super Steffan Edwards denied Toby Jones at the death with a last gasp goal line clearance, to bring proceedings to a close at one one.

On a nervous night with defeat unthinkable for the Black and Greens, the game was not a technical masterclass, but thanks to Geoff Kellaway’s moment of magic Aber got the result they needed, which brings to an end their heartbreaking run of defeats. Town will now look forward to more Friday Night Football, with a visit to Stebonheath Park, Llanelli next weekend (ko 7.45pm). Assemble Green Army!

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