Llandudno 0 Aberystwyth Town 2: Match Report

Dafabet Welsh Premier League
Sunday 9th April
Llandudno 0 Aberystwyth Town 2

Goals from Mark Jones and Sgorio Man of the Match Malcolm Melvin earned Aber Town a huge win at Maesdu Park this afternoon, ensuring that new Assistant Manager Tony Pennock opened his account with a much needed three points.

On a windy and overcast afternoon the only change for Aber came as Pip Baker returned to the side to replace Dylan Rees, who was allowed to transfer to a side in Sweden last week. A vociferous travelling support encouraged the visitors to a positive start against the wind and Jones had curled an effort just wide in the opening few minutes. Then with the sun threatening to creep through the clouds Aber captain Dan Alfei sent a ball into the box from the right side which Jones controlled and turned into the net for 1-0 after just thirteen minutes, to crown a perfect start for Pennock's men. Truth be told the Seasiders were playing the conditions much better than their hosts who failed to register more than a handful of meaningful efforts on goal. Sam Hart's free kick was easy for Chris Mullock before Danny Shaw drew a clearance from Jones before heading over a Ben Jago cross, but with Sam Rodon and Baker imperious at the back behind the impeccable Ryan Wollacott Town never looked in serious danger of conceding. Back came Aber with Geoff Kellaway going on a 50 yard dash before bringing a save from Dave Roberts with a right wing cross, then Danny Hughes sent an effort wildly over the bar for Llandudno, and the visitors looked comfortable with their one goal half time deficit.

​After the break Kellaway again burst down the right only to find Roberts thwarting his efforts to find a colleague, then at the other end Alfei blocked off Lee Thomas and Mike Williams tapped over the bar from Hart's cross. Alfei then sent in another brilliant cross which Jones again converted, only to be denied by the linesmans' 55th minute flag, apparently denoting an offside infringement by Luke Borrelli. Thomas become the next Llandudno player to sky a goalbound effort and Alfei went close with a shot at the other end. Jack Rimmer, who had linked up well with midfield colleague Melvin, was replaced by Jamie Crowther and Aber continued to press with Kellaway just failing to convert a Borrelli cross. Then on 76 minutes Mark Jones powered down the middle, and the ball broke to the galloping Melvin who found space down the left flank to slot the ball under Roberts for a second goal which brought about exuberant celebrations from long suffering Town supporters. With the sun peeping out again the game was won. Mullock denied Owain Jones well and then young Sion Ewart came on for Baker, and he had a shot blocked before setting up Jon Owen, whose low drive failed to trouble Roberts unduly. Aber held on comfortably through four minutes of injury time before ref Lee Evans' final whistle confirmed an important win for Town.

Four points and two clean sheets from their last two games has completely changed the mood in the Black and Green camp and with the side showing an impressive determination and solidity, Tony Pennock's men are now looking forward to their next test on Friday at home to Rhyl (ko 7.45pm). See you there!   

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