REPORT: BAGLAN DRAGONS 0 - 1 ATFC

Aber Town recorded a third consecutive 1–0 away win at Evans Bevans Field, Baglan, on Saturday with Richie Ricketts’ 76th-minute strike from the edge of the area proving the decisive moment in a tight contest. Heavy pre-match rainfall made the pitch difficult to play on, but once again Craig Williams’ men worked hard to find a way through, and now sit just one point off third place in the JD Cymru South with ten games remaining.

The only change to Aber’s line-up from Newport was a debut in goal for deadline-day signing Kelland Absalom. He dealt comfortably with an early long-range free-kick bound for the bottom corner, and the new keeper’s kicking on a difficult surface was excellent throughout. Soon Aber began to create chances: Tom Mason set up Calvin Smith to cut in on his left foot before flashing a shot just past the top corner, and minutes later Mason won a 50/50 but couldn’t quite get his shot away. Dylan Downs was next to threaten with a corner which fell to Zach McKenzie, but his left-footed effort was blocked.

Baglan then had a big chance as the ball was dragged back to the edge of the area, but the effort was lofted over the bar. An exciting passage of play followed as Zac Hartley intercepted a Baglan breakaway and Johnny Evans crossed for Mason, who headed wide. As the rain subsided, an entertaining first half drew to a goalless conclusion.

Rackeem Reid replaced Mason at the break and did well down the left to get an early cross in, though the resolute home defence again prevented a chance. Evans then broke down the left and crossed for Reid, but his effort was intercepted at the last second. Baglan responded with a long-range free-kick that drifted inches wide of the post. The ever-reliable Downs blocked another Baglan effort after Absalom had made the initial save, before Owain Evans replaced Smith.

McKenzie created down the right, crossing for Reid, and captain Desean Martin smashed the ball goalwards only for Baglan to block once more. Cameron Allen then came on for his second Aber debut alongside Piers Juliff, and Juliff made an immediate impact. With virtually his first touch, he delivered a corner which found Reid at the back post, who set up Ricketts to smash the ball into the bottom corner from the edge of the box.

As the players ran over to celebrate with the fantastically loyal Aber Southsiders who had braved torrential rain, they knew the task was now to see the game out – and they did just that. Aber kept the ball in the home half for long spells and calmly negotiated three minutes of injury time to secure another huge win.

Once again, the rejuvenated Black and Greens showed tremendous resilience to grind out victory in a physical battle under difficult conditions. Thirteen points from the last fifteen available has put Aber firmly back in the promotion shake-up.

Town are in a good place right now and return to Park Avenue this Saturday for a Valentine’s Day meeting with the Stars of Treowen, kick-off at 2.30pm. Show some love to the Black and Greens this weekend! 💚🖤