REPORT: ATFC 1 - 1 CARMARTHEN TOWN

In front of a bumper Bank Holiday crowd, the Black and Greens were inches away from a huge win, but in the end had to settle for a point at home to Carmarthen Town despite a really positive performance. Luke Cummings put the visitors ahead in the fifth minute, only for Calvin Smith to equalise with an outstanding shot from 35 yards seven minutes after the break. Aber could have won it late on through Jonny Evans’ volley, but Carmarthen blocked the shot and claimed a share of the spoils.

An impressive 428 supporters braved the chilly New Year winds to make the game, which served as Craig Williams’ first home match in charge. The hosts started well as Zach McKenzie surged down the right to cross for Rackeem Reid, but he couldn’t get a shot away. Carmarthen then worked the ball out to their right and Cummings found space to send a low volley into the far corner for the opener. Playing with the wind and using it well, allied to a high press, the visitors enjoyed a strong spell.

However, in his fiftieth game in Black and Green, Zac Hartley crossed for Evans to nod just past the near post as Town served notice of their intent. As Aber began to play football on the surface, their quality showed. Desean Martin had a shot blocked and Josh Ferreira sent a low volley towards the far corner, only for Lee Idzi to tip it round the post. At the other end, Reece Thompson did well to tip another Cummings effort over the crossbar, and just before the break McKenzie played in a great ball but Idzi sneaked in just ahead of Evans, meaning Carmarthen led at the interval.

Minutes into the second half, Aber equalised with one of the best left-footed goals seen at Park Avenue for many a long year. Smith collected the ball and drove down the left towards the penalty area before unleashing an incredible strike which flew into the far top corner via a small flick off the head of Rackeem Reid – surely one of the Cymru South goals of the season. Now aided by the wind, Aber smelled blood and dominated the remainder of the game with a series of free-kicks and corners, all well defended by the visitors.

Reid juggled the ball in the box but couldn’t get his shot away, Hartley sent in a left-footed drive which Idzi tipped over before nodding wide himself from a Dylan Downs cross. Jaime Rickard clipped the crossbar and Tobias Jones volleyed over for Carmarthen in a rare foray, before Reid clipped the post with a header from Hartley’s delivery as Aber continued to exert pressure. McKenzie saw a header cleared off the line with the starlings swooping impressively in the background, then sent in yet another superb cross which fell for Evans, but his goalbound volley was blocked at the last moment to deny the winner.

A series of late corners and free-kicks failed to provide the breakthrough and, despite a dominant performance, Aber had to settle for a point.

There was certainly an air of disappointment around Park Avenue at the final whistle as the Black and Greens had played so well. However, the point moves Aber up to fifth in the Cymru South, four points behind Ammanford in third place. Craig Williams will be pleased with the level of performance, if not the final result, and if the Black and Greens can play like this for the remainder of the season they will still be firmly in the promotion race come April.

The Club would like to thank its tremendous fanbase for a fantastic turnout at Park Avenue, and remind supporters that the Black and Greens’ next fixture is away to Baglan Dragons on Saturday 10 January with a 2pm kick-off. Where else would you be?!