REPORT: ATFC 2-0 KERRY FC

A new-look Aber Town started pre-season with a composed 2-0 win against a Kerry side who finished sixth in last season’s Ardal North East League. After a goalless first half, a triallist scored twice in the 52nd and 80th minutes to put the cap on a solid performance from the Black and Greens, in front of a decent turn out on a Friday night at Park Avenue.

New Manager Callum McKenzie started the game with Seb Osment and Tom Mason remaining from last season’s roster, and nine new signings as Dylan Downs, Kane Auld, Sam Paddock, Star Mayemba, Ethan O’Toole, Kosta Mario, Ben Guest, Calvin Smith and Desean Martin all made their bows, and the home side started in full control, keeping possession and creating chances.

Downs released O’Toole down the right but his effort flew over the bar, then Paddock sent Mayemba down the left, but his low effort skidded past the far post. Mayemba again went close at the near post from a Martin cross – but then the visitors came into things. Neil Mitchell headed wide, then sent in a shot which Oswell parried to safety. The home keeper also denied Fin Bellamore and held a low effort from Ben Hendleman, as the visitors showed they were not just there to make up the numbers, and the first half ended goalless.

Aber made seven changes after the break, with Tomos Wyn Evans, Ben Davies, Richy Ricketts, Gwydion Dafis and Tyrone Ofori, plus two trialists emerging. One of the trialists was playing up front and he made an immediate impact, rushing down the right and crossing for Ricketts, whose shot was saved by Riley Bellmall in the away goal. The effervescent Dafis then released a triallist down the right, and he slid the ball home past Bellmall for the first goal of the new era!

Dave Lead fired wide for Kerry, but then back came Aber with Ricketts’ free kick setting up a chance which Davies flashed wide. Ricketts curled another attempt wide, then Evans in goal came out well to deny Mike Humphries. A triallist played a one two with Dafis before testing the keeper with a low effort, then the two combined again with the ball going just past the far post

Academy products Tyler Davies, Landon Walton and Caio Evans, plus another trialist came on, an audacious attempt from Mitchell for the visitors curled just past the far post, then a Ricketts corner fell nicely for a triallist, who smashed the ball home from close range with ten minutes to go. Ofori nodded wide from a right wing cross, then seemed certain to score but then went down at the crucial moment, with the home fans looking for a penalty. Evans came out well to punch a corner clear, and the job was done.

This was a composed performance from Aber, and the chances came in a second half to earn a victory over a lower league opponent. Home supporters were pleased with the two goals, but with a further week in the tank, Callum McKenzie will be expecting more from his players next week as Cymru North side Caersws visit Park Avenue for a 1pm kick off. Footy is back!!!