REPORT: ATFC 3 - 2 CARDIFF DRACONIANS

Zach McKenzie’s dramatic late winner earned a huge victory for Aber Town against resilient Cardiff Dracs yesterday, as the Black and Greens came out on top after a five-goal thriller. Jonathan Evans gave Town the perfect start after three minutes, but Luke Davies equalised with a 21st-minute free-kick. Tom Mason put Aber back in front four minutes before the break, but Harry Treharne’s 89th-minute equaliser looked to have broken home hearts, only for McKenzie to strike deep into added time.

On a blustery, chilly afternoon in Ceredigion, the hosts started on the front foot and were ahead almost immediately. McKenzie fed Rackeem Reid down the right wing, and he outpaced his defender before crossing for Evans to smash the ball home thrillingly from around 15 yards out. Playing against the wind, McKenzie almost broke through to double the lead, but visiting keeper Harry Johnson was out smartly to deny the chance.

Sam Roberts fired wide from the left for Dracs as they gained a foothold in the game, only for the irrepressible Evans to fire wide, have a shot deflected, and then shoot just over the bar. The Dracs then enjoyed a period of pressure with the wind at their backs: Treharne had a shot saved, Dan Bowen’s overhead kick was touched wide by Reece Thompson in goal, and Davies levelled the scores with a superb free-kick from the edge of the area.

Back came Aber. Dylan Downs’ free-kick was palmed out and Reid headed just past the post, Evans had yet another shot blocked, then Calvin Smith played the ball through to Reid, who laid it off to Mason on the edge of the box. Aber’s young striker found the far corner with a fine left-footed strike — his first goal for the First Team. Thompson was alert to save a flick-on from Davies at his near post, then a screamer from Smith landed just past the post, and a very entertaining half ended with the Black and Greens a goal to the good.

Playing with the wind, the hosts looked to dominate territorially in the second half and pressed hard for a killer third. Thompson needed to make a superb save from Bowen, then a lovely move saw Zach Hartley feed Reid, but his effort was blocked, before Sam Roberts again tested Thompson. Hartley fired over, Evans was once more denied by Johnson, then showed great trickery before curling an effort just past the far post.

Substitute Erik Savkin, on his debut, saw a looping effort saved, Hartley volleyed wide, and the Dias Stand was aghast when a meaty challenge on Reid was not penalised with a spot-kick, allowing the Dracs to stay in the contest. Downs had a shot saved, then at the other end the inevitable happened: substitute Craig Wilcox broke down the right and crossed for Treharne to volley low and seemingly snatch a point.

However, extended injury time followed, and Thompson punched clear a Dracs corner before, at the other end, hard work from Hartley won a corner for Aber. Downs’ outswinger was touched into the net by McKenzie, sparking joyous scenes in the Dias Stand and beyond.

This was an excellent game and a huge result for Aber, and Craig Williams’ squad deserve immense credit for emerging from this intense tussle with all three points. Dracs also contributed hugely and have made a big impression since their promotion from Tier 3 in the summer, but for the Black and Greens the push for promotion continues.

Next stop is Spytty Park Stadium next Saturday for a clash with Newport City (KO 2pm). Join the Southsiders bandwagon to Gwent!