REPORT: ATWFC 2 - 2 BRITON FERRY LLANSAWEL WOMEN

Aberystwyth Town Women showed character and control as they battled to a dramatic 2–2 draw against Briton Ferry Llansawel Women on Thursday 22 January, with a stoppage-time free kick rescuing a deserved point for the Seasiders.

Geraint Nicholas / FAW

Aberystwyth made a bright and positive start, pressing aggressively from the opening exchanges and setting the tempo early on. Their approach paid dividends in the 17th minute when excellent pressing forced an error at the back. Amy Jenkins reacted quickest, getting in ahead of both the Briton Ferry defender and goalkeeper, before the ball fell for Lily Moralee-Hughes to tap home from close range.

The Seasiders remained firmly in control for much of the first half, dictating possession and limiting Ferry’s opportunities. However, the visitors began to show their match fitness in the closing stages before the break, applying pressure as Aberystwyth felt the effects of a long spell without competitive action.

Briton Ferry emerged strongly after half-time and struck back in the 50th minute, with Megan Kearle finishing a rapid counter-attack to level the score. Ten minutes later, the same player capitalised on another fast-break situation to give the visitors the lead with her second goal of the evening.

Despite falling behind, Aberystwyth responded well and continued to control the tempo of the match, enjoying the majority of possession and pushing for an equaliser. The momentum shifted again in the 63rd minute when Kearle was shown a red card, reducing the visitors to ten players and giving the Seasiders renewed impetus.

Aberystwyth pressed relentlessly in search of a way back into the game, though chances proved difficult to convert. Tensions rose late on and, in the 90th minute, Lily Moralee-Hughes was also dismissed following an off-the-ball incident, leaving both sides with ten players for the closing stages.

Just when it appeared Briton Ferry would hold on for all three points, Aberystwyth found a dramatic equaliser deep into stoppage time. In the 96th minute, Rebecca Mathias stepped up to take a long-range free kick and produced a superb strike past Courtney Young in the Ferry goal, sparking celebrations among the home side.

The match also marked a welcome moment for Aberystwyth, with Bethan Roberts making her long-awaited return to the first team after time away. With strong performances across the pitch, the Seasiders can take plenty of positives from a resilient display and a well-earned point.