REPORT: MENAI BRIDGE TIGERS 0-2 ATFC

Second-half strikes from Aaron Williams (pen, 62 mins) and Tom Evans (81 mins) earned Aber their fifth win in a row and a place in the Welsh Cup Second Round, as the Black and Greens prevailed over fourth-tier Menai Bridge Tigers on Treborth’s 3G pitch, within sight of Ynys Môn.

The vagaries of the Welsh Cup’s geography meant that Town were put in the northern half of the draw, so a trip to Bangor it was – the Tigers play on the mainland, a mile from their home town. On a pleasant afternoon on the Menai Strait, the visitors started well, with Dan Owen testing home keeper Lee Owen’s hands with an early effort. Next, he denied the returning Dylan Downs, and then at the other end Danny Brookwell’s low effort fell nicely for Luke Evans in the Aber goal.

With the hosts sitting deep, chances were few and far between: Sam Paddock headed wide from a Downs corner, and Brookwell lobbed over for the Tigers, but a half which had rather drifted ended goalless.

Brookwell was again lively after the break and saw an effort cleared off the line by Paddock, then at the other end a deep cross from Niall Coleridge found Williams at the back stick, but Owen saved his low attempt. Town’s Machynlleth mob combined as Dillon Browne set up Harry Cottam for a long-range stinger which was saved by Owen, then Luke Meek surged through and his volley, heading for the top corner, was superbly saved by Evans in the Aber goal – the Rhayader man showing his worth once again at a vital time in the game.

Minutes later, Aber pressure saw the ball fall for Owen on the left flank, and his shot was handled by a home defender, resulting in a crucial penalty. Up stepped the ever-confident Williams, who slotted the ball home for the lead.

Soon after that, Owen was fouled on the edge of the area and substitute Leo Thompson curled the ball inches wide. Further attempts from Thompson and Owen were saved, then Richie Ricketts won a corner for Town. Thompson delivered, and Evans nodded home decisively from close range – two substitutes combining once again for a vital goal.

From here on in, Aber saw the game out professionally. Tarran Hollinshead jinked through down the right and fired over, but the job was done and the Black and Greens were in the hat for the next round.

Menai Bridge Tigers deserve credit for a solid tactical performance which at times had the visitors worried, but Craig Williams’ men held out for a victory which confirms their best winning run since the winter of 2018.

We expect the draw for Round Two to follow in the week, and then comes a big Novira Cymru South game on Friday night as league leaders Pure Swansea visit Park Avenue for an 8pm kick-off. There is nowhere else to be on September 25th!