REPORT: TREOWEN STARS 2 - 3 ATFC

Aber Town came from behind to snatch a huge win by the odd goal in five away to Treowen, with local heroes Jonathan Evans and Richie Ricketts grabbing the goals. Evans gave the visitors the lead two minutes after the restart, but Chris Hartland equalised almost immediately. Despite Isaac Richards’ red card on 63 minutes, Treowen took the lead nine minutes from time through substitute Lewis Green. Happily for Aber, Evans levelled in the 89th minute, before Ricketts scored directly from a free kick in the 92nd to seal a thrilling victory — and there was still time for Jak Lewis to be sent off six minutes later.

Bush Park — Treowen’s unique ground perched high atop the hill, commanding stunning views over the Ebbw Valley — provided a picturesque backdrop. Once again, a loyal band of Southsiders made the pilgrimage, climbing the 50 steps to the pitch to cheer on their team.

The first half, however, was a scrappy affair, with little hint of the drama to come. Richards forced a save for the hosts before a heavy challenge on Zac Hartley saw him limp off, replaced by Ricketts. Aber enjoyed plenty of possession but created few clear chances. Gav Meacham’s fine cross from the left found Christian Davies, whose diving header was comfortably held by Reece Thompson. Ricketts volleyed over, as did Star Mayemba moments later, before Mayemba crossed from the right for Rackeem Reid, whose shot was blocked. At the other end, Callum Hodges headed wide, and Evans burst through but sent a third effort over the bar as the half ended goalless.

Just two minutes into the second half, Calvin Smith sent in a deep cross from the left to the back post, where Mayemba nodded across goal for Evans to head home. The Green Army erupted — but their joy was short-lived. Sixty seconds later, Hartland pounced on a loose ball in the box to equalise, and moments later the home physio was bizarrely sent off. Ricketts drew another save before Richards received a second yellow card for a needless foul on Zach McKenzie. Aber pushed forward — Evans crossed for Mayemba, whose fine volley was cleared off the line, then substitutes Josh Ferreira and Kane Auld both went close.

Disaster struck nine minutes from time when a simple ball over the top allowed Lewis Green to run through and slot home, restoring Treowen’s lead and seemingly ending Aber’s hopes. But Town refused to give in. Reid saw another effort blocked before substitute Tyrone Ofori played in Evans, who somehow squeezed the ball in from a tight angle on the right — his fifth goal in three games, and a lifeline for Aber.

The travelling fans were buoyed by an announcement of 14 minutes of injury time, but they only needed two. When Dylan Downs was fouled on the edge of the box, up stepped Ricketts to curl home a superb free kick, sending the Southsiders into absolute raptures. There was still time for Lewis to be shown a straight red for a rash challenge, and Aber held firm through 14 and a half minutes to secure a massive win.

Players and fans celebrated together at full-time — and there’s nothing quite like an away comeback to lift spirits. Three consecutive victories have lifted Aber up to sixth in the table, with a game in hand on four of the five sides above them. Callum McKenzie’s men can now look to the autumn with optimism. Their next assignment is a Welsh Cup Second Round tie at home to Barry Town United next Saturday (kick-off 2pm). See you there, Green Army — let’s keep this run going!