Abercynon Athletic AFC

5/5/07 SWAL - DIV1- ABERCYNON ATHLETIC 5v2 LLANGYNYDD RANGERS

Well it was the last league match of the 2006-2007 season and with a packed Dressing Room all players wanted to play, all players perhaps feeling a little pressure as several had been missing for the emphatic victory last week down in Caerau.   The game today had significance in respect to our final league placing  - a victory pit us into the 5^th and that is what the intentions were.  The hard graft over the past few weeks gave us this chance to finish top 5 and it was essential that we took the field with the right attitude, put in a solid performance and get the job done!

With the visitors travelling from Maesteg secure in the knowledge that they were guaranteed Division 1 football next season, they were able to relax with a weight lifted off their shoulders and for that reason there was a danger.   The ref imposed himself before Kick off – by threatening to book subs who had removed their shirts…….we hoped this was not the tone being set!!

The game was played in very hot conditions, and we seemed to start with a few miss placed passes and getting caught dwelling on the ball – in fairness the pitch was rock hard and judging the bounce was causing a few problems, that said we still had control of the game, although failed to create in opening 10-15 mins, suddenly it was  1-0. Collins pressuring the defending – robbed him, crossed and Garon Davies nonchalantly headed the opener.    We nearly committed self destruct soon after….1^st Temple played in the opposition striker with a bizarre squared pass – but Watts was quick to thwart, then Cefyn Tucker almost scored a 30m own goal in bizarre fashion, as he played it back to the empty net he clutched his head, and watched as it just curled past the post!!  

Despite the kamikaze moments there was chances a plenty, every set piece there seemed a chance but couldn’t stab it home, Collins, Davies and Howells fizzed wide, but after 30 mins it was 2-0.  Space on the right was exploited and Jones and Davies combined well, Davies cut down the inside before tucking a neat pass just inside for Lee Jones to smash the 2^nd past the advancing keeper.    Shortly afterwards it was  3-0, after Collins had been denied by several harsh offside decision his frustrations finally turned to joy, he was fed through and carried the ball before another well taken drive virtually killed the game, and Tucker saw his header go narrowly wide just before HT.

At HT it was 3-0 and the Subs were all told to warm up, as changes were imminent, the players had all put in a good 45mins and the defence was largely un-breached by the opposition.   Ideally it would have been nice to keep it that way, however after 7 mins of 2^nd half the visitors pulled 1 back.   We got caught in possession going forward, a quick throw and a “lazy lob” went over the despairing dive of Watts.    Llangynydd then had a 5-10minute spell of decent possession, however the introduction of Katherines and Moses gave us fresh ideas and Katherines burst from half way past 2 defenders so him thwarted by the keeper, this was how the 2^nd half was too go, as the keeper was now the sweeper and in fairness he came out to good effect to deny Davies and Collins.  However he was left helpless when a half cleared corner was crossed over and it was a succulent left foot drive by Cefyn Tucker which settled neatly in the opposite corner of the net to make it 4-1 with 25mins to play.

With our subs vanishing into the heat, we had to battle on despite a few injured looking to be replaced, a strange situation, however there was still plenty of running as players wanted goals…..perhaps this cost us the 2^nd as we never seemed to be man tight and despite headering clear from a throw another “lazy lob” went in past the unsighted keeper.  4-2 and then there was chances, Katherines blazed high, Howells twice was sent clear, but unlike him he squandered the chances, then came probably the goal of the game………..remember the “sweeper keeper”, well again he came racing out of the box to thwart Davies’s run, but as Davies tried to knock it past the keeper did get a leg in the way, but only managed to deflect it to Harris.   Gerwyn Harris, controlled it instantly, looked up and from a full 40 meters did an “Alonso” as he precisely despatch his lobbed shot over any attempted clearnce as it dropped into the net - What away to end the season -it was our 86th league goal and possibly could it be the best of the lot?

As the minutes were running down more and more chances came but shooting from tight angles kept the score respectful.  The visitors played their part in a good game for the crowd.  There could have been more goals, there are things which need to be sharpened up for the Cup Final but in truth at times the game was like a training exercise so perhaps 2^nd half it became too easy to switch off?

Manager Lee Jones would not comment on next weeks Cup Final, however was prepared to discuss the league match, “it would have been easy to go out relaxed and simply go through the motions, to save ourselves for next week, however it was made very clear that a performance like that would not be acceptable and respect to the players, the first half the team came out settled then drove at the opposition, and got the job done.  Llangynydd came out 2^nd half with a bit more spirit and made us work more but in fairness it was a comfortable victory, and a game in which all who took from both sides seem to enjoy. The win took us into 5^th spot, Ok we not gained promotion but we finished higher than the other promoted sides, we finished higher than 11 other teams and it proves that with a good squad we can compete in the Division and hopefully next year challenge the top teams”.

Llangynydd came to the Top Club after the match, they sang, they drank and they thoroughly enjoyed themselves there.  Their spirit as a side seems very good and that should see them build for the future and a few of the lads are looking forward to next season fixture already!

28/4/07 SWAL - DIV1- Caerau 2v6 ABERCYNON ATHLETIC

With a number of players unavailable, it was pleasing to see all other fully committed to trip to Caerau, and despite an arduous journey through “the baulch”, and despite 2 cars ending up in Nantymoel instead of Maesteg, we still won!!   

Caerau needed a win to finish top 6, we needed to avoid defeat to have a chance of top 5, it was a baking hot day and the last thing we wanted was to lose the toss and play uphill 1^st half……..but we had too!!  It was a very difficult first 30mins…Caerau played well and forced us back, although not created much, we failed to keep the ball when we did win & went looking for the quick ball forward, however a few chances fell our way the best fell to Moses after Jones flicked through, but the block took the sting out of the shot which trickled wide and also caused injury, minutes after he was replaced by Howells.   Caerau went ahead, a throw near half way some how caught us out, Temple covering looked to get to the ball, but the winger cut past an fired past Jones in goal.  Jones moments later made a fantastic save to keep the score to just 1, and within a minute of the save we had gone up field via neat football and the ball was played through to Behan and ……… a lunge from behind resulted in a blatant penalty, but the ref also showed a straight red card.  It was that 1 tackle which changed the whole game.

The resulting penalty was scored by Collins, despite not catching it sweetly , it just got in to level and for remaining 10 minutes of the half we took control but couldn’t get ahead, Collins had burst clear from half way but shot wide.

2^nd half with plenty of water taken on board it was down hill running to their end, but vital if we went down, we kept possession as none of us wanted to be running all the way back up the hill – to our credit within 5 mins we had a 3-1 lead!  Collins had already gone close, before running clear and this time smashed in at near post and a minute later Howells smashed the 3^rd.    It should have been plain sailing from that point but respect to the Home side they came at us strong despite being a man light, they pulled 1 back and kept the ball fairly well, but they could not contain us when we attacked. Once we get the ball we moved it well and made the extra man count – ripped open the defence on several occasions, Gareth Jones run from half way, but Howells blazed over, then Lee Jones and Howells combined but Howells put it wide, the 4^th did come tho, Gareth Jones out wide crossed and Collins got his 2^nd, he then turned provider, another excellent piece of football, involving all central midfielders, before Collins was fed a through ball, he went wide and cut a pass for Howells to tap his 2^nd.  There was chances galore even Tucker surged forward from defence, but his 30m strike failed to test the keeper.  It was soon to be the 6 as their tired legs began to tell, their own through in their half, Jones was tenacious in the tackle, put Collins clear and he neatly finished for his Hat Trick.

It was pleasing to see young Central defender Neil Meredith again gain some valuable experience, coming on for final 15-20mins, marking one of the SWAL’s Inter league striker and keeping him quiet.  A good afternoon’s work was done and the win enabled Abercynon to climb above Caerau into 6^th.

Manager gave a brief statement afterwards “despite the journey and the players missing, the defence gave us a platform to build upon, we knew playing uphill was going to be hard but players put the effort in during the first 45mins and was rewarded by going in HT at 1-1.  Climbing to 6^th is excellent in our 1^st season & proves that with further development we are not that far off challenging in the Division for the Title, the top 4 seem a distance in front but its something that the Club and players has to aspire towards”.

24/4/07 SWAL - DIV1- Rhydyfelin 2v2 ABERCYNON ATHLETIC

Well it was match 4 for the season, 3rd time down in Rhydyfelin and despite the rivalry, no doubt both teams were looking forward to it!!  With a few players still carrying injury and others with work commitments, it did leave us light in numbers, despite having a reserve side it was very disappointing that only 1 player made himself available should he be needed.   This was noted by several players who had been playing 4 games a week to assist the Reserves, this was the first disappointment of the night!

That said the weather was lousy and there was no real crowd presence for either side, and we started the game in a sluggish fashion.   Rhyd started with a virtual 3 man attack, and 2 out wide and tried to smash long balls for them to get on the end of, and had us on the back foot on several occasions, but Temple was strong in the air and  we were able to build from the back and hit the Home side when Howells cracked home after 15mins, against the run of play.   This goal settled us and we took control as enforced errors by Rhyd gave us some cheap possession, in fairness both teams had been playing at least 2 games a week for last 4weeks, and perhaps this was telling as the pace was not as quick as previous matches...........that said as we started to get more of the ball Rhyd were playing on the counter attack, Temple cleared one off the line, to keep us ahead.  Davies at the other end flashed a shot wide and then, Hughes put a header wide, moments later it looked a certain penalty when Hughes was smashed from behind - there was no ball played but Ref waved away appeals to award a corner.   Then came the 2nd disappointment, from our own corner there was a shirt pull, free kick awarded and then as 2 faced up - neither lifting a hand, the Ref gave a straight red to Pat, for an alleged head butt!!  Nobody in the ground could believe the decision, it was more bizarre than his decision to wave play on when the ball had gone out and ref flagged (you'll read about that a bit later) - so there we were 1 up  & down to 10men but we held on until Half time.

The roles reversed as just 2weeks ago in the Cup Semi' it was us at HT with 11 players v 10 and a goal behind.  A formation was decided upon and we went out and stifled the Home side for 25 mins, we broke quite well, but neither Collins or Davies could get at the goal. The turning point came when Rhyd introduced fresh legs - as we were tiring, the last thing we needed was more pace!!  This give the Home side a lift and they were now dominating play - the defence strode forward and chances were created, a few from range was easy for Watts in goal, but in fairness Watts made 3 excellent saves from close range to thwart the Rhyd striker trio to keep us ahead, but the pressure told - with 17mins left, a blocked cross fell to the Rhyd Sub, who flashed a shot before a tackle was made - he couldn't have hit it better as it hit the back of the net.  

1-1 do we gave up under the heavy rainfall, do we roll over as Rhyd keep coming at us, no we suddenly get a new energy and vigour, Collins was asked to pressure the defence, and he did, this time the defender was hurried and Collins out muscled him, run towards the front post, and with big keeper in his way, just tapped it to Rory Behan 4 yards out who was able to control and tap home!!  It was his 1st goal of the season, it was again something we could defend and defend it we had too!!  The field was turning boggy, everybody was cramming into our half, but a good tackle on the left found Hughes central he got a lucky deflection to send him clear, he raced clear and attempted to "alonso" the keeper from near 40m - unfortunately the ball just bounced inches wide of the empty net!! That would have killed them but no with just the 1goal Rhyd continued to smashed balls forward as we were unable to retain possession. 

But then came a comedy moment as a ball was played down the line and with linesman flagging the ball had gone out, Abercynon stood still, the full back could have intercepted but left it but then suddenly we realised the Ref was ignoring the flag & waved play on, and caught us all out, how on earth could he make that call?  No disrespect to him but the lino was clear with his flag and the ref was in a central spot, another very poor decision and it looked to have cost us a certain goal,  but Watts brilliantly tipped the low driven shot away! There is no wonder players get so many booking for dissent - but again credit to us as we left him alone and get our heads back on the game!!   There was less than 5 mins left, and we had ridden our luck a fair bit but as we attacked , another smash down field was miss-controlled when it looked as though we could keep possession - this led to a swift move down our right and the ball was somehow smashed home from a very tight angle - that was disappointment number three!!!

2-2 the whistle soon went - Rhyd were happy to grab a point that they chased for most the game, in fairness they did deserve the equaliser, despite all our lads giving 100% and making rhyd work the gonads off throughout - with 10men for 50mins it was hard, Rhyd missed several good chances so all in all a fair result.   It may have been an end of season game but both sets of players put in a tremendous amount of effort, it was not the prettiest of games but it was a game that neither side wanted to lose.  

Despite the on field battles and the banter between both Clubs - I have to say that I think both sets of players must enjoy the games, and fair play once the 90mins are up there is always hand shakes all round, and good friendly hospitality.  We wish Rhyd the best as they look to pull ensure safety in Division 1 and no doubts we'll do battle again next season! 

21/4/07 SWAL - DIV1- Cardiff Drac 0v4 ABERCYNON ATHLETIC

The game started with a minute silence it ended with nearly 45mins silence!!  Not one for the purists this……the pitch was awful, rock hard with craters as opposed to divets, so the surface was never going to give a pretty game, and with sweltering temperatures and no wind – it was a lazy day for us despite the win.   

With Drac’s calling upon a few extra players to bolster their chances of going down with a victory, it started well for us – back in the “ultimate Orange” jersey in the opening few minutes we played like the Dutch, and Howells was sent clear within 2mins, he raced onto the ball, cut inside and …..hit the post with a powerful drive!!  But with 3 chances coming to us in quick succession it wasn’t long and Gary Collins, latched onto a miss placed header, he made no mistake when slotting into the corner.  After that, Drac’s moved players around a little and the game got a bit scrappy, but we still looked capable of scoring goals, Howells twice went close, and Davies jinxed his way into the box, but some brave Keeping from Drac’s no.1 kept the score down – but after some neat football – we moved the ball from left to right and Howells was put clear to slot him the 2^nd, and not long after a neat through ball by Lynch sent Collins away to smash in his 2^nd.

The start of the 2^nd half so a quick penalty award – Garon Davies placed it, but his effort was superbly saved, and not long after Davies flashed 2 good chances wide before having a breather. The game was comfortable however Drac’s tried to up the temp and we seemed content to soak the pressure and then counter – the game was over, and we looked to be conserving energy, but our final killer ball was at times to wishful although Howells and Collins still had several chances to add to the tally, whilst the Home side, we getting frustrated and shooting from distance – it was only the final minute when another rash challenge came in on Howells, another penalty and Collins “greedily” prevented keeper Watts from the penalty, the pen was scored this time and Collins grabbed his Hat Trick.

Its was probably not easy for the Home side to be motivated, having already been relegated but in fairness they give 100% and with a few additions could do well next season – they seem a well organised club, hard working off the field and a nice club house to grace any football side, and will no doubt come strong again.  All the boys were again grateful to hear “best of luck for the Cup Final” gestures and again we thank you and will give it our best.

Manager – Lee Jones was available for comment, “ it was hard today in the heat, poor playing surface and the official was none to clever, after a few hard games of late it was nice that we could get a few goals and relax whilst resting a few players.  It is pleasing that despite a below average performance we can still record a comfy victory and would hope that our batteries will be fully charged for the Rhydyfelin game.  We have a duty to ensure we play every game to win and finish as high as we possibly can and know Rhyd will be desperate to win on Tuesday.  Our confidence is good and I think that playing wise, minutes have been managed in recent weeks so that nobody should be “drained” and we can look forward to 3 more league games and aim for 9points”.  

18/4/07 SWAL - DIV1- Carnetown 2v3 ABERCYNON ATHLETIC

OH MY GOD!! WHAT A GAME & WHAT A RESULT!!!  AGAIN!!!

It was a real game this time after the ease in which we won a fortnight ago, but it was a game of 2 completely different halves in front of another excellent passionate crowd.

 It started with Carn looking the more aggressive and snapping away at us every time we had the ball, they pressured and tried to force errors and we looked “off it” thoughts of an easy game perhaps or even of the Cup Final?  Despite a sluggish start, Carne had not troubled the keeper and we then went up field moved the ball about well on the left and as the cross came in ‘ickle Hughes ghosted in at the back post to plant a glancing header, unchallenged, into the net.  It was 1-0 to ABERCYNON………..however that was that, we then failed to pass, we dwelt on the ball, and we also did not “pepper” the keeper, we seemed flat and it was no surprise when an equaliser came.

There was a few strong challenges – but this is the derby, it is expected as all players should want to compete strongly for every ball, but we moaned and when our failure to be strong and clear the ball out wide, Gavin Edwards seemed to be offside when he headed unchallenged in the 6yard box-goal stood 1-1.   This didn’t gee us up, still carne pressured, Gary John ballooned a chance over the bar from 18yard box and we were playing counter attacking football & it was too slow, this proved so in even for the 2^nd goal 7mins before HT when we caught dwelling on the ball 10m from our box, tackle came in and miss hit clearance fell to Neil Edwards to hit the goal which put them ahead.  They were ecstatic…………but little did they know that the ecstasy would soon turn to misery!!

A half time reality check was hurled out at the players who had simply not performed……….and there was a reaction as the players took it on board and immediately responded, the tackles were now from us as we pushed the Carn defence deep and it was now the Black and White who were overwhelming the opposition who seemed to tire, there was now more energy and more running, the balls were being fed much quicker and there were chances, as balls were peppering the box ……….3 free kicks 25-30m out were fired, but all over the bar, Pat burst through to unleash an effort that sizzled an inch over from 25m. It was 1way traffic and the crowd were now very vocal in their support……..roaring players on to get the leveller, and it almost came from the strangest of source……..when Lee Jones attempted to lob the keeper from an angle, it looked to be dropping over Roberts in goal, but he just managed to get a fingertip onto it to tip it onto the bar and out for a corner!!  The deep corner was then headed just over by Jones again!! Minutes later another corner and Harris headed just over……….it was coming all we needed was……………well Chris Morris!!!  The unfortunate Carnetown center back has not had much luck against us, but he notched his 2^nd for Aber when Neal Edwards conceded a needless free kick on half way, it was sailed over the shortest defence in the league and as we burst on to the bouncing ball, Morris deflected it over a helpless Roberts 2-2!

This sparked us and the crowd and there was an onslaught, Katherines twice hit shots, headers went close, Lynch, Davies, and Howells had shots, and we had a succession of corners, it was from a cleared Corner that Katherines picked up a loose ball on half way, turned it to Garon who tricked his way past one and crossed for Gerwyn Harris 6yards slide in and GOAL!!! GOAL to send us ahead with 13mins to go.  The spirit, desire and heart was evident…….as Carne continued to hit long balls to the 2 tall central strikers, we were able to continue to push forward and Collins had a chance to kill the game but Roberts saved, we pressed still and hounded every ball until the final whistle sounded.

It was an excellent victory, a hard fought victory as Carnetown showed up this time and put in a much better performance – credit them for the first half but I have to say that the support we had lifted us and the players again showed a resilience and attitude which was excellent. Jekyll & Hyde performance a 1^st half to forget – or work on? 

Carnetown took part in an excellent game, for the spectators, they couldn’t ask for more and to give them credit it was derby match, every player on the park wanted to win, there was strong challenges, there was some on-field banter, but at the final whistle the was handshakes and praise all round and my appreciation goes to the manner in which the defeat was taken to all the lads at Carnetown, the management duo and Gary Morgan for the kind words, praise and hospitality afterwards.  We can all look forward to the battles next year……..but welcome you all to get behind us as we go into the Cup Final on May 12^th.

14/4/07 SWAL WJ OWEN CUP (Semi Final)    Rhydyfelin 1v3 ABERCYNON ATHLETIC                                                                                                             Heath              Howells, Davies (p) Collins

OH MY GOD – we chalk up another huge result for the Club!!  The day had a bit of everything – the weather was boiling, the temperatures on the field were explosive but the result was a victory!! 

With a strong squad and a plan of action in mind – we set out in confidence, hoping to take our recent form onto the pitch.  However, the Home side had a massive following and they started bright, but their long ball game was easily thwarted with strong aerial defending by Temple and Harris, and the first 20mins was evenly contested, with neither keeper called upon.  However we started to get in behind their defence, twice Howells flashed crosses through the box, and Davies drove from midfield – with the Home side conceding freekicks and a few bookings we started to control things and from a  throw a Jones flick was adjudged to have been handled – and the ref pointed to the spot.   Collins stepped up with confidence he struck the pen solidly but the Home keeper guessed correct and parried – the rebound surely Collins…………aaaaggggghhh, he hit it straight back at the keeper and away to safety!!  It was a bad moment for us, our crowd were silent and this seemed to spur Rhyd into action and within 5 minutes from a nothing ball, pressure from Griffiths so Watts concede a corner.  Rhyd’s 1^st and the giant midfielder Heath got in front of his marker and easily headed home much to the delight of the Home side.

Despite this still being 1^st Half Lynch was being readied as an option for Moses, but as we started to peg Rhyd back again it looked to be a half time change when Boosh, a very bad tackle by Gibson on Moses resulted in a  straight red for the Rhyd player.  The game was halted for HT as we awaited an ambulance as Moses day was over and possibly his season – all present are thanked for their assistance as both teams tried to keep him calm, and reduce the pain.

As Moses was driven off the field in an ambulance – the 2^nd half was underway, with Keith Lynch on in a vamped up midfield to give us more attacking options, we started to dominate.   We knew we had to be patient, as Rhyd defended in numbers to protect their lead, but in sweltering conditions and reduced to 10men could they sustain the pressure for 45 mins? We remained patient, controlled the ball and did not toss aimless balls, instead the play was excellent again, with the defence and wide men of Hughes and Howells getting a lot of ball and then – Ping!!  Harris played a cross field pass the Rhyd defender failed to head clear and Howells read the bounce and unleashed a superb angled half volley into the opposite side netting giving the keeper no chance 1-1 and the whole side included the spectators were re-invigorated!!!

Game on!!  We continued to press and now there was space, we seemed to be able to carry the ball and thread balls, and Davies and Collins were seeing a lot of it in key spots, unfortunately neither player was able to get that 2^nd, however continuous pressure and as a cross came over – the Rhyd goal scorer Heath rose to head , missed and foolishly stuck un arm up – he knew his mistake despite the protests from Rhyd as another penalty was awarded – a quick glance to see who wanted – there was only one immediate reaction – Garon Davies, with his confidence and recent spurt of goals, he was given the task – and despatch with ease!!! We now led 2-1……….20mins to go.

Rhyd pushed an extra player forward……….but still the trio of Pat, Temple and Harris contained the threat and had time to distribute balls into midfield where there was more space and as we continued to press despite earlier misses again Collins showed a new resilience when he got through and lobbed the advancing keeper to seal the game at 3-1.  Cefyn Tucker replaced Howells and with more height now in defence, we dealt comfortable with the last 10mins – although there was a last minute acrobatic effort which although went well over – did cause us a deep suck of breath!!

A CUP FINAL place secured……….an excellent victory, an excellent performance from all involved.  It was hard fought as two competitive teams battled in the heat, I felt that that the ref got most decisions correct and handled things very well,  I also felt that all at Rhydfelin took defeat very magnanimously, offering kind words and best wishes – its never easy to lose at this stage of a cup, and with us visiting them in 10 days for yet another match (league) they will get a chance of swift revenge!

10/4/07 SWAL - DIV1- ABERCYNON ATHLETIC 7-2 CARDIFF DRAC'S

Well another scorcher at Grovers field – and I’m not talking about the weather!!  With a strong squad assembled again there was a change of tactics and a few “fresh faces” from Saturday’s victory as the squad was rotated to keep sharpness in for Saturdays Semi final and there was an immediate reaction.

Another fantastic start to the match as the ball was moved around comfortably, and G Jones set Collins clear, he looked set to score but for a good save, however Davies was at hand to glance an header into an empty net.  Immediately from the restart the visitors lobbed over a hopeful ball but the winger made the most of it and cracked a 1^st time effort onto the bar.   We continued to pass and move and there was chances a plenty, Jones header at the back post saved, Davies denied but it was Collins twice clean through, 1^st keeper saved, and the 2^nd Collins scuffed his shot!  Was it getting easy……well as we started to slow the game and “showboat” we got smacked in the face!!  An equaliser came from a corner – we cleared the box, but Katherines 30meters out  failed to control or clear and the loose ball was hit goal wards – Watts scrambled across but it was 1-1, 5mins later shocker!!!  Remember the French team walking off when Giggs “cheated” with a free kick, well as we lined the wall, Ping……ball was in the opposite end and 1-2 to the Drac’s ref allowed them to take advantage and to their credit they did. 

There was chances to level before the break but at HT it was 1-2, a slight tweak and few words to improve work rate was needed, having played reasonably well had we become lazy?  The reaction was immediate despite a few missed chances 1^st half, Davies and Collins combined and Collins fleet of foot, levelled 21seconds into the half.   Moses left the field as Howells entered and within minutes it was his Hammer left peg that smashed an half volley goal bound for a 3-2 lead, there was some excellent football being displayed, which controlled our performance and frustrated the visitors as they couldn’t get the ball, and at the right time – bang there was the killer the ball, Davies was sent clear, as he burst thro 1 on 1 he shocked the crowd with a deft finish 4-2 his 20^th of the season, Denning on for Katherines and more positional changes but again the fresh legs and constant movement of the Abercynon players was causing mayhem! Gareth Jones broke free, to set up Collins who’s neat close control saw him dance his way through the defence and around the keeper for his 2^nd.

It was a carnival atmosphere, scorching sunshine and the Home side 5-2 up and still Temple, Harris and Davies, controlled the ball neatly deep in our half, before springing forward, this time it was Lee Jones putting Collins through, he carried to the by line, Swivelled and pulled it back and Howells pinged the 6^th from 8yards.   Collins and Howells was both played through for Hat trick chances but both drilled wide, Ginger Pat squandered a chance via a corner – but in the final minutes possibly the move of the game as the visitors seemed to sit back and watch as a succession of passes between Temple and Harris resulted in ball out wide to Jones who headed back into Hughes he  played inside to Davies, Harris broke and after what seemed 20+ passes Harris whipped a ball over and it was Lee Jones who cut inside, leaving the marker mesmerised, as he rose like a salmon at the front post, and nonchalantly placed an angled header powerfully into the top corner beyond the outstretched fingers of a bemused keeper!! 

7-2 at the final whistle, a moral boosting victory ahead of Saturday’s Cup match – which will need the 2^nd half showing of controlled, expansive football!!  The win took us into the top half up to 7^th spot and keep the Drac’s side deep in relegation trouble.

7/407 SWAL - DIV1- ABERCYNON ATHLETIC 5-3 AFC BARGOED

A match which should have ended with Abercynon scoring 15-20 goals.  No disrespect to Bargoed but we had the chances in the 1^st half in particular to be 10 goals  ahead, yet ended up making hard work of it in the glorious weather!

With a few missing supporting Taz as he was taking to ring in the Millenium stadium, it was vital that after a few days rest we started strong and we did, we flew at the Division’s bottom side hoping to get them panicking and kill the game early, it worked.  Katherines looked sharp after his midweek break  and he was a thorn that sparked a 3 goal spree in 7mins, after 5 mins of the game Katherines, smashed the opener and his moment after a torrent of attacks Katherines shot was parried and defender deflected into the net, and then silky football opened up Bargoed and Davies made it 3-0.

It was all too easy and the Bargoed’s defence was being overworked and the Keepr had to make a number of excellent saves to keep a rampant Abercynon at bay, but then the usual calamity…….our corner 3^rd on a trot as we try to smash the 4^th, Bargoed smash it clear, no problems Dennning controls, goes to play it back to Jones to clear, unfortunately miss hit the pass, and Bargoed capitalise to score 3-1.   Hey we always give a present it  <