Aberdare took a break from the league action to face a tough challenge against the unbeaten Ardal South East league leaders Caerphilly Athletic and put on an excellent display, only losing by a single goal. A still and overcast afternoon saw Callum Tandy and Oscar Din in the starting eleven while Mason Howells, Marc Warren, Elliott Hewings, Southern Rowlands all remainded sidelined (injuries) and Cam Sage not available. Aber attacked the Town end and almost went ahead on 4 minutes as Liam John, playing further forward than usual, went down the right side and his cross was met by Will De Sousa but his effort came back off the crossbar. The 6th minute saw an away attack played through the Aber defence and, despite Dylan Pearce's attempt to block, Caerphilly netted comfortably. The 10th minute saw a home free kick latched onto by Macauley Morgan but his shot was tipped over by the away 'keeper. Unsurprisingly, the visitors enjoyed possession with slick passing but Aber defended resolutely. A good home break on 35 minutes saw Morgan shoot just past the post while their their guests did likewise on 40 minutes. After an entertaining first half a Caerphilly corner from their right was kept out while Pearce did well on 52 minutes to thwart an away effort. Substitutions saw Jack Salmon and Morgan replaced by new signing Kai Davies and Hadley Taylor. A 67th minute Aber shout for a penalty went unheeded. Caerphilly went for a clinching second goal but fine defending kept them out. An added time Kellan Webb free kick from the right saw a far post effort go just wide to deny an equalizer. A creditable performance against a side from 3 leagues higher was appreciated by the home support. Saturday 30th August sees a trip to Pentyrch Rangers for a league fixture at 2.30, the sides having already met in a JD Welsh Cup Tie which Aberdare won 6-3. Team: Dylan Pearce, Callum Tandy, Kellan Webb, Kieran Rodway, Lee Hartshorn, Jack Salmon (Kai Davies), Oscar Din, Cai Mackenzie, Macauley Morgan (Hadley Taylor), Will de Sousa, Liam John Subs not used: Dan Field, Nathan Sage, Lewis Reed Player of the Match: Kieran Rodway

Report by Ray Pearce Published 23 August 2025