After the good opening week success, Aberdare and their supporters travelled to the Cardiff University complex to take on Cardiff Bay FC in the Dragon Signs Amateur Trophy on one of the 3G pitches and recorded a 4-2 win. Missing Marc Warren, Jack Salmon, Oscar Din, Elliott Hewings, Southern Rowlands and Jack Nisbet there was a first start of the season for Cam Sage while youngsters Alfie Keepin, Hadley Taylor and the experienced Nathan Sage were added to the bench. A dry but breezy afternoon saw a home effort blocked by Dylan Pearce in the Aber goal after 5 minutes but by the tenth a Macauley Morgan excellent pass sent Will De Sousa in to lob the 'keeper for a 1-0 lead for the visitors. Mason Howells had a good run through thwarted by the home defence, Aber having to do likewise when Cardiff threatened on 18 minutes. Morgan soon had an effort into the side netting and a free kick just over. However, on the half-hour the away defence was breached with a fine shot to level the scores. Like the previous week a half-time get together saw Aber up the tempo, Kellan Webb crossing from the left but De Sousa was unable to keep his shot down. The 54th minute saw a penalty awarded for a challenge in the Cardiff box but Morgan's penalty was saved by the home No.1. Undaunted, Morgan took it upon himself on the hour to strike from the edge of the home box for an Aber 2-1 lead. The home side were relying on set pieces and counter attacks, Pearce racing from his goal to deny their attackers. The introduction of Aber substitutes kept up the pressure, Morgan bringing a fine save from the home custodian. From the resulting corner the ball was cleared to De Sousa to rifle home for 3-1 in the 75th minute. Another chance fell to De Sousa but was blocked before a Cardiff raid down their left saw a fine effort netted for 3-2. With only 3 of the 90 minutes left the Aber faithful hoped there would be no further alarms. The 89th minute saw a De Sousa strike rattle the Cardiff cross- bar before the hosts were reduced to ten men after a second yellow card for their skipper and playmaker. Deep into stoppage time, player of the match, De Sousa completed his hat-trick with a strong strike and Aberdare's 4-2 final score. Two cup wins, 10 goals and two hat-tricks are now followed by the anticipated local league derby when entertaining Cwmbach on Saturday 9th August with a 2.30 start at the Easy Panels Stadium. Team: Dylan Pearce, Liam John, Kellen Webb (Ciaran Clarke), Lee Hartshorn, Callum Tandy, Kieran Rodway (Lewis Reed), Cai Mackenzie, Cameran Sage (Hadley Taylor), Will de Sousa, Macauley Morgan (Alfie Keepin), Mason Howells Subs not used: Nathan Sage Player of the Match: Will de Sousa

Report by Ray Pearce Published 2 August 2025