This much anticipated local derby saw a good attendance as Aber, having defeated Cwmbach at the start of the season, were to do the double with a pulsating 3-2 success in a real Christmas cracker! Welcoming new 'keeper Siddhant Deshmukh plus substitutes Harri Evans and Sam Dancer from FC Cwmaman, Aber started down the slope on a dry but windy afternoon. After both sides had early skirmishes, Aber took the lead on 16 minutes when Oscar Din played in Macauley Morgan for a fine strike from 30 yards over the home No. 1's despairing hand. On 24 minutes the move was reciprocated as Morgan flicked on for Din to drive in the second goal to the delight of the Aberdare supporters. Just 2 minutes later a home attack saw the Aber custodian make a fine double save but the hosts pulled it back to 1-2 on 39 minutes with a fine free kick from 30 yards finding the top corner. It was all square on half-time as a run through the Aberdare defence after a quick turnover and attack saw a comfortable finish. With Cwmbach knowing how to use the slope to their advantage, skipper Kellan Webb made a fine interception at the start of the second 45 and another home effort went just wide. After absorbing home attacks with great effort from the whole team, Morgan was through on 63 minutes but was denied by the home 'keeper. However, the three-quarter hour mark saw Aber retake the lead when a header away by Cwmbach was met with a sumptuous strike from 25 yards by Cai Mackenzie which evaded everyone in the penalty area to nestle in the far corner. The hosts still exerted pressure on the Aber defence but resolute play kept them out led by player of the match Alex Jacklin. A home player's dismissal did not help their cause but into the 10 minutes of added time an attempt hit the Aber crossbar with the rebound blazed over. Eventually the final whistle from the excellent referee saw jubilation in the Aberdare ranks for a hard-fought success. Congratulations to the whole squad for such a committed effort. Team: Siddhant Deshmukh, Liam John (Hadley Taylor), Alex Jacklin, Callum Tandy, Kellan Webb, Jack Salmon, Cai McKenzie, Kieran Rodway, Oscar Din (Harri Evans), Mac Morgan (Cam Walker), Will de Sousa Subs not used: Sam Dancer, Nathan Sage Player of the Match: Alex Jacklin

Report by Ray Pearce Published 13 December 2025