This much anticipated local derby drew a large crowd to the Easy Panels Stadium on a glorious afternoon which saw Town turn around a 0-1 half- time deficit to claim all three points with three goals. After 2 cup wins, Aberdare were without Will De Sousa through suspension and Liam John unavailable but Jack Salmon and Marc Warren returned to the starting 11. Aber attacked the Town end in the first 45 but Cwmbach had a first minute effort go wide. They continued to play the sharper football and a 6th minute free kick from 25 yards rifled into the net for an early advantage. Aber attempted sporadic attacks but their guests continued to break well when given the opportunity. A fine tip over from Dylan Pearce on 37 minutes and another save just 2 minutes later kept the away side from a decisive advantage. The Cwmbach No.1 was not troubled in the first half and the hosts needed to up their game after the interval team talk. Warren could not continue and was replaced by Hadley Taylor straight after the restart. Aber were level on 54 minutes when a free kick right on the front edge of the away box saw Salmon strike home. Within 2 minutes another home foray saw Mason Howells quick to react and net Aber's second to the delight of the Aber crowd, players and bench. 70 minutes saw Pearce race from his goal to the touchline to thwart an away break but suffered a ball to the head resulting in an injury stoppage but was able to continue. A Macauley Morgan challenge on the 3 quarter-hour mark resulted in a melee which was well managed by the referee as things began to heat up in typical derby fashion. Pearce was unable to continue following the earlier blow to the head with Lewis Reed substituting on the field, Kellan Webb donning the 'keeper jersey and player of the match Cam Sage (as chosen by our match sponsor Dai Morgan) reverting to left back. The home contingent were ecstatic on 90 minutes as Morgan ran through to shoot past the 'keeper for 3-1. One more away effort was blocked by the Aber defence who protected Webb well and after several minutes injury time, the 3-1 result was much appreciated by all concerned with Aberdare. Team: Dylan Pearce (Lewis Reed), Callum Tandy, Kellan Webb, Kieran Rodway, Lee Hartshorn, Cam Sage, Jack Salmon, Cai Mackenzie, Macauley Morgan, Marc Warren (Hadley Taylor), Mason Howells Subs not used: James Rowlands, Cairan Clarke, Ceri Jones Player of the Match: Cam Sage

Report by Ray Pearce Published 9 August 2025