A dry afternoon but a heavily grassed pitch greeted Aberdare who had enjoyed an early season 4-0 success over their hosts Nelson Cavaliers but the afternoon ended in a disappointing 3-1 loss to the side at the bottom of the league. A good start for the visitors in the 6th minute when Player of the Match Jack Salmon crossed for Victor Angaye who slotted home the opening goal. Sadly the 13th minute saw Sam Josey in the Aber goal mis- kick on a bobbly surface for an easy equalizer. The 28th minute saw an Aber cross punched away by the home 'keeper while,10 minutes later, a Nelson header went over the bar. Right on half-time Aber's Jacob Blake lobbed from outside the penalty area only to see his effort come back off the underside of the crossbar to result in the 1-1 half-time score - line. Cai McKenzie had a good effort just over before poor Aber defending saw the hosts net for 2-1. The no-nonsense Nelson side were quick to thwart any Aber build-up despite a 68th minute Salmon free-kick going just wide. Manager Kellan Webb introduced all his substitutes in an attempt to get something out of the game but a 78th minute Nelson corner was headed home at the far post to seal a comprehensive 3-1 victory for Nelson who belied their lowly position with a totally committed performance. An important home fixture on Saturday 14th March sees Aberdare hosting Heolgerrig Red Lion at 2.30. p.m Team: Sam Josey, Hadley Taylor (Jackson Barker), Elliott Hewings (Southern Rowlands), Joe White, Floran Disco, Callum Tandy (Nathan Sage), Jack Salmon, Alex Jacklin (Kellan Webb), Victor Angaye, Cai McKenzie, Jacob Blake Subs not used: Oscar Din Player of the Match: Jack Salmon

Report by Ray Pearce | Photo by Dave McKenzie Published 7 March 2026