A cool but dry afternoon saw an important league fixture for both sides as Aberdare took their chances for a 4-0 victory against Nelson Cavaliers in a local derby at the Easy Panels Stadium. Defending the Town end, playing against a significant breeze, saw last ditch defending in the early minutes keeping the visitors at bay. 6 minutes saw a fine ball from Mason Howells find Will de Sousa who raced in on goal bu shot wide back across the target. Within 2 minutes Nelson had an effort headed past the post but Aber went 1 up on 14 minutes when a strong Howells drive was parried by the away 'keeper only for Macauley Morgan to round him and score. On 17 minutes it was 2-0 as Morgan struck well from outside the penalty area. Nelson still created several chances without the required finish but Aber were denied a third when De Sousa netted after a Morgan cross but referee Erin Brennan, who was consistently good throughout, adjudged the goal offside. Into the second half the visitors were still dangerous but spurned efforts to not trouble Dylan Pearce in the home goal to any extent. Substitutions were made by both sides as Morgan hit the post on 74 minutes and Howells shooting past the far post 5 minutes later. Morgan's effort from the left was headed off the line and two more changes to freshen things up in attack helped see Town secure the points as an 86th minute run from De Sousa down the right saw him curl a fine shot into the far corner for a vital 3-0 lead. Substitute Ceri Jones almost got onto the score sheet on his first Aber start but his shot past the keeper was cleared but Town were not finished as another substitute Nathan Sage played in Player of the Match Morgan to drive home his hat- trick for the final 4-0 score-line. A much needed win for Aber, and a first clean sheet of the season, was appreciated by the sizeable attendance. Saturday 25th October sees a WJ Owen Cup tie when entertaining Championship side Bettws F.C. with a 2.30 start. Team: Dylan Pearce, Liam John (Hadley Taylor), Elliott Hewings, Kieran Rodway, Kellan Webb, Cameran Sage (Lewis Reed), Cai McKenzie (Nathan Sage), Macauley Morgan, Mason Howells (Ceri Jones), Cam Walker (Rufaro Gunundu), Will de Sousa Subs not used: - Player of the Match: Macauley Morgan

Report by Ray Pearce Published 18 October 2025