Aberdare Town started life with a new management team and an almost new playing squad with a home tie in the JD Welsh Cup that saw them progress to the next round with a 6-3 victory. A pleasant afternoon, in front of a good attendance, saw Aberdare attack the Town end with Will de Sousa firing over in the first minute before his effort just 2 minutes later was blocked only for Macaulay Morgan to follow up for the opener. A rapid move down the visitors left saw Dylan Pearce save well in the home goal at the expense of a fruitless corner. However, Pentyrch were level on 13 minutes when the home back line did not deal with a central attack to roll home an easy finish. It got worse for Aber as the next away attack saw a drive from the left find the net off the far post. Just after the half hour the hosts were back at 2-2 when a Kieron Rodway run was thwarted and cleared to Liam John 30 yards out on the right and his effort sailed into the far corner. The visitors were back in front within 2 minutes as another fine shot went in off the far post. A header from new skipper Lee Hartshorn was narrowly wide from a corner after the away No. 1 had fumbled a long range free kick behind. An important team talk at the break saw Aber make a lively start to the second 45 and a neat move from John and Morgan saw De Sousa rifle inside the near post for 3-3. The guests were now mostly on the back foot and on 70 minutes John sent Morgan through for a cool finish and a 4-3 advantage. Various substitutions were made by both sides and Aber's Marc Warren made it 5-3 after 85 minutes with an excellent effort from the left which gave Pentyrch 'keeper no chance. It got even better 2 minutes later as Player of the Match Morgan notched a hat-trick on his debut with a calm finish for the 6-3 result. A particularly fine second half appreciated by all involved with Aberdare to start a new era for the Manager, his management team, squad and followers. Team: Dylan Pearce, Liam John, Southern Rowlands (Cameran Sage), Lee Hartshorn, Callum Tandy, Kellan Webb (Oscar Din), Cai Mackenzie (Cairan Clarke), Kieran Rodway, Will de Sousa (Marc Warren), Macaulay Morgan, Mason Howells (Lance Lewis) Subs not used: Nyles Vaughan, Lewis Reed Player of the Match: Macaulay Morgan Match Sponsor: Garry Williams Gas Heating Engineer

Report by Ray Pearce Published 26 July 2025