A mercifully dry but cold afternoon saw Aberdare make the journey to Cardiff to take on St. Josephs who they had defeated 7 days earlier but succumbed to a 2-3 defeat on their travels. Lewis Reed wore the No. 1 shirt with new manager Kellan Webb in central defence. The hosts had not had a home league win all season and it looked good for Aber after 7 minutes when a Jack Salmon left side corner was met by a low drive from Will De Sousa through a forest of legs into the net. The home side started to mount attacks without any danger until a defensive error allowed an easy equalizer on 25 minutes. Buoyed by this, the hosts took the lead on the half-hour when a run and a fine cross from the right saw a first time effort go in at the near post. It got worse after 34 minutes as a right side free kick was blasted home at the far post for 3-1. Before the break an Aber attack involving Oscar Din and De Sousa saw the latter's effort go wide. The considerable away following were hopeful of a fight back and their side started the second 45 on the front foot. Cai McKenzie had a fine 51st minute volley well saved by the home 'keeper. One of several Aber substitutions during the second half saw Jackson Barker run down the right and crossing to De Sousa for his and Aber's second after the cross wasn’t cleared by the home defence. A shot from Din on the 3 quarter-hour mark was parried by St. Josephs' custodian. Aber continued to attack with the hosts happy to play on the break which resulted in netting twice but denied by the referee' offside calls. Some wayward shooting from distance did not help the away cause and, after 5 minutes of added time, the final whistle saw a 2-3 defeat for Aberdare. Obviously a disappointing result for all involved with Aberdare despite sterling efforts. Saturday 17th January sees a home league fixture with Pentyrch Rangers with a 2.00 start Team: Lewis Reed, Liam John (Jackson Barker), Elliott Hewings (Southern Rowlands), Alex Jacklin, Kellan Webb, Jack Salmon, Cai McKenzie (Jacob Blake), Oscar Din, Mac Morgan, Mason Howells (Hadley Taylor), Will de Sousa Subs not used: - Player of the Match: Elliott Hewings

Report by Ray Pearce | Photo by Dave McKenzie Published 10 January 2026