After a late morning pitch inspection followed by an in-depth one by the match referee the game was given the go- ahead on a dry but cold afternoon. Following the resignation of Kevin Davies earlier in the week, Kellan Webb was selecting his first squad and there were welcome returns to the starting line-up for 'keeper Dan Field and central defender Lee Hartshorn, while the bench included Jacob Blake, returning from a long term injury, and new signing Jackson Barker from Fairwater. Defending the Town end in the first half, Aberdare went 1 up after 5 minutes when a through ball from Jack Salmon found top scorer Macauley Morgan who ran in to slot past the away No.1 (pictured!). After a tenth minute away effort which Field repelled, Aber made it 2-0 on the quarter-hour when a left side corner was knocked down by Cai McKenzie and was met by Oscar Din for a fine shot. Will De Sousa and, player of the match, Din had further efforts without result before the hosts were in dream-land on 22 minutes as a sumptuous 30 yard strike from Mason Howells made it 3-0. St. Josephs had a 25th minute attack down their right headed over before a 32nd minute corner which was back-heeled in made it 3-1. The impetus was now with the away side who hit the bar on 36 minutes before, right on half-time, an easy header from close range reduced the deficit to one. It was obvious that Aber needed to up their game as the next goal would be vital. After the teams had traded efforts, and the first of the home substitutions made by Webb, the game was in the balance with Field calmly seeing things through. The home contingent were in full voice on 78 minutes as a left side attack from Southern Rowlands to De Sousa saw a fine left wing cross to Morgan who rifled home on the far post for 4-2. Within 2 minutes, Aber had breathing space as Howells netted with a screamer from 30 yards. It got even better on 83 as Morgan linked with De Sousa, the latter netting after his initial attempts were thwarted. The ding-dong struggle continued into added time as the guests made it 3-6 when heading in a left side corner. A good start for Aberdare in 2026 was nearly undone but resilient play and excellent attacking ended in a deserved win and congratulations to all concerned in the squad and management team. Saturday 10th January sees a re-match at St. Josephs with a 2.00 start. Team: Dan Field, Liam John (Jackson Barker), Elliott Hewings (Southern Rowlands), Alex Jacklin, Lee Hartshorn, Jack Salmon, Cai McKenzie (Jacob Blake), Oscar Din (Lewis Reed), Mac Morgan, Mason Howells (Hadley Taylor), Will de Sousa Subs not used: - Player of the Match: Oscar Din Match sponsor: Mr Robert Price

Report by Ray Pearce | Photo by Dave McKenzie Published 3 January 2026