The pitch had recovered well after the recent heavy rain as Aberdare hosted promotion candidates Tongwynlais in an important game for both sides A dry, sunny afternoon saw an enthusiastic Aberdare Under 12's line up as mascots with the teams prior to kick-off. Aber's squad was severely decimated with nine players un- available but did welcome back Alex Jacklin and Jacob Blake who had missed last weeks game at Treorchy. Defending the Town end an eighth minute away attack saw 'keeper Sam Josey make a good block before, just 2 minutes later, Lucas Lohuis almost put the home side ahead with a 30 yard lob which went just wide. The quarter-hour mark saw a visitors 25 yard free kick well blocked, Josey again in action in the 25th minute when tipping away an attempt for a fruitless corner. Tongwynlais thought they had gone ahead on the half-hour but the goal was disallowed for a foul on Josey. Both sides were guilty of mis-placed passes as the disjointed half ended goal-less. Just 2 minutes into the second half Aber's Jacob Blake ran clear but his effort went wide. A Jack Salmon free kick just 5 minutes later saw Player- Manager Kellan Webb just unable to reach it at the far post. The 3 quarter-hour saw a home mistake allow an away cross from their right result in an easy finish from close range and a cruel 0-1 score-line. A home free kick reached Lohuis whose effort went over the crossbar as they looked to get back level. Aber introduced their substitutes in an effort to get back on terms, an 87th minute free kick from Salmon being knocked away by the visiting No.1. Just as it looked like being a tough afternoon for Aber, the 90th minute saw a push on Alex Jacklin resulting in a penalty award. Blake took on the responsibility but saw his shot saved but was quick to net the rebound to the joy of all concerned with Aberdare including the Under 12s watching on. So a creditable 1-1 result for the battling Aber contingent. Saturday 7th March sees another important fixture when visiting Nelson at 2.30 p.m. Team: Sam Josey, Hadley Taylor (Ceri Jones), Southern Rowlands (Nathan Sage), Elliott Hewings, Floran Disco, Alex Jacklin, Jack Salmon, Kellan Webb (Cameran Walker), Cai McKenzie, Jacob Blake, Lucas Lohuis Subs not used: Kai Davies, Jayden Hopkins Player of the Match: Elliott Hewings

Report by Ray Pearce | Photo by Dave McKenzie Published 28 February 2026