Match report by Ray Pearce Picture by Beth Kelly After a well observed minutes silence after the tragic death of the mother of an Aberdare Under 14 player, the hosts defended the town end on a pleasant afternoon. Brychan Davies was absent through suspension while Kellan Webb continues to miss out through injury however Evan Olson returned following his own knock and Callum Dunning replaced Dylan Pearce in goal. There was also a welcome return to the Club from Sam Weston-Sheppard who was on the bench. 8 minutes saw an away attack not cleared which resulted in a crisp shot for an early Ely lead. The visitors then missed another chance when in on goal and for the first half hour were content to absorb home build up and hit Aber with quick counter attacks. An amazing goalmouth scramble saw Aber unable to force the ball home, resulting in a Ely free kick while their 'keeper did well to tip over a strong drive. 38 minutes saw another away effort not dealt with as they drove into the goal for a 2-0 half-time advantage. After a disjointed first 45 minutes, Aberdare made a better start to the second half, Leon Jacka and Evan Olson putting attempts over the bar. The visitors continued to threaten, Callum Dunning racing from his goal to tackle an Ely forward while they also hit Aber's post from close in. The home side still tried to play their neat passing football but the streetwise away team headed, blocked and intercepted everything. However, Aber pulled a goal back on 88 minutes with Connor Berry scoring from close range. Despite more home pressure the visitors were audibly delighted at the final whistle. A rare home league defeat for Aberdare with a chance to redeem themselves with another league fixture when entertaining Treforest on Saturday 14th October at 2.30.

Published Saturday 7th October 2023

CERTRUS CONSTRUCTION PLAYER OF THE MATCH -

LINE-UP >> C Dunning J Jones (J Davies) S Welch S Weaver (C McHale) A Adshead A Rowling L Jacka O Jones C Berry D Collins E Olson (J Bethell) Subs not used… S Weston-Sheppard