Match report by Ray Pearce Picture by Beth Kelly This WJ John cup tie against league rivals Vale United always promised a close encounter but few could have foreseen how it would play out An overcast afternoon saw Aberdare attacking the Town end with an early chance going wide. The visitors seemed content to absorb the home pressure which led to several corners being dealt with, Alex Adshead coming closest for Aber. Strong running from Vale when they broke out kept Aber on their toes, Leon Jacka set up Evan Olson for a shot on the half-hour which the Vale No. 1 saved. Home 'keeper Callum Dunning thwarting a raid on 35 minutes while Brychan Davies got across to clear another Vale foray. A minute before the break a superb through ball from Aaron Rowling played in Dan Collins for a 1-0 lead. A memorable second half saw Vale increase their tempo, putting the hosts under severe pressure. 50 minutes saw a neat move result in a clinical finish to make it all square. The momentum was now with the visitors and 72 minutes saw them burst through to shoot into a 2-1 advantage. 79 minutes saw Dunning able to fall on the ball as 3 away players bore down on goal. The hosts had used their substitutes when Brychan Davies was forced off through injury. After a home header had gone close on 85 minutes, the 10 men levelled in the dying minutes as, a late free kick was not cleared and, Collins rifled home for the equaliser. Injury time saw Aberdare almost win it with a good chance for Collins to complete his hat-triick while Vale also being denied at the other end by Dunning. Straight to a penalty shoot-out where Aber have not been too successful over recent seasons. The scoring fluctuated with Dunning saving the first shot, Aber going ahead while Vale's second made it 1- 1. After both custodians had made saves and an Aber penalty was skied over, the score was level at 1 apiece. Both sides next two penalty takers made it 3 all. A 6th away effort went over the bar and this left Player of the Match Sam Weaver to crash home the winning spot kick much to the delight of all concerned with Aberdare. It was good that the League had decided to make the next round draw at Aberaman Park which was featured LIVE on X (previously Twitter). This saw Aberdare drawn at home to St. Albans in the next round.

Published Saturday 23rd September 2023

CERTRUS CONSTRUCTION PLAYER OF THE MATCH Sam Weaver

LINE-UP >> C Dunning K Webb (C McHale) B Davies A Adshead S Weaver A Rowling L Jacka O Jones (J Davies) S Welch D Collins E Olson (C Berry) Subs not used… n.a