Report by: Ray Pearce Photos by: Beth Kelly Photography This much anticipated local derby saw a 150 plus crowd with the newly promoted visitors of Cwmbach Royal Stars unbeaten in last season's league action. A warm, still afternoon saw Aberdare again having to make changes with Aaron Rowling, Liam Miles and Jay Smith unavailable but there was a return to the starting line up of Sam Weaver and Jack Carlick in defence and a first appearance of the season after illness of Jordan Jones who started on the bench. Aber defended the Town end as Cwmbach sent in a second minute cross from the left, the home defence conceding a corner which came to nothing. 10 minutes saw a Leon Jacka free kick from the right knocked in by Connor Berry from close range to cheer the Aber contingent.

Published: Saturday 10 August 2024

Just 3 minutes later Callum Dunning made a good save but the ball was recycled for an away equalizer. Cwmbach hit the post on 18 minutes and Dunning made three fine saves in a 5 minute period just after the half-hour. A 40 yard Jacka effort went wide for the hosts, their visitors continuing to build with some penetrating runs. 42 minutes saw an away raid not cleared, the ball hitting the bar and the rebound rifled home for a 2-1 lead at the break. Manager Ryan Betteney demanded a response from Aber, Cwmbach still played some slick moves while the home team played some long passes to no avail as offside was given against them. 55 minutes saw the away forward take advantage of a home error but the effort went past the far post. Only 3 more minutes had elapsed as a Jacka corner was firmly headed in by Berry for the equalizer, his second double in 2 weeks. Immediately Luke Boyle was played clean through but the away No.1 got the benefit of a foul to thwart the hosts. 65 minutes saw an injury to Shay Welch with the returning Jordan Jones as his replacement. With 14 minutes of the 90 left, indecision in the home back line saw Cwmbach to easily net for 3-2 to the delight of their vociferous support. With little time left, Aber made 2 substitutions but, despite pressing, only a Harri Jones attempt was thwarted. Player of the Match Dunning kept his side in it with another good save and into the 5th minute of added time and a second consecutive corner from Jacka saw Weaver up from the back to power home a header for 3-3 much to the Aber team and fans delight. Honours shared and Aberdare's unbeaten start continues, a good recovery after a relatively poor first half. Team: Callum Dunning, Kellan Webb, Jack Carlick, Sam Weaver, Alex Adshead, Shay Welch (Jordan Jones ‘68), Leon Jacka, Josh Davies (Cameran Sage ‘90), Connor Berry, Luke Boyle (Harri Jones ‘81), Cameron Dean Sub not used: Jack Ford, Southern Rowlands

Player of the match Callum Dunning was awarded the player of the match by match sponsor David Morgan