Report by: Ray Pearce Photo by: Beth Kelly Photography This WJ Owen Cup tie saw Aberdare travel through Storm Bert to take on a side who had netted 17 goals in 4 undefeated home league fixtures Dean Raven started his first game back with the Club while Josh Davies returned from suspension. The loyal Aber following were met with a wet but playable pitch, Leon Jacka having a fifth minute effort parried by the home 'keeper. Unfortunately, the 10th minute saw a Dylan Pearce spill from a free kick knocked in for a 1-0 home lead. 16 minutes saw Pearce make a good save only for the rebound to be netted for a 2-0 score-line. Just 4 minutes later a shot from the Dinas right clipped the far post and ended in the net. Aber had a neat raid down their left just after the half-hour but Luke Boyle's header was just wide. 38 minutes saw another home attack not dealt with for an easy finish and 4-0. Pearce then made two good saves before the welcome break as Aber needed to up their game. 2 minutes into the second half a Cameran Sage run down the right saw his pass to Boyle put over the bar. However, Raven was brought down in the home box on 49 minutes and Jacka converted the penalty. After the hosts had come close, Aber netted a second on 58 minutes as a corner was headed in by Boyle. The away side tried to further reduce the deficit with Boyle thwarted by the 'keeper and the post. Sadly, any chance of a memorable fight-back ended when a home player was brought down in the box for a successful penalty and a 5-2 score-line after 76 minutes. An Aber free kick from the left was netted by Raven but disallowed as Player of the Match Sam Weaver was adjudged to have fouled a defender. Just the league to focus on now for Aberdare who are next in action when they host Dinas Powys on Saturday 7 December in the last home game before the Christmas break.

Published: Saturday 23 November 2024

Team: Dylan Pearce (Nyles Vaughan), Jordan Jones, Cameran Sage (Eddie Santos), Sam Weaver, Ashton Francis-Carrington, Kellan Webb, Leon Jacka, Josh Davies, Luke Boyle, Elton Injai (Cam Dean) Sub not used: Alex Adshead, Louis Reed Player of the Match: n/a

MATCH DATA Goals: Dinas: Thomas ‘10, Yiani ‘16, Harrold ‘20, Follon ‘38, Garland ‘72 (Pen) ATFC: Jacka ‘51, Boyle ‘59 Yellow cards: Dinas: Erickson ATFC: Weaver, Pearce, Francis-Carrington, Raven Red cards: Dinas: - ATFC: - Referee: Daryl Jenkins Venue: Murchfield, Dinas