Report by: Ray Pearce Photo by: Beth Kelly Photography An overcast but dry afternoon saw this important fixture between sides adjacent near the foot of the league. Dylan Pearce returned in goal, Cameron Dean starting while Josh Davies was absent through suspension. Aber attacked the Town end in the first half but the visitors had a 2nd minute effort blocked from close in. A corner from the home left by Aaron Rowling was knocked back in by Elton Injai for Luke Boyle to head the opening goal after 8 minutes. Unfortunately, just 2 minutes later an away run down their right saw a cross converted from close range for 1-1. Both sides raided in turn, Eddie Santos having a tricky run through the Llanrumney defence only for his finish to drift wide on 23 minutes. The visitors had a free kick just before the break which floated past the post to leave stalemate at half time. One minute after the restart Aber had a good attack blocked away, 3 home players seeing yellow around the hour mark. Santos had another good chance but delayed his shot as did Rowling as both sides won corners that were repelled. 70 minutes saw Kellan Webb and Cameron Sage replace David Ikete and Santos. Within 3 minutes Dean's ball forward was chased to the by-line by Leon Jacka, his cross being headed home by Sage to the delight of the home contingent. The guests still searched for an equalizer but good defending kept them at bay. All involved with Aberdare were delighted on 87 minutes as Player of the Match Rowling scored his first goal for the first team with a 25 yard effort into the roof of the net. No more alarms as Manager Dean Raven made a late appearance as substitute for Boyle while Jacka could have added a fourth as he ran clean through on goal only for the visiting ‘keeper to save well. An important 3 points with an impressive performance to give Raven his first win as Aber Manager. Aberdare are in WJ Owen Cup action on Saturday 23rd November at Dinas Powys with a 2.00 p.m. start.

Published: Saturday 16 November 2024

Team: Dylan Pearce, Jordan Jones, David Iteke (Kellan Webb), Sam Weaver, Ashton Francis-Carrington, Aaron Rowling, Leon Jacka, Cameron Dean, Luke Boyle (Dean Raven), Eddie Santos (Cameran Sage), Elton Injai Sub not used: Logan Thomas, Dan Field Player of the Match: Aaron Rowling

MATCH DATA Goals: ATFC: Boyle ‘9, Sage ‘73, Rowling ‘88 Llanrumney: Gidman ‘11 Yellow cards: ATFC: Weaver, Santos Llanrumney: - Red cards: ATFC: Ikete Llanrumney: - Referee: Steven Chong Venue: Easy Panel Stadium, Aberaman Park, Aberdare