Report by: Ray Pearce Photos by: Beth Kelly Photography A pleasant afternoon saw Aberdare in a JD Welsh Cup 1st qualifying round tie when hosting Tongwynlais, with a dominant opening 30 minutes that saw them hit three times to aid passage into the next round. In the starting 11 were new signings Jack Carlick, Liam Miles and Luke Boyle as Aber attacked the town end during the first half. A second minute effort from Leon Jacka was well tipped over by the visitors No.1 and ex-Aber keeper Mike Thomas, the resulting corner being headed over. 14 minutes saw a fine cross from the left by Man of the Match Carlick being met by the onrushing Boyle but his close range shot was over the bar. 18 minutes saw a Jacka corner powerfully headed home by Connor Berry for a 1-0 lead. The home side continued to build good attacks with Jacka and Josh Davies going close from distance. Tongwynlais played some neat football as a 22nd minute shot went over but Aber went 2-0 up in the 25th minute when Boyle sent forward a ball which allowed Jacka to evade the 'keeper and a defender to slot home. Within 2 minutes Jacka played a through ball for Boyle to net his first competitive goal for Aberdare.

3-0 was pegged back on 34 minutes as the home defence switched off for the visitors to net an easy finish and just on the break an away foray went through but the attempt was cleared for a fruitless corner. Half time saw an enforced changed with Shay Welch having to be replaced by another debutant in Jay Smith. An early second half Aber shot came back off the post, Jacka shot over from a Boyle pass while a good stop by Callum Dunning maintained his team's 3-1 lead. A 71st minute Jacka drive was well saved by the visiting No.1 while at the other end Dunning made another fine save from a rasping visitors shot. The encounter saw both sides create good attacks but after several substitutions the game ended 3-1 to Aberdare. An enjoyable contest with both teams contributing but Aber deservedly seeing themselves in the hat for the next round of the competition.

Published: Saturday 27 July 2024

Team: Callum Dunning, Kellan Webb, Jack Carlick, Sam Weaver, Liam Miles, Aaron Rowling, Leon Jacka (Alex Adshead ‘75), Josh Davies (Southern Rowlands ‘89), Connor Berry, Luke Boyle (Evan Olson ‘69), Shay Welch (Jay Smith ‘46) Sub not used: Harri Jones Player of the Match: Jack Carlick

MATCH DATA Goals: ATFC: Berry ‘18, Jacka ‘25, Boyle ‘26 Tongwynlais: Cleaver ‘35 Yellow cards: ATFC: - Tongwynlais: - Red cards: ATFC: - Tongwynlais: - Referee: Michael Ford Venue: Easy Panel Stadium, Aberaman Park, Aberdare