Report by: Ray Pearce Photos by: Beth Kelly Photography With absences from the previous week's line-up, Manager Ryan Betteney had to rejig his defence for a difficult trip to Cardiff Bay Warriors who had recently won The Somali International Cup in Canada. This contest was a real thriller which could have ended up with more than the 7 goals produced. In came Cameron Dean for his debut after missing last week’s game while Aber were without Sam Weaver, Jordan Jones and Jack Carlick. A warm afternoon on the 3G pitch saw the first few minutes with both sides making misplaced passes. 6 minutes saw Leon Jacka set up Luke Boyle for a shot over the bar while the home side forced Callum Dunning into an early save. The ninth minute saw Aaron Rowling set up Jacka for an effort that was tipped over.

Published Saturday 3 August 2024

Aber went ahead on 13 minutes when Boyle played in Dean whose attempt nestled in the far corner to net on his debut. The hosts had extreme pace on the flanks and leveled on 15 minutes when a ball over the top down the right saw Dunning block the first shot but the equalizer was knocked home. Within a minute Cardiff had struck the crossbar and the end to end play continued with a Connor Berry attempt just past the post. An injury to Josh Davies on 32 minutes meant he was replaced by Jay Smith, Aber went 2-1 up on 40 minutes when Jacka won a midfield tackle to send in Berry to roll home past the onrushing 'keeper. The enthusiastic away following had more to celebrate in added time as Berry closed down the home No.1,the clearance falling to Boyle who lobbed in from 30 yards. It was clear that the next goal would be vital and it fell to the home team on 47 minutes when converting a penalty for handball. 51 minutes saw a Cardiff attack down the left with a resulting close range finish to make it 3-3. Aber were now under siege as Dunning continued his Player of the Match performance, saving efforts, blocking shots and grabbing the ball off attackers' boots. during this time Cardiff again hit the crossbar. An away break helped by Dean and Aaron Rowling saw Jacka set Smith free down the right, his fine cross being netted by Berry for his second and a 4-3 advantage. As time ticked on it seemed Cardiff must score but Dunning saved excellently while the rest of the side gave everything to repel the home side. A final attack saw the ball strike an Aber hand but no penalty was given. After 7 minutes of added time the final whistle from the excellent referee Amin Said saw a jubilant Aberdare squad celebrate with their supporters. A superb game from both sides and the official and a credit to Welsh non-league football. Team: Callum Dunning, Shay Welch, Kellan Webb, Liam Miles, Alex Adshead, Aaron Rowling, Leon Jacka, Josh Davies (Jay Smith ‘33), Connor Berry, Luke Boyle, Cameron Dean Sub not used: Harri Jones, Jack Ford, Southern Rowlands, Cameran Sage

Player of the match Callum Dunning was awarded the player of the match for an outstanding goalkeeping display