STM Sports 3-1 Cwmamman United: Marcus Jones brace gives Mellons winning start

STM Sports continued their winning start to the competitive season after defeating Cwmamman United.

A second-half brace from Marcus Jones gave the Cardiff side victory in their first-ever game in the second flight of Welsh football.

Ben Amun had given the hosts an early lead before Ryan Thomas brought Cwmamman level from the spot.

Dale Gardiner’s side had already won two games in the Nathaniel MG Cup but continued their winning form into the new Cymru South season.

With the first real chance of the game, Ben Ahmun put STM Sports in front. A ball over the top was played to the forward who tucked it under goalkeeper Dylan Thomas.

Cwmamman looked to respond quickly and Luke Williams almost put them level, but for a great save from Exauce Dimoneken, who saved Williams’ laced shot.

Already on one goal, Ben Ahmun had three opportunities to add to his tally, but his closest, a headed effort went over the bar.

STM were at times overplaying too much as they held on to possession for too long

Stephen Evans went down under the challenge of Riccardo Mackenzie, earning Cwmamman a penalty. 

Ryan Thomas sent Exauce DImonekene the wrong way to equalise for the visitors.

Thomas’ penalty gave Cwmamman more composure about themselves having defended for most of the first period.

Tomas Rutherford and Ben Ahmun went close to restoring STM’s lead, but Cwmamman held out for the second half.

Immediately after the restart, STM Sports had a penalty of their own. Marcus Jones went down under a slight challenge from Gareth Howarth and stepped forward for the penalty. 

Jones successfully converted the spot-kick, despite Thomas guessing right as he placed it just above the goalkeeper, who had dived down low.

Jones put STM Sports two in front as he swiped an effort from a tight angle into the opposite side of the goal.

Cwmamman’s Luke Williams struck the post in the final quarter with Dimonekene beaten. 

Dimonekene was forced into more action as Christian Allen hit a shot from a narrow-angle, with the STM goalkeeper blocking with his legs.

Robert Morgan later struck the crossbar with a well-hit strike, as Cwmamman continued to threaten.

Joe Evans had the chance to confirm the victory, but his effort was saved by Dylan Thomas.

STM Sports were able to run down the clock and earned Dale Gardiner’s men the victory on the opening day.