Port Talbot Town 3-1 Aberystwyth Town – The Steelmen secure three points on the opening weekend

Port Talbot Town are up-and-running after defeating Aberystwyth Town 3-1 at Victoria Road in the Welsh Premier Women’s League.

Three goals in eight minutes from Jessica Denscombe, Lauren Amor and Courteney Thomas gave Port Talbot a winning start.

Libby Isaac did score a consolation goal for the visitors just after the hour mark but were unable to mount a comeback.

Port Talbot Town came flying out of the blocks and had two almost identical chances early on.

Lauren Amor provided two inch-perfect crosses for Carys Davies to header. The first header went just over the bar, the second just wide of the post.

A few minutes later, the visitors had a chance of their own when Libby Isaac played a perfectly-weighted pass for Dwynwen Davies before her cross was saved by Ffion Ashman.

The Steelmen were next to come close when Carys Davies, this time the provider, found ex-Wales international Laura Walkley with a cross. The latter had time to bring the ball down but her shot was hit over the crossbar.

The hosts made sure to take advantage of their next chance. Winger Maisie Miller found space on the left and played a cross into Jessica Denscombe who slotted the ball away neatly.

It only took a few minutes for Port Talbot to double their lead. In the 31^st minute, Lauren Amor tried her luck with a shot from range and it flew into the top corner.

Only five minutes later, the lead was extended further as Courteney Thomas joined in on the action. She capitalised on a defensive error from the visitors before firing a volley home with venom.

Attacker Libby Isaac almost got one back for the Seasiders when she chipped Ffion Ashman only for the ball to bounce back off the post and be collected by the goalkeeper.

Aberystwyth started the second half well as they seemed to calm down. They held onto the ball better but struggled with the final ball.

Ten minutes into the second half, Walkley almost extended Port Talbot’s lead further. She managed to find space in the box to get a shot off but her shot hit the side-netting.

Libby Isaac gave the visitors hope when she scored in the 63^rd minute. She was played the ball over the top before slotting away past the goalkeeper.

This goal inspired Aberystwyth Town to make more chances. Isaac was unfortunate not to score a second as her effort from close was saved by Beddows.

Port Talbot had two chances around the 75^th minute. The first came from a long-range effort by Courteney Thomas which was well-saved by Ashman. The second came from Maisie Miller after she displayed flair to create space for a shot, but her strike flew over the bar.

The hosts were successful in taking the sting out of the game in the closing moments. They held onto the ball and therefore made it difficult for the visitors to gain tempo.

Port Talbot Town: Victoria Beddows, Laura Walkley, Carys Davies, Courteney Thomas, Chesley Harris, Terri Beddows, Jessica Curran (Nia Probert 58’), Jessie Taylor, Lauren Amor, Jessica Denscombe (Harlann Freja Davies 54’), Maisie Miller.

Goals: Jessica Denscombe (29’), Lauren Amor (31’), Courteney Thomas (36’)

Aberystwyth Town: Ffion Ashman, Bethan Roberts (Alaw Davies, 70′), Kelly Thomas (Josie Pugh 62’), Caroline Cooper (C), Libby Isaac, Caryl Ffiona Evans, Dwynwen Davies, Pippa Ann Richards, Catrin Evans, Lucie Gwilt (Deborah Hamer 62’), Niamh Duggan.

Goals: Libby Isaac (63’)

This is how action played out today as Victoria Road:

(Featured Image: Lewis Mitchell)