Key talking points as Cyncoed draw with Port Talbot
Alison Witts’ second-half goal denied Port Talbot Town of their first win since the opening day, as the contest at the USW Sports Park ended in a 1-1 draw.
The visitors had led through Jesci Hare’s first-half header, only to be denied the three points in the last 20 minutes.
Here are five main talking points from an even clash between Cyncoed Ladies and Port Talbot Town.
Port Talbot Town dangerous from set pieces
Against a youthful Cyncoed side, the Blues had the height advantage at the set piece.
With the likes of Terri Beddows and Jesci Hare, the visitors posed a threat from corners and free-kicks all afternoon.
It was through Lauren Amor’s first-half free-kick delivery that Port Talbot Town took the lead, as Hare headed home the opener.
Even after conceding the equaliser, the visitors had some late corners that were all accurate in their delivery.
Having now ended their run of three straight defeats, set pieces may be a way for the Blues to get back to winning ways.
Chances to double the lead
After Hare’s opener, the Port Talbot Town had a spell of pressure, creating numerous chances to double the lead.
Striker Laura-may Walkley raced through on goal, only to chip over the bar, while Nia Probert hit the woodwork from distance.
Walkley was again involved, as she found herself free in the box, but fired straight at Cyncoed Ladies goalkeeper Maisie Jones.
Having been denied the three points in the second-half, Port Talbot Town will feel that they should have been in further command at half-time.
A tale of two halves
Cyncoed Ladies’ performance in the second period was much improved, as they looked far more comfortable in possession and pressed with more urgency.
Josh Richards’ side’s defensive showing was far more solid than the opening 45 minutes and looked the brighter of the two sides.
The Mighty Oaks got their reward, as the dangerous Alison Witts equalised with little over 15 minutes left to seal a point for the home side.
Alison Witts is Cyncoed’s star
Netting her third goal of the campaign, Alison Witts earned her goal with a tireless display.
The striker pressed throughout the contest and was looking to beat the offside trap at every opportunity.
Witts got her reward, as a ball through saw the flag stay down and she calmly rounded Victoria Beddows in the Port Talbot Town goal and slotted home.
The Cyncoed striker continues her positive start to the season and always looks the most likely to net for the Mighty Oaks.
Wasted Opportunities
In the dying minutes, both sides had glorious chance to seal a dramatic late winner.
The first fell to Cyncoed’s Alison Witts, who weaved her way through the Port Talbot Town defence, only to fire agonisingly wide of the left post.
As the visitors countered, Maisie Miller was played through on two occasions by Laura-may Walkley and Jessica Denscombe respectively, but couldn’t turn home the winner.
Despite a draw being a fair result, both sides will feel that they could have won the contest late-on.
