Caernarfon Town 2-2 Aberystwyth Town: Late drama as Aber salvage point at death

Three-goals in ten minutes provided late drama at The Oval as Aberystwyth Town drew 2-2 with Caernarfon Town in the Cymru Premier.

Jamie Veale’s 95th-minute free-kick rescued a point for Aberystwyth who had initially led until the 85th minute. 

Jon Owen had opened the scoring for Aberystwyth in the first-half but Canaries debutant Jake Bickerstaff and Sion Bradley scored twice in two minutes to give Caernarfon a late lead which was eventually short lived.

Huw Griffiths’ side drop out of the top six as a result of their draw meanwhile the Seasiders remain rooted to the bottom of the Cymru Premier. 

Chances were far and few in the early stages of the first-half with neither keeper being tested. John Owen and Marc Williams were looking to create for Aber but Mike Hayes for Caernarfon cut an isolated figure up front with no service.

The first chance fell to the visitors as a corner found it’s way out Marc Williams but he struck wide, from a similar position Jamie Reed had a strike on goal but his shot was saved by Tibbetts.

When the third of Aberystwyth’s new attacking trio had his shot in goal, it was one worth waiting for, as a cross from the right hand side found its way to John Owen who was free in the box and his volley was beautifully struck past Tibbetts.

The second half started much in the same vein as the first with play a little frantic but Caernarfon had to push for the equaliser but Aber were happy to play on the backfoot and the defensive line was a hard nut to crack.

As Caernarfon tried to find a way through, Aber were dangerous on the break and Harry Franklin was at the centre of any breakaway attack from the visitors.

A game which was lacking energy was brought to life in the remaining ten minutes as Caernarfon levelled proceedings through one of their new signings in Bickerstaff.

Caernarfon then seized the initiative and turned the game on its head as Bradley put Caernarfon into the top six temporarily with a divine finish.

Bradley found a way through with a great strike from the left hand side, a usual weaving run from the winger as he found space and unleashed a great strike to beat Roberts.

A result of Bradley’s goal saw Tibbetts carded after an argument with Aberystwyth Town’s staff who were incensed by the late goal.

After chasing the game for a majority of the match, Caernarfon were tasked with seeing the game out and thwarting a fight-back from Aber and they were made to defend a free-kick after Williams’ was fouled on Gareth Edwards. Owen had initially slotted the ball into the goal but the referee had blown for the foul before his attempt for a second goal.

Aberystwyth would be able to celebrate however as Veale’s free-kick was inch perfect and found the bottom right corner and with the last kick of the game sparking wild celebrations from the visiting side.

Caernarfon Town: Josh Tibbetts, Joe Williams, Gareth Edwards (C), Sion Bradley, Paulo Mendes, Mike Hayes (Cai Jones, 76’), Darren Thomas (Sam Jones, 76), Ryan Williams (Max Cleworth, 45’), Telor Williams, Mike Parker, Jack Kenny (Jake Bickerstaff, 68’)

Goals: Jake Bickerstaff 85, Sion Bradley87

Yellow Cards: Jack Kenny 52, Darren Thomas 53, Josh TIbbetts 88, Gareth Edwards 90, Sam Jones 90’

Aberystwyth Town: Connor Roberts, Louis Bradford, Lee Jenkins, Harry Franklin, Mathew Jones, Jamie Veale, Jon Owen, Marc Williams, Jack Thorn, Jamie Reed, Thomas Rimmer (Owain Jones, 90)

Goals: Jon Owen 39, Jamie Veale 90+5

Yellow Cards: Rhys Davies 1, Marc Williams 45, Richard Ricketts 74, Jon Owen 76’

Recap the drama from The Oval by reading through our live blog below:

(Featured Image: Colin Ewart)