Port Talbot Town came from behind to make it back-to-back wins with a 3-1 victory over Aberystwyth Town at Park Avenue in the Welsh Premier Women’s League.
The Blues fell behind early in the second-half to Libby Isaac’s goal but responded excellently as quick-fire goals from Lauren Amor and Rachael Ball turned the game in Port Talbot Town’s favour.
In a competitive contest, the Seasiders searched for an equaliser late-on but were denied by a resolute defensive performance from the visitors.
As the hosts committed bodies forward, the Blues’ striker Courteney Thomas made sure of the victory with a late strike.
The victory sees the Blues rise to fifth in the Welsh Premier Women’s League table, overtaking Cyncoed Ladies, who succumbed to an emphatic 6-0 loss to league-leaders Swansea City.
Andrew Evans’ Seasiders remain seventh in the table, but the gap between them and sixth is extended to seven points.
The hosts started brightly, as Lucie Gwilt played the ball in-behind for Eloise Jenkins, who forced an early save out of Port Talbot Town goalkeeper Victoria Beddows.
Aberystwyth continued their positive start, as captain Caroline Cooper squared to Bethan Roberts on the edge of the box, whose effort was saved by Beddows.
The visitors grew into the contest and had a chance of their own, as Courteney Thomas met a corner well, but her volley at goal was gathered by Ffion Ashman.
In an opening period of minimal clear-cut opportunities, both sides’ defences were reducing their opponents to half chances.
The Seasiders’ winger Eloise Jenkins looked lively for the hosts and showed a willingness to run in behind.
As she was found in space as half-time approached, she was denied by a strong tackle from captain Chelsey Harris.
Evans’ side had another positive attack shortly after, but Port Talbot Town midfielder stopped a three-on-one situation with a fantastic tackle, ensuring that both sides went into the break goalless.
Much like the first half, the Seasiders started well and found joy in running in-behind the Blues’ defence, as they took the lead in the early stages of the second-half.
Striker Tania Wylde beat goalkeeper Beddows to the ball and found Isaac, who passed into an empty net to open the scoring.
Port Talbot Town responded brilliantly and were behind for just five minutes, with the equaliser coming in the 54thminute.
The Blues’ winger Amor was found at the back post to turn the ball emphatically past Ashman, as the visitors drew level.
Hayley Williams’ side continued their remarkable response, as they took the lead just five minutes later.
Industrious midfielder Ball, who was influential throughout, had a free header in the box and powered home to turn the game on its head.
Despite falling behind, the Seasiders continued to press and looked for an equaliser.
However, Port Talbot Town’s defence, lead by Harris and Terri Beddows was resolute and reduced the hosts to half chances.
Jenkins got in-behind the Blues’ backline in a rare second-half opportunity for Aberystwyth, but the winger fired wide of the mark.
As the Seasiders chased the game, gaps started to appear for Port Talbot Town to attack.
Winger Amor found space on the edge of the box, but her effort at goal was matched by a good save from Ashman.
The Blues went close again through the influential Maisie Miller, but her superb effort from distance hit the woodwork.
Port Talbot Town weren’t to be denied, however, as Miller’s shot on the counter-attack was parried out to Thomas, who fired into an open goal to seal the three points.
Williams’ side face Briton Ferry Llansawel in their next fixture, while Aberystwyth Town host Cardiff Metropolitan University.
Aberystwyth Town: Ffion Ashman, Bethan Roberts, Caroline Cooper (C), Libby Isaac, Tania Wylde (Charlotte Chalmers 59’), Caryl Evans (Kelly Thomas 66’), Dwynwen Davies (Niamh Duggan 45’), Lucie Gwilt, Flavia Jenkins, Josie Pugh, Eloise Jenkins
Goals: Libby Isaac 49’
Port Talbot Town: Victoria Beddows, Carys Davies, Laura-may Walkley, Terri Beddows, Chelsey Harris (C), Rachael Ball, Courteney Thomas, Lauren Amor, Jess Denscombe, Nia Probert, Maisie Miller
Goals: Lauren Amor 54’, Rachael Ball 59’, Courteney Thomas 86’
Re-live the action from Park Avenue with our live blog below:
(Featured Image: Chwarae Sports Agency/Chris Howells)
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