Goytre United left it late as they edged out Taffs Well to claim a 1-0 victory on the opening day of the Cymru South season at Rhiw’r Ddar.
Former Wellmen academy player Calum Bateman returned to his former club to net a debut strike for his new side after moving on from the defunct STM Sports.
The game kicked off with an early chance in the game with King who kicked the ball long where Jones ran through the Goytre defense as he shot straight at the keeper.
Early on, referee Kris Hames was entrusted to make the right decision in two early moments. Firstly there were calls for a red card when Sean Cronin collided with Jack Fox but no action was taken.
He then awarded a penalty to Taffs Well when Louis Gerrard was adjudged to have handled the ball in the box. The returning Tim Parker stepped up but Coughlin outwitted him as he successfully dived down to the bottom right corner.
Coughlin’s save prompted a bit of movement up the other end. Moments later a corner was hit in by Josef Hopkins with Jamie Baker heading over from yards out.
After some time without any chances that threatened either keeper, a dangerous delivery from Adam Robbins across the box caused danger.
David Lyon caused danger midway through the half with two opportunities for Taffs Well. The first being an effort from outside the box as it went past the post and inches away from going in. He then placed himself just outside the penalty area and aimed a shot towards the bottom corner was saved well by Coughlin.
Wellmen skipper Marcus Jones then put himself in line as he tried an effort at the near post but the Goytre keeper continued to impress.
Near the end of the half, Gerrard fouled Jones to prevent an opportunity for the home side with Gerrard being yellow carded. The free-kick was taken by Owen as his shot was hit at the top right corner with Coughlin making a great save to prevent a goal.
After the restart, there was a big chance early on as Jerome Maynard delivered a ball across the box where Lyon had a shot just go past the post.
Taffs Well had a corner as Maynar could not get past the first man but got the ball back, where his curling effort was blasted over the bar.
The Wellmen had another corner with their best opportunity in the second half when Hillman had his volley blasted past the post.
Claims for a penalty then came from Lee John’s side. A ball was hit in over the top of everyone the ball was collected by Bateman as a sliding block appeared to hit Scott Hillman’s arm. The referee waved the claim away, prompting frustration from the Goytre bench.
The introduction of youngster James Dix had added a new dimension to Goytre’s attack. Dix had his effort from 35 yards out hit the crossbar with the ball bouncing on the line.
Ten minutes from time, the team of the second forty-five took the lead. Bateman on the left-hand side of the box slotted through the legs of keeper Edward King to mark a successful debut.
There were various chances at the end for the home side, but none put a threat to the goal and the Port Talbot Town side left with the win.
Taffs Well: Edward King, Jerome Maynard, Riccardo Mackenzie (Luke Davidson,65), Corey Spencer, Scott Hillman, Joe Shephard, David Lyon ( Jan Maertins,80) , Jack Fox, Tim Parker, Marcus Jones (C), Jamie Owen
Subs Samuel Pashen , Luke Davidson , Ethan Cann , Jan Maertins , Sanha Mane
Yellow Riccardo Mackenzie (62) , David Lyon (70)
Goytre United: Scott Coughlin, Adam Robbins, James Parry, Louis Gerrard, Sean Cronin, Jamie Baker (Daniel Birch, 76), Keane Watts (Rhys Dix ,35 ), Bradley Flay, Liam Griffiths, Josef Hopkins (C), Calum Bateman
Subs Kyran Steadman , Rhys Dix , Samuel O’Sullivan , Nicholas Glendon , Daniel Birch
Goals: Calum Bateman 81′
Yellow Louis Gerrard (41) , Rhys Dix (61)
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