Pontypridd Town 0-1 Aberystwyth Town: Amy Jenkins’ penalty seals three points for Seasiders

Aberystwyth Town secured their second victory of the season with an impressive 1-0 win over Pontypridd Town at the USW Sports Park. 

In an entertaining, competitive contest, Amy Jenkins’ first-half penalty was enough to secure all three points. 

The victory takes Aberystwyth up to six points from their opening four games, level with Pontypridd. 

The Seasiders looked hugely improved from last season and are better equipped to compete in the Adran Premier. 

Fern Burrage-Male’s side succumb to their second defeat of the campaign and were unable to build on last week’s win over Port Talbot Town.

The Dragons started positively and could have gone ahead early, as Alana Murphy found space on the right to fire narrowly wide. 

Carys Bufton, who netted the winning goal last week against Port Talbot Town, posed a danger operating on the left as she fired into the side-netting. 

The Seasiders responded well to the hosts’ bright start however, going close to taking the lead as Bethan Roberts’ header was saved excellently by Maisie Jones. 

Murphy continued to look dangerous on the right for the hosts, as her mazy run resulted in her forcing a great save from Ffion Ashman. 

After a competitive start, it was Aberystwyth who found the breakthrough in the 18^th minute, with Amy Jenkins converting from the penalty spot. 

The hosts thought they had found a swift equaliser when Millie Jones turned home, only to be ruled out for offside. 

Allen’s side went close to a second goal when Libby Isaac raced through but was denied by a fine save from Jones. 

Isaac was again involved in another chance for the Seasiders, striking at goal on-the-turn, but Jones made the save once more. 

Shortly before half-time, Pontypridd had a positive spell as they looked for an equaliser, with Alison Witts’ ball over the top going close to setting Murphy free. 

Aberystwyth defended well however and went into the break with the lead. 

The Seasiders began the second period positively and went close to doubling their lead through Caroline Cooper, whose header was saved by Jones. 

Pontypridd also created chances however, with substitute Ellie Gunney squaring for Millie Jones in the box, who had an effort blocked. 

Gunney was again involved in a huge chance for the hosts to equalise, as she raced through, only to be denied by Ashman’s fine stop. 

In another golden opportunity for the hosts, Witts was played through one-on-one, but Ashman was again on-hand to make the save. 

Witts was involved in a late chance for the Dragons, as she was found free in the box, only for Rebecca Mathias to make a fantastic clearance. 

Pontypridd pushed for an equaliser late in the contest but find the elusive goal, with some resolute defending from the Seasiders securing the points. 

It’s cup action next for the two sides, as Pontypridd travel to face Cardiff Bluebelles, while Aberystwyth face Port Talbot Town. 

Pontypridd Town: Maisie Jones, Carys Minton (Efa Jones 45’), Jessica Osborne, Millie Jones (Renee Day 65’), Holly Broad, Alana Murphy, Kirstie Pervin-Davies, Alison Witts, Sinead Melinn, Olivia Barnett, Carys Bufton (Ellie Gunney 45’)

Aberystwyth Town: Ffion Ashman, Carys Davies, Elin Jones, Caroline Cooper, Libby Isaac, Amy Jenkins (Josie Pugh 71’), Bethan Roberts (Gwenllian Jones 71’), Rebecca Mathias, Kelsey Thomas, Kelly Thomas, Helen Evans

Goals: Amy Jenkins 17’

(Featured Image: Lewis Mitchell)