Llantwit Major 0-1 Briton Ferry Llansawel: Bowen’s tenth goal opens up title race

Llantwit Major missed the chance to return to the top of the JD Cymru South after a 1-0 defeat to Briton Ferry.

The Reds take the three points on a windy afternoon at Prince Moomin’s Palace.

A Luke Bowen strike on 28 minutes was the games only goal as two of the top sides clashed.

Briton Ferry now close the gap on 2nd place Llantwit to two points with Llantwit two points off leaders Pontypridd Town.

With strong winds on a cold afternoon in Llantwit the began back and fourth as both teams looked to take control.

In the early goings a long clearance from Llantwit keeper Jack Lansdown found Josh Jones running behind the Briton Ferry defence. Jones was able to get a shot away but he put it wide.

Soon after Briton Ferry had a free kick for a foul on Alex Gammond. Joe Hunt sent the free kick towards the back post and the head of Mark Jones. The ball was high and went over the head of the Briton Ferry forward.

Thomas Walters was able to find Josh Jones in space inside the box but Ferry keeper Conah McFenton was out quickly to take the ball before a shooting chance.

Llantwit captain Cullen Kinsella went down in the box with Llantwit calling for a penalty but the referee didn’t see anything wrong with the challenge. Josh Jones then went down but the ref signalled that the ball had been won.

Liam McCreesh saw his shot saved by Lansdown from the left after playing a one two from a short corner. Briton Ferry started to have a spell of dominance as they were able to put in crosses and had several corners.

From one of these corners Briton Ferry got the opening goal. After the corner was cleared, Ferry worked the ball across the pitch and sent a cross into the box. Luke Bowen was able to fire a shot into the corner to give the visitors the lead.

As Llantwit looked to hit back Thomas Walters hit a shot from close range which was blocked. Llantwit called for a handball but it was not given.

Half Time: Llantwit Major 0-1 Briton Ferry

The second half saw Llantwit dominate as they looked to get back into the game. Cullen Kinsella cut inside and hit a curling shot that McFenton saved.

Josh Jones headed just over after a good cross into the box. Soon after Walters hit a shot into the side netting.

Dafydd Owen was pushing upfield in the second half and his cross found Walters. Walters was able to get his head on the ball but he put it over the bar.

A ball into the box found Kinsella who hit a shot first time from close range but it went flying over the bar.

Llantwit had a third penalty claim that was ruled out as Thomas Walters went down inside the box. Again the referee did not believe it was a penalty.

As Llantwit pressed to find an equaliser Briton Ferry had a great chance for a second on the break. Luke Bowen was played though on goal but Lansdown was out well to save his shot from, close range.

Llantwit kept going with Josh Jones and Thomas Walters both forcing saves from McFenton.

Despite Llantwit’s pressure Briton Ferry were able to hold on for the win.

Llantwit Major: Jack Lansdown (G), Dafydd Owen, Conner Goldsworthy, Jonathan Fletcher (Ben Cripps 85), Jamie Miller, Kris Evans, Cullen Kinsella (C), Nathan Jones, Thomas Walters, Lee Jones (Rob Jones 77), Josh Jones.

Yellow Cards: Conner Goldsworthy 37, Kris Evans 74, Cullen Kinsella 85.

Briton Ferry: Conah McFenton (G), Daniel Alfei, Declan Evans, Jack Hurley, Luke Harris, Alex Gammond, Tyler Brock, Liam McCreesh (Corey Hurford 87), Mark Jones (C), Luke Bowen (Ross Jones 77), Joe Hunt.

Goals: Luke Bowen 28.

Yellow Cards: Alex Gammond 12, Conah McFenton 70, Luke Bowen 74, Joe Hunt 78.

(Featured Image: Lewis Mitchell/FAW)