Port Talbot 0-2 Swansea University: Students go seven unbeate

Swansea University earned their fifth consecutive victory in the Cymru South after a 2-0 win over local rivals Port Talbot Town.

Elliott Jones and Alex Owusu’s goals both came in the first half, and that was enough to secure victory for the away side.

Both sides were limited to half-chances in the opening 20 minutes. Bowkett tried an optimistic volley when a corner fell to him, but he failed to make a clean connection and the ball rolled out for a throw-in. Down the other end, some great skill by winger Axel Owusu created space for Bruno Osorio, but his cross into the box was poor.

The opening goal came on the 20 minute mark, when Swansea University were awarded a free-kick on the edge of the box, after John Roberts was fouled. Left-back Elliott Jones fired the free-kick into the top-right corner, giving James Donnelly no chance in the Port Talbot goal.

Things went from bad to worse for the home side, after captain Nathaniel James was forced off with an injury.

John Roberts came close to doubling his side’s lead after going on a superb mazy run through the Port Talbot defence, but he couldn’t get this shot through the wall of defenders.

Less than fifteen minutes after the first goal, Swansea Uni did manage to double their advantage. A Port Talbot defender tried to pass it back to his goalkeeper, but the pass was far too weak and was intercepted by Osorio. The Spaniard squared it to Axel Owusu, who was left with a simple tap-in despite the best efforts of the retreating Donnelly.

Elliott Jones tried to recreate his opening goal just minutes before the half-time whistle, but this time his effort was just too high. Port Talbot got a similar opportunity in the final play of the half, but Daryl Hughes’ strike fizzed over the bar.

Chances were few and far between in the second half, although both sides had a half-chance apiece in the first five minutes of the half. A pass by goalkeeper Luke Martin fell straight to Lewis Robinson, but the midfielder’s first-time shot failed to hit the target.

Elliott Jones was then given yet another opportunity from a free-kick, but again it flew narrowly over the bar.

The away side enjoyed a vast majority of possession, but they failed to convert this into chances, and on the few occassions they did break through, their shots were comfortable saves for James Donnelly.

One such example was on the half-hour mark, when the ball fell to Bruno Osorio on the edge of the box, but he failed to get enough power behind his strike.

Swansea Uni had a few more half-chances in the final ten minutes. Substitute George Sellick did well to cut in from his wing and unleash a strike, but it was straight at the goalkeeper. Tom Johnston also had two opportunities – one of which was after another Port Talbot defensive mishap, but he failed to work the goalie. He then received the ball on the edge of the box and made the ‘keeper work harder this time, but all in all it was still a comfortable save.

Port Talbot remain at the bottom of the Cymru South without a point, whilst Swansea University remain in 7th place.

JD Cymru South – Fixtures and Results – 2021/2022 season

Cymru South half-season review: The overachievers & underachievers

Line-Ups:

Port Talbot: (4-4-2) James Donnelly; Alex Aldrich, Nathaniel James (C) (Ivan Mangue 26′), Jake Barrow; Manny Maloney, Lewis Davies, Lewis Robinson, Jenson Cory (Evans-Bright Atayi 78′); Sam O’Sullivan, Daryl Hughes,

Unused substitutes: Henri Phillips, Jordan Major, Gavin Nicholas

Yellow card: Lewis Robinson 40′

Swansea University: (4-3-3) Luke Martin: Jordan Hughes, Wyn Thomas, Warren Hudson, Elliot Jone; Adam Orme (C), Tom Johnston, Harry Huddart (Nathan Townsend 46′); John Roberts (Cam Langan 80′), Bruno Osorio, Axel Owusu (George Sellick 67′)

Unused substitutes: Antonio Gutierrez, Charlie Corten

Goals: Elliott Jones 20, Axel Owusu 33′

Yellow card: Harry Huddart 18′