Taffs Well hold title favourites Llanelli Town with former Red on target
David Lyon was on target for Taffs Well as they held Llanelli Town to a draw. (Image: Josh Thomas)
Taffs Well earned a hard-earned point as they held Llanelli Town to a draw in their opening game of the Cymru South season.
David Lyon, who spent the first half of the campaign with Llanelli last year before signing for Goytre in January, marked his return to the Wellmen in the summer when he steered home an unstoppable volley into the far corner four minutes after the break.
Henry Jones had given Llanelli a well-deserved lead with a superb effort from distance on his debut, which flew in via the crossbar in the 33rd minute.
But the day belonged to Lyon as his quality finish ensured both sides a share of the spoils after an entertaining game under the lights at the Rhiw Dda’r.
Taffs Well, despite heading into the game depleted with seven players missing, fought valiantly throughout the contest but it was pre-season promotion favourites Llanelli who bossed the first half.
Lee John’s side struck the woodwork twice in the early stages. Joel Hunt’s corner nearly flew in but cannoned back of the crossbar before the same player saw his free-kick on the edge of the box evaded everyone before smashing the post.
However, Llanelli did take the lead they deserved with a wonderful effort by debutant Jones just after the half hour.
The summer signing from Penybont picked the ball up outside the box and was allowed time and space to move the ball forward before unleashing an incredible strike from 25 yards out, which struck the crossbar and bounced in past home goalkeeper Shaun Gardiner to break the deadlock.
With the wind firmly in their sails, Llanelli went in search of a second and went close to doubling their advantage through Tom Phillips.
Phillips strode into the box and took aim but his effort drifted wide of goal as the Reds went into half-time 1-0 ahead.
Moments after the interval Taffs Well equalised with their first shot on target to stun the Reds
Lyon picked up Owain Edwards’ fine ball and took the ball on his chest before firing a wonderful volley into the far corner beyond visiting goalkeeper Scott Coughlin to level the scores.
But back came Llanelli and Jones was once again involved but he saw his shot from distance easily saved by Gardiner before the hosts nearly took the lead on the break.
Lyon, again at the heart of the action, picked up a wonderful ball over the top, and with just Coughlin to beat, he could only direct his effort agonising wide.
At the other end, Sean Cronin headed onto the crossbar before he played in Ethan Cann, who dragged a shot wide as Llanelli searched for a winner.
Substitute Theo Wharton nearly made himself a hero when the debutant saw his effort bravely blocked by Taffs Well defender Cameron Gauci after a one-two with Cronin in stoppage time. The former Cardiff City midfielder had the game’s final chance but he fired his effort over as the game finished in a pulsating draw.
Taffs Well
Gardiner, Harris, Gauci, Parry (C), Caple, Simpson, Lyon, Mbongompasi, Edwards, (Thomas 81), Johnson (Dean 83), Phillips.
Llanelli Town
Coughlin, Taylor Jones, Parry, Cronin, Rees, Hopkins (Baker 87), Cann, Henry Jones, Iles, Lloyd (Hillman 73), Hunt (Wharton 74)
