Aberystwyth Town take a huge step towards Adran Premier survival

Aberystwyth Town took a huge step towards Adran Premier survival, as they came from behind to defeat Cardiff Met 2-1.

Beca Thomas had given the Archers a first half lead, but an equaliser from Lleucu Mathias and a late howitzer from Imi Scourfield in the second half secured a valuable three points for the Seasiders.

The result leaves Met in eighth and Aber in seventh, but six points now separate them with only five games to go.

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Cardiff Met manager Jonathan Nash made just the one change from their last outing, which was a 5-0 defeat away to TNS. The switch came in defence, with Samantha Dziminowicz replacing Cerys Pinchard.

Aberystwyth Town manager Chris Church made three changes from the midweek defeat away against Cardiff City. There were returns for Chelsea Herbert, Libby Isaac and Shauna Chambers, with Sophie Steele, Maria Ewers, and Lowri James-Evans dropping out.

With both knowing that this was a relegation six-pointer, the aim of the game was simple, attack, attack, attack. For two of the division’s lowest scorers, both were eager to get in front of goal quickly, and early on, it was Aber who were having more success.

Carys Bufton’s corner found Rebecca Mathias at the back stick, but the captain nodded wide. Imi Scourfield was the next to line up a strike from distance, but she did not force Charlotte Smith into making a save.

At the other end, Beca Thomas looked lively and very willing to run in behind, but the offside flag was becoming her nemesis. Three times in the opening half hour she was caught, including a time where she put the ball in the net.

However, if at first you don’t succeed, you try and try again, and Thomas’ determination was rewarded. Shielding the ball well from a number of Aber players, the forward managed to turn and curled a shot that wriggled under Herbert and into the bottom corner.

It could have been even better for the Archers heading into the break, but India Shanahan was denied expertly by Herbert. But at the interval, Met held a very rare lead.

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Whatever Chris Church told his side in the dressing room seemed to work, as Aber came out with the grit between their teeth at the start of the second half.

The introduction of Jess Baker changed their style of play completely, and she almost scored with her first shot of the game, but Smith was at full stretch to keep her out. From the resulting corner, Scourfield’s looping header crashed off the top of the crossbar.

But they would be rewarded for their good start with an equaliser after the hour mark. Baker found the run of Lleucu Mathias expertly, and the youngster showed great composure in the area to roll the ball in.

Met didn’t wilt after the setback, and did almost pull one back immediately, but Shanahan’s audacious strike from distance clipped the crossbar. Chelsea Cochrane went even closer, with her effort from 35-yards almost catching Herbert out, but instead, the ball clattered off the post.

From minute one you could sense the tension and nerves around Cyncoed, but in the dying embers, Scourfield took matter into her own hands and eased the tension from an Aber point of view. With the ball falling kindly for her 30-yards out, she lined up her shot and found the top corner in style. A goal good enough to win any game.

How Met will respond to such an agonising defeat will be fascinating, but for Aber, it’s three points that puts them even closer to safety.

Cardiff Met will be at home once again next weekend, as they welcome Swansea City to Cyncoed. Meanwhile, Aberystwyth Town will be returning to South Wales next, as they visit Barry Town.

Player of the Match: Imi Scourfield

Jess Baker deserves a mention because she did change the game, but from the off, Scourfield was immense. Tracking down players in the midfield, putting big tackles in, spraying passes around the pitch, and scoring a worldie. Outstanding display from the youngster, who is playing like a player beyond her years.

Cardiff Met

Charlotte Smith, Anna Houghton, Number 3 (Cerys Pinchard 78’), Sian Bull ©, Samantha Dziminowicz, Olivia Barnes, Faith Mulenga, Chelsea Cochrane, Beca Thomas, Ruby Colleton (Molly Chapman 68’), India Shanahan (Millie Lewis 89’)

Unused subs: Carys Gittins, Mara Costello

Goals: Beca Thomas (34’)

Aberystwyth Town

Chelsea Herbert, Gwenllian Jones (Jess Baker 46’), Rebecca Mathias ©, Elan Jones (Lowri Jarvis-Evans 89’), Lleucu Mathias, Imi Scourfield, Libby Isacc, Shauna Chambers (Josie Pugh 46’), Ffiona Evans, Bethan Roberts, Carys Bufton

Unused subs: Hannah Davies, Maria Ewers

Goals: Lleucu Mathias (64’), Imi Scourfield (86’)

Yellows: Chelsea Herbert (40’)

(Featured Image: Ashley Crowden/FAW)