Caerau Ely v Treowen Stars talking points Ben Stait wins first Cymru South home game

Caerau Ely secured the first win of Ben Stait’s tenure as manager with a second-half three-goal burst against Treowen Stars.

It was the club’s second victory of the season, but more importantly marked a winning start for Stait after taking charge.

Isaac Powell scored after just one minute to put the visitors ahead, with little else to separate the sides in the first half.

Liam Bishop, assisted by Zack Maher, brought the home side level in the 58th minute, sparking hope and belief for Caerau.

A screamer from Lloyd Oliver restored Treowen Stars’ lead, but their advantage lasted just a minute before Daniel Griffiths, again assisted by Zack Maher, brought the game level once more.

Ely remained on the offensive for the remainder of the second half, with Josh Graham scoring Ely’s third goal in the 89th minute to secure victory.

Caerau Ely’s defence holds firm

After the game, Treowen manager Ben Murphy said that “[in the] first half, we should’ve been 3:0 or 4:0 up”, a view that was clear to many spectators.

Ely’s dismal first-half showing put Treowen on the front foot, but the Stars failed to capitalise on their chances.

While Isaac Powell found the net in the opening minute, the attacks from him and his team-mates soon fell flat, with Ely’s defensive line comfortably repelling the majority of their attempts.

Joseph Baker also produced a brilliant performance in goal, helping to keep the visitors in the game and setting the platform for Ely’s second-half comeback.

After the game, Treowen’s manager, Ben Murphy, said that “[in the] first half, we should’ve been 3:0 or 4:0 up”, something that was clear to any spectator.

Ely’s dismal first-half showing put Treowen on the front foot, but the Stars failed to capitalise on their chances.

Whilst Isaac Powell got a first-minute goal, the attacks from him and his teammates quickly fell flat, with Ely’s defensive line easily repelling all attempts, whilst Joseph Baker showcased a brilliant performance in goal.

Ely’s resilient spirit in a tale of two halves

Ely looked like a side transformed in the second half, with players such as Zack Maher and Liam Bishop displaying a confidence that had been absent before the break.

Bishop’s set-piece deliveries created ample chances for the Young Guns, while Maher was able to slip through Treowen’s defensive line and pick out potential goalscorers.

The result will provide a much-needed boost of confidence for Ely, ending a poor run of form as they prepare to host Llanelli Town, relegated from the Cymru Premier, on 11 September.

Treowen, meanwhile, looked lost and out of formation after a dominant first half. Returning to the pitch, the players appeared resigned to the idea that Ely would continue with the poor performance shown before the break, only raising the tempo when it was too late.

Both teams face Llanelli test

Treowen head to Llanelli Town on Friday aiming to put this performance behind them, improve their goal difference and remain in the top half of the table.

Caerau Ely, meanwhile, have a little more time to prepare for their next game against Llanelli Town on 11 September, with several players currently away on Regions Cup duty. They will be looking to use the break to regroup and build momentum, to make it two wins from two under Ben Stait.

Llanelli currently sit 15th in the table with just two points, while Caerau Ely are 10th on seven points and Treowen Stars are sixth with nine points.