Aberystwyth’s clinical edge sees off Pontypridd in Cymru South clash
Aberystwyth Town took the lead through an own goal. (Image: Darren Griffiths)
Aberystwyth Town moved three points ahead of Pontypridd United with a 3-1 victory in a closely fought second-versus-third clash in the Cymru South.
An own goal from Liam Angel put Aberystwyth in front before Tomos Evans doubled their advantage shortly after half-time.
Ponty pulled one back straight away through Jack Bevan to set up a tense finish, but Aber held their nerve, and Aaron Williams sealed the points with virtually the final kick of the game. An eventful second half, but the Black and Green’s stubborn defending and threat on the counter ultimately proved decisive.
Aber’s victory over Pontypridd means they move three points clear of their fellow promotion contenders. The defeat leaves Matt Driscoll’s side level on points with both Caerau Ely and Baglan Dragons, who picked up victories on Friday. Pure Swansea remain top of the Cymru South after a 3-1 win over Caerphilly Athletic, keeping them one point clear.
Pontypridd pressure early on but Aberystwyth strike first
Pontypridd started brightly and had the better of the early pressure, with Jamie Veale’s set-pieces causing problems for the Aberystwyth defence.
Clayton Farrah headed over from one of Veale’s deliveries, while the hosts continued to look for a way through.
But it was the Seasiders who took the lead fortuitously.
Rhys Hughes got in behind the Pontypridd defence and saw his effort come back off the post before the ball rebounded off Liam Angel and into the net, giving the visitors the advantage.
Pontypridd continued to look for a response but struggled to create a clear opening before the break, with Craig Williams’ side defending their lead well.
Tomos Evans puts Aberystwyth 2-0 up after half-time
The visitors then doubled their advantage early in the second half.
Leo Thompson delivered an excellent free-kick into the box, and Tomos Evans got the final touch as the right-back forced the ball over the line.
Pontypridd responded almost immediately.
Kofi Rowe did brilliantly to carry the ball forward and put it across goal, with Jack Bevan getting a touch to pull one back for the hosts. At 2-1, Pontypridd pushed for an equaliser, and the game opened up.
Aaron Williams struck the crossbar for the travelling side, while Jamie Veale also hit the woodwork at the other end.
Pontypridd had further chances, with Liam Angel heading narrowly wide from another Veale free-kick, but Aberystwyth’s defence continued to frustrate the hosts.
Harry Cottam produced two important blocks late on, while Angel also made a superb intervention to deny Tom Rimmer at the other end.
There were chances to put the game beyond Pontypridd, with Williams firing over after being picked out by James Smallwood.
But the striker would have the final say. With Pontypridd committed forward, Ben Davies was allowed to run unchallenged into the box before squaring for Williams, who made no mistake this time, finishing to make it 3-1 with virtually the final kick of the game.
The result moves Aber three points clear of Pontypridd in second place, with the visitors ultimately doing enough to come away from USW Sports Park with all three points.
Pontypridd United
Ed King, Richard Noyes (Jac Thomas, 60′), James Saddler, Liam Angel, Clayton Farrah, Jamie Veale (C), Kofi Rowe, Jack Jones, Jack Bevan (Gareth Tedstone, 60′), Joshua Stephens (Eli Phipps, 68′), and Ethan Edwards.
Aberystwyth Town
Luke Evans, Tomos Evans, Harry Cottam, Sam Paddock (Thomas Rimmer, 46′), Leo Thompson (Richie Ricketts, 85′), Liam Walsh (C), Dillon Browne (Gruff Sedgwick, 74′), Daniel Owen (Tarran Hollinshead, 46′), Aaron Williams, Ben Davies, and Rhys Hughes (James Smallwood, 74′).
