Penrhiwceiber Rangers suffered their first league defeat of the season as Christian Allen’s hat-trick secured a 3-2 win for Port Talbot Town in an entertaining evening encounter.
The result brings an end to Rangers’ unbeaten league run and gives Port Talbot a significant boost in the Ardal South West table, reducing the gap between the two sides to just two points.
The visitors had to come from behind before eventually taking all three points, with Allen proving the difference in a game that saw both teams enjoy spells of attacking pressure.
Allen’s hat-trick was particularly significant, as it was his first goal since September 26 and his first treble since scoring a hat-trick against Cardiff Corries on September 12.
Harvey Hughes gives Penrhiwceiber the lead
Penrhiwceiber made a positive start and looked to use their direct approach to get the ball forward quickly, with Calum Bateman offering a threat through his movement and work down the channels.
The hosts took the lead through Harvey Hughes. After Port Talbot’s long throw was dealt with by the Rangers goalkeeper, the ball was moved forward and Bateman worked hard to keep the attack alive near the corner.
A further delivery into the penalty area provided Hughes with the opportunity to finish, and he took it instinctively to put Penrhiwceiber ahead.
Port Talbot gradually found their way into the contest, however, and began to cause problems of their own through their forward play and long throws.
Christian Allen turns the game aroun for Port Talbot
Allen brought Port Talbot level after getting on the end of an excellent weighted pass from Scott Tomlinson. With the assistant referee keeping his flag down, the striker stayed composed and finished to make it 1-1.
The visitors then moved in front, with Allen once again finding the net after a defensive error from Penrhiwceiber presented him with an opportunity from close range.
The forward showed bravery to put his body on the line and get the decisive touch, with the ball finding its way over the line to give Port Talbot a 2-1 advantage.
Penrhiwceiber responded and were awarded a penalty after the referee judged that a Port Talbot player had handled the ball. Captain Warren Jones took responsibility, using a stuttering run-up before powering his effort past the goalkeeper to restore parity at 2-2.
The sides went into the interval level after an open first half in which both had shown plenty of attacking intent.
Allen completes his hat-trick to secure the win
The second half continued in a competitive fashion, with Port Talbot threatening through their direct approach and Penrhiwceiber looking to find Bateman in forward areas.
Rangers came close to taking the lead when Scott Tomlinson drove towards goal for the visitors, but Jonathan McMenemy produced an important goal-line clearance to keep the scores level.
That intervention proved significant as Port Talbot went on to find the decisive goal with a little over 15 minutes left of time.
A ball played over the top by James Dolman found Allen, who held his nerve as the Penrhiwceiber goalkeeper advanced before lifting a finish over him and into the net.
Penrhiwceiber made changes as they searched for a way back into the game, while Port Talbot introduced fresh legs and looked to protect their advantage.
The hosts pushed forward during the closing stages, with Dilan Roberts putting goalkeeper Chris Curtis under pressure and forcing him to put the ball out of play. But a late offside decision against Jack Thomas halted another Rangers attack, allowing Port Talbot to take their time over the resulting restart.
There was no way back for Penrhiwceiber. The final whistle confirmed a 3-2 victory for Port Talbot, ended Rangers’ unbeaten league run and brought the gap between the clubs down to two points.
Penrhiwceiber Rangers
Dan Bradley, Owen Orford, Scott Lewis (Cole Scorey, 84’), Dean Brown, Shane Parry (Dilan Roberts, 83’), Jonathan McMenemy, Sam Jacobsen, Warren Jones (C), Calum Bateman, Morgan Andrews (Jack Thomas, 65’), Harvey Hughes (Brandon Davies, 84’).
Goals: Harvey Hughes 7’, Warren Jones (pen) 30’.
Port Talbot Town
Chris Curtis, Sam Baker, James Gorman, Adam Jenkins, James Dolman, Kai Williams, Ryan Kostromin, Scott Tomlinson, Jordan Edwards, Christian Allen, Niall Hayes (Leon Croucher, 68’), Lewis Brooks (Sam Jenkins, 75’).
Goals: Christian Allen 16’, 18’, 73’.
Yellow cards: Christian Allen 58’.
