Port Talbot Town moved to within two points of Penrhiwceiber Rangers after a 3-2 victory, with Christian Allen’s hat-trick ending the hosts’ unbeaten league run.
It was an important result for the visitors, who came from behind before taking all three points in an entertaining encounter.
Allen was the obvious headline-maker, but there were other important contributions across the pitch. Sam Baker provided defensive resilience, while Scott Tomlinson’s creativity helped give Port Talbot an attacking edge.
Here are three players who stood out in the victory as the Steelmen go to within two points of Ceiber at the top of the Ardal South West table.
Christian Allen
Allen was the difference between the two sides, scoring all three of Port Talbot’s goals to complete a memorable hat-trick.
His first came in the 16th minute when he latched on to an excellent through ball from Tomlinson. With the assistant referee keeping the flag down, Allen kept his composure to finish and bring Port Talbot level.
Just two minutes later, he had another goal. A defensive error from Penrhiwceiber presented the striker with an opportunity from close range, and he showed plenty of bravery to put his body on the line and get the decisive touch.
His best finish came in the 73rd minute. With the ball played over the top, Allen held his nerve as the goalkeeper advanced before lifting the ball over him to put Port Talbot 3-2 ahead.
The treble was particularly significant for the forward. It was his first goal since September 26 and his first hat-trick since scoring three against Cardiff Corries on September 12.
Sam Baker
While Allen took the headlines, Baker played an important role in helping Port Talbot deal with Penrhiwceiber’s direct attacking approach.
The visitors were regularly tested by balls played into the channels, particularly when Calum Bateman looked to get in behind the defence.
Baker showed good awareness to intercept a dangerous ball over the top in the first half, getting across as the last defender to prevent another opportunity for the hosts.
He also helped Port Talbot turn defensive situations into attacks, including dealing with a throw-in before sending the ball forward towards Lewis Brooks, who went on to win a throw-in deep in Rangers territory.
It was a useful contribution in a game where Penrhiwceiber looked to apply pressure through their forward players.
Scott Tomlinson
Tomlinson’s contribution was particularly important in the build-up to Port Talbot’s first goal.
His perfectly weighted pass released Allen, who did the rest to bring the visitors back into the game at 1-1.
The midfielder continued to offer an attacking threat after the break. In the second half, he drove towards goal and tried to squeeze a shot through the Penrhiwceiber defence, only for Jonathan McMenemy to produce an excellent goal-line clearance.
Although he did not get on the scoresheet, Tomlinson’s passing and forward movement helped Port Talbot create opportunities and put pressure on the home defence.
A significant result for Port Talbot
Allen’s finishing ultimately decided the contest, but the contributions of Baker and Tomlinson helped Port Talbot secure a result that could prove important in the league campaign.
The 3-2 victory brought the gap between the sides down to two points and ended Penrhiwceiber’s unbeaten league record.
For Port Talbot, it was a night to remember and Allen’s return to goalscoring form could hardly have come at a better time.
