Briton Ferry began the season with a 2-0 win over their Cymru South title rivals Llanelli Town in their opening fixture of the season.
A goal on his home debut from Joseph Jones and a stoppage-time penalty from bagsman Thomas Walters gave Andy Hill’s side victory over his former club.
The first half was a cagey affair of few chances, the best action coming in the spell of two minutes as Ferry number nine Thomas Walters screwed a half-chance just wide in the 10th minute. In the 12th minute, Llanelli full-back Miles John had his shot cleared off the line by Ferry captain Alex Gammond.
Neither team could find their rhythm in the first half, with both teams overhitting passes repeatedly when trying to find a breakthrough. The only other chance of the first half came in the form of a free kick in the 34th minute after Reds defender Jamie Baker took down Walters on the edge of his own box. The free kick was curled just over the bar by the side foot of Ferry danger man Luke Bowen.
The hosts came out of the gates flying in the 2nd half and were rewarded for their efforts when Connor Goldsworthy’s corner was met by the head of league debutant Joseph Jones, who beat Town’s own league debutant Luke Martin in net to take the lead.
The visitors looked to respond and had several half chances through set pieces. 21-year-old David Lyon saw his header go just wide as both teams pushed for the next goal. Despite Town’s threat from set-pieces, the next major chance came through the link-up play of Bowen and Walters, as the former set the latter through but his effort was smothered well by Martin to prevent Ferry from doubling their lead.
Llanelli continued to ask questions of the Ferry defence with wideman Ryan Bevan’s enticing cross evading everyone in the box. Ferry’s defence answered all questions asked of them. Centre-half Kris Evans put in a man of the match performance at the back for the hosts as set-pieces continued to rain down upon the hosts defence.
Despite late Llanelli pressure, the game was put to bed when substitute Dylan Williams played a loose pass back to goalkeeper Luke Martin who took down Ferry substitute Jasper Payne when trying to clear the ball right on the edge of his own box. The referee judged the infringement to be inside the box and Ferry talisman Walters put the penalty away to secure the three points for the hosts.
Ferry held onto their clean sheet and almost made it three when Josh Bull, recently signed from Barry Town United, cut inside and curled his left footed effort just past the post with the last kick of the game.
Llanelli will look to bounce back immediately as they host Goytre United at home in their next league fixture, while Ferry will look to continue their momentum when they host Trefelin BGC at Old Road on the 8th of August.
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