Craig Williams reveals what pleased him most after Aberystwyth’s hard-fought win

Aberystwyth Town manager Craig Williams praised his side’s character after they ground out a hard-fought Cymru South victory over Pontypridd United.

Aberystwyth were not at their fluent best but defended stubbornly, threatened on the counter and showed the composure to finish the game off late through Aaron Williams.

The result extended Aberystwyth’s strong run of form and gave them four points from their two recent games against sides around them in the table.

We weren’t at our ‘best’ admits Aberystwyth boss

Williams was honest about his team’s performance, admitting they struggled to find their usual rhythm early on.

“It was a tough game. We weren’t at our best. I don’t think we started the game particularly well. We were a bit sloppy with the ball, a bit uncharacteristic of us in recent weeks.

“We got an early goal. Defended our box really well. I was really pleased. Their goal was a contentious one. I thought the referee had stopped it and blew the whistle, but he’s allowed a quick one. Disappointed with that.

“On the whole we’ve ground out at a tough place to come. They’re doing really well. I’m pleased with the result.”

The visitors had to withstand plenty of possession from Pontypridd, particularly after the hosts pulled a goal back, but Williams felt his side had opportunities of their own.

Aberystwyth boss hails counter-attacking threat

Pontypridd’s willingness to push forward created spaces for Aberystwyth to attack, and Williams felt his side could have made the game more comfortable had they been more clinical.

They’re pushing for a late equaliser, and we’ve caught them on the counter and finished the game off.

“I thought actually we had a couple of good chances in the first-half as well. Rhys could have scored early and he’s had another one where he should have scored.

“They had a lot of the ball, we knew they would. They like to keep hold of it and stretch teams out. I think we counter-attacked really well at times.

“A little bit more of a clinical edge in the final third and the game may have been a little bit more comfortable. Credit to them, they pushed hard all game. It was a very close game between two good teams.”

Ben Davies’ late run into the box and square ball for Aaron Williams ultimately produced the decisive moment, as Aberystwyth took advantage of Pontypridd committing players forward.

Craig Williams praises Aberystwyth’s ‘unsung heroes’

Williams also reserved praise for players who may not always receive the headlines, with Ben Davies and Harry Cottam singled out for their contributions by Y Clwb Pêl-droed.

“There’s a few unsung heroes in the group. There’s a few lads that don’t get the mention for the work they put in.

“I thought those two (Ben Davies and Harry Cottam) were really good today, and everyone else really put in a shift in.

“I’m pleased with the subs that come on and made an impact. Tarran was really good when he came on. We were forced into two changes at half-time, but that’s what we’ve got in the group this year. A really good squad who are behind each other.

“The lads come off the bench, make an impact, and long may it continue.”

For Williams, the result was another example of Aberystwyth finding a way to get the job done even when the performance was not at its highest level.

“We’re on a really good run. The character is good in the group. We’re taking it game-by-game. We’re in a good place at the moment.”

The victory means Aberystwyth continue to build momentum near the top of the Cymru South, with Williams particularly pleased to have remained unbeaten against two teams in the top three.