A Cracking Win At Abergavenny Town For The Lads

On a lovely warm day, and despite an extended journey due to local road closures, the lads came away from Pen Y Pound Stadium with 3 points with goals from Declan Horgan-Evans and Liam Griffiths (2).

It wasn't a comfortable win as, despite having the better of the game, the lads were put under pressure at times by the home side but resolute defending and some wayward finishing by Abergavenny Town meant that the host of missed chances at the other end by Pontardawe didn't prevent the deserved win.

This was a good game which, unfortunately, was not being played in front of a big crowd. Despite the sunshine and the good standard of football Abergavenny Town, like a lot of clubs, seemed unable to attract the numbers that would make the FAW Criteria for grounds justifiable (eg, 250 seater stands?). Those who did come though definitely got value for money and a cracking cup of tea.

With Tom Blizzard and Josh Dorward both missing Conor Morgan and Cory Saunders were brought back in with Callum Poland returning after a short sickness. Town started well with Declan Horgan-Evans breaking through but his shot was scrambled away from a corner. The home side then hit the bar with a fine strike (player unknown) and that was a lucky break for the visitors. On 12 minutes, Horgan-Evans, once again broke through and his fine strike gave keeper David Pearce no chance (0-1). The home side hit back just 7 minutes later when the dangerous Rhys Tandy broke free on the left and his low cross was hit home by captain Arron Norman (1-1).

The visitors were making a lot of chances but were unable to put them away but finally, on 27 minutes, Liam Griffiths was on the end of a good move, which included Conor Morgan and Cory Saunders , and he calmly put the ball in the back of the net as the home side and supporters called for offside (1-2). It was fair to say at this time that the home dug out were not big fans of the officials.

After half time it was Abergavenny who had the best of the early possession but Pontardawe were guilty of missing some real good opportunities. They were made to pay for these misses on 62 minutes when Curtis Methven found himself in space and he gave keeper Steven Reeve no chance (2-2). He looked in an offside position but the home supporters obviously didn't agree with us on this one !!

The scores were not level for long as on 71 minutes Liam Griffiths scored one of the best goals of the season so far. Declan Horgan-Evans was fouled near the dugouts and up stepped Garry Taylor for the free kick. His cross was met from about 15 yards out by Liam Griffiths and his powerful header gave the keeper no chance as it hit the back of the net. What a goal ! (2-3)

The last 20 minutes was an even affair with Pontardawe Town having a number of chances to put some daylight between the scores whilst the home side gave it everything but were unable to get the equaliser

The game finished 3-2 to Pontardawe Town and the lads headed home with great confidence after the 2 recent defeats

The Man of the Match was too close to call and afterwards the vote brought out a 3 way tie between Craig Davies, Kurtis Rees and Liam Griffiths.