PHIPPS STRIKES TO EXTEND REDS’ RUN
IT was not a classic by any stretch, but Llanelli Town ploughed on to extend their unbeaten run in JD Cymru South to three matches with a gritty showing in poor conditions over Cambian & Clydach Vale.
Eli Phipps kept up his recent goalscoring exploits with an 18th-minute strike. Louis Gerrard and Thomas Hillman were involved in the buildup, culminating in Hillman’s shot deflecting off Phipps and beyond goalkeeper Harry Johnson.
Two new signings were included in the home line-up, with Owen Bancroft starting and Joshua Allen on the bench, but the Reds were forced into an early change when the influential Keane Watts had to come off after 25 minutes. Kyran Steadman took his place.
Seven minutes later there was further disruption when Phipps had to be replaced by Tim Parker, making his first appearance for four games following his suspension, and these changes did nothing to improve the overall quality of the hosts’ play.
In fact, the visitors were dictating matters to some extent. A corner by Ceri Morgan caused concern before ending up on the roof of the net, but overall the Rhondda side’s final ball was poor and the home goal was seldom under serious threat.
A strong run by Hillman saw him link up with Miles John, who played a pass into the path of Parker, but his shot was safely gathered by Johnson, although an offside flag had also been raised.
When Cambrian countered, a searching delivery by Cameron Keeton across the face of goal failed to pick out a visiting player, and the half ended with the Reds clinging on to their slender lead.
The second period saw both sides have scoring opportunities, although perhaps the better fell to the visitors, with Scott Coughlan saving from Camden Duncan when he was allowed to run from his own half before unleashing a shot.
More injury woes then befell the Reds, with both Sean Cronin and John coming off, with Adam Robbins and Allen taking their place. Having so many walking wounded will be of concern for the Reds with the visit of second-placed Welsh Premier side Connah’s Quay Nomads in the fourth round of the JD Welsh Cup this Saturday.
Coughlan was called into action again, this time keeping out a snap shot by Duncan at his near post, although Parker might have done better when he met a ball by Steadman but could only volley it off target.
With the contest in its closing stages, Cambrian were still seeking an equaliser and came close when an inswinging corner forced Coughlan to push it clear from under the bar.
Results in other league fixtures also went in favour of the Reds, with Afan Lido drawing at home to Abergavenny Town and Carmarthen Town losing 1-0 at Pontardawe Town. Llanelli are still three points adrift of secondplaced Briton Ferry Llansawel but have two games in hand, with leaders Barry Town United a further four points ahead. Barry’s visit to Stebonheath later in the month could prove pivotal.
LLANELLI TOWN: Coughlan, John (Allen 55), Bevan, Cronin (Robbins 55), Baker, Bancroft, Watts (Steadman 25), Gerrard, Phipps (Parker 32), Hopkins (capt), Hillman. Subs not used: E Williams (GK), Marsh.
CAMBRIAN & CLYDACH VALE: H Johnson, C Davies (Wilcox 60), Coles, Strinati, S Johnson, Keeton, Jones (Young 75), Duggan (S Davies 75), Morgan (capt), Duncan, Owen (Salter 87). Subs not used: M Davies (GK), Millard.
SCORER: Llanelli Town — Phipps 18. YELLOW CARDS: Cambrian & Clydach Vale — C Davies, Morgan.
REFEREE: Tom Bevan. ATTENDANCE: 161.