CWM BATTLE, BUT DENIED IN THE RAIN
CWMAMMAN United suffered a 2-1 defeat at home to Port Talbot Town in Ardal League South West.
A hard-fought but entertaining match was played in extremely difficult conditions, with a strong wind and heavy rain from the first whistle.
Cwm introduced Rhys Griffiths, one of their five new signings, into the line-up, with the returning Ryan Thomas and Jesse Howell on the bench.
Cwm were faster out of the blocks and Calem Rees saw his shot saved in the second minute, while he had another half-chance soon after.
As the game settled, Port Talbot’s short passing game seemed to suit the conditions better as they enjoyed the majority of possession.
Port Talbot made the breakthrough in the 33rd minute when a long ball over the top saw a Cwm defender slip and the speedy Aidan Chappell Smith broke free, leaving teenage keeper Leo Jones with no chance.
Ross Morgan was inspirational for Cwm, while Callum Dougal and Grant Rees were solid in the heart of defence. Jones made an excellent save from a long-range shot early in the second half.
The killer blow appeared to have been struck when some hesitancy in the Cwm defence from a cross saw new signing Charlie Farrell double the advantage when he poked home on his debut in the 75th minute.
But Cwm, with Thomas and Kyle Ashford coming on and increasing the attacking threat, pulled one back immediately when a Thomas shot was parried by Port Talbot keeper Steffan Rogers and the ever-dangerous Calem Rees steered it home.
The final 15 minutes saw Cwm mount a number of attacks, with Cory Saunders coming into his own on the left flank and Port Talbot defended desperately.
Cwm thought they had salvaged a point with the last play of the game when a Leon Croucher header from a corner flew just over the bar.
Cwm remain 12th in the 16-team league, with Port Talbot moving up to sixth.
On Saturday Cwmamman travel to Cardiff Draconians (2pm).