DIVISION ONE

CORNELLY UNITED ..... 1 DYNAMO ABER ............ 0

CORNELLY United displayed the grit that down the years they have possessed to edge out promotion-chasing Dynamo Aber at Meadow Street, writes Tony Poole.

High-flying Aber landed in Cornelly with an airforce of strikers in Gareth Tedstone, captain Sam Watkins and Craig Williams.

But they failed to achieve lift-off, as Cornelly were buoyed by Joe Jones having a USA coaching post put on hold for a month.

But once more young Penybont starlet Rhys Alden caught the eye with another mature performance that oozed class.

In recent times twogoal leads and Cornelly haven’t been happy bed partners and when they led after just six minutes, few fans expected them to defend a flimsy lead for almost 90 minutes.

The goal stemmed from a dodgy Jimmy Adams free-kick that eventually resulted in Dann Jones wriggling free in the box.

He was about to round Dan Marsden when the goalkeeper felled him, and he was fortunate only to get a yellow card.

Dale Smith sent Marsden the wrong way from 12 yards, and his fifth goal of the season ultimately settled the issue.

Soon after ex-Dinas Powys man Tedstone should have levelled; Cornelly striker Mark Evans ran a header along the cross bar while Marsden saved from Callum Jones during final play.

Chances were also few and far between during the second half and on 63 minutes, Tedstone fired just outside the far post.

Ten minutes later, it was the turn of Alden to flash a shot just wide while Evans had an effort hacked off the goal-line.

But during six minutes of time added on, Aber threw everything at Cornelly, who defended valiantly to take all three points.

Only a sixth league win of the season should ensure that Cornelly remain in Division One next term.

They have four more games - Cwmbach Royal Stars at home this Saturday; Clwb Cymric away on April 8 together with home fixtures against Tonyrefail (15th) and FC Cwmaman (22nd).