HIGHADMIT SOUTH WALES ALLIANCE DIVISION ONE

CEFN CRIBWR BC ........ 1 GARW ............................. 2

GARW came late to grab a vital win over table-topping Cefn Cribwr in snowy conditions at Penybont FC, writes Tony Poole.

When Cefn levelled in the 85th minute it seemed as if this derby shootout was heading for a second stalemate of the season.

With the reverse fixture having ended goalless back in August, the Blandy boys mustered a 93rd-minute corner.

Ashleigh Jones swung it into the box, and Harry Davies climbed above a static defence to head home a fifth goal this term.

Garw went down wind towards the Sony end of the ground during the first half with both sides lacking creativity.

However, the tide turned in favour of Nigel Jordan’s side when they won a somewhat harsh 35th minute handball penalty.

Dale Evans again did the business from the spot, converting a fifth penalty, to move on to seven goals for the season.

On the restart, Garw were grateful to Bridgend Ravens RFC fly-half Jacob Lloyd – the ex-Bont goalkeeper whose father Owain played for Bridgend RFC – for a remarkable goal-line save.

Jonny Evans and Shaun Williams both went close for Garw, but the Riders then pedalled into a purposeful purple patch.

However, they failed to make the most of some decent chances until the 88th minute when they were awarded a free kick.

Curtis Grant planted it on to the back post and with Garw centre-back Kristian Evans missing through injury a vacuum was created for captain Tom Harris to square matters.

His 15th goal of the campaign looked to have salvaged a point for Cefn until the Blandy boys came late to win the day.

Though Cefn remain top, the chasing pack has closed in ahead of a tricky away game on Saturday at Penrhiwceiber Con.

And fourth-placed Garw have another massive showdown this Saturday away to third-placed FC Cwmaman.

Last September the Cynon Valley side lost, 4-0, at Fortress Blandy, and will no doubt have a point to prove in the rematch.