A hard-fought point for Cwmamman... before a thrashing

CWMAMMAN United and Ynysygerwn fought out a fierce Ardal South West League derby under the lights last Tuesday that ended up with the points shared.

The last time the club’s first teams had met at Grenig Park they were both in the Neath League. Cwm were looking for vital points in their relegation battle, while the Neath Valley side were seeking to move towards the top three.

It was a match of contrasting styles, with the bigger, more physical, Ynys side using long throws and firing balls up the line, while Cwm relied on quicker passing and trying to release their wingers.

As has been the case for a number of games this season, Cwm created some early strong chances which saw Travis James have a header well saved, while a lob from way out by Kyle Ashford almost caught the Ynys keeper out.

The high ball paid dividends for Ynys in the 10th minute when a flick-on header from a corner was steered home by Charlie Farrell.

Ryan Hurlow was unlucky to make a great run into the box but not quite get enough connection to beat the keeper.

Just before half-time Cwm got a deserved equaliser when, again from a corner, the ball fell to Calem Rees, who had an excellent game and calmly hammered it home.

The second half was a quieter affair chance-wise but with plenty of hard tackles as both defences took control. Cwmamman’s Luke Sherbon

was outstanding at the heart of defence, forming a strong partnership with captain Gareth Howarth.

The final minutes saw Cwm have two great opportunities to win, with Hurlow firing over the bar as the ball fell loose and a strong Ryan Thomas header forcing a great save from Ynys keeper Luke Jones.

Last Friday night Cwmamman were well beaten by fifth-placed Penydarren BGC, losing 5-0 away.

With just three games left, Cwm’s next fixture is away to AFC Porth on April 23.