Cwm claim crucial win

CWMAMMAN United claimed a crucial 2-1 win at AFC Porth as they look to pull away from danger in Ardal League South West.

The result lifted Cwm five points above the drop zone with two matches remaining. Porth’s relegation has been confirmed.

Cwm started with assistant manager Llion Jones in the line-up – and he scored after just 40 seconds when Ryan Hurlow pressured the Porth defence and Jones scooped the ball into the net over the advancing keeper.

Cwm quickly created more chances with Hurlow going close, but they were rocked when a failure by Cwmamman to clear a cross in the seventh minute allowed Patrick Rysgaard to hammer home the loose ball.

An excellent ball from Jones saw Hurlow’s shot well saved, while a long-range shot by Ross Morgan was kept out by a fine save from Andrew Hargreaves.

The second half continued at a strong pace and Porth appeared to be the more creative, forcing Grant Rees and Gareth Howarth to work hard in the centre of defence. Kai Rees was a reassuring presence in goal for Cwm.

Hurlow raced away, only to see his shot go over the bar, while Geraint Rees’s header went wide.

Both sides searched for a winner and it came in the 80th minute when Hargreaves couldn’t hold a cross and player-manager Ryan Thomas smashed the loose ball home to trigger celebrations.

Porth frantically searched for an equaliser but the Cwm defence held strong for what could prove to be a vital win.

The remaining two home Cwm games will be played at Afan Lido FC because of drainage work being undertaken at Grenig Park.

The match against Caerau Ely starts at 7.15pm on Friday.