REDS PAY PRICE FOR MISSING CHANCES
WEST Wales rivals Llanelli Town and Ammanford shared the points in their JD Cymru South clash at Stebonheath.
But after serving up one of their best displays of one-touch attacking football for many years, Llanelli will feel frustrated that they had to settle for a share of the spoils.
The contest should have long been over in their favour, probably as early as the first half.
The Reds had their opponents on the back foot for the majority of the game, but a crucial lack of finishing proved decisive, with the Ammanford goal let off the hook on countless occasions.
Notice of Llanelli’s intentions came early on when a ball driven across the six-yard box by Keane Watts just evaded the attentions of a couple of attackers, while Sean Cronin headed wide from close in following a Ryan Bevan corner.
Ammanford dangerman Lee Trundle was being kept relatively quiet by the home rearguard, and the only time he managed to get a shot on target it was safely dealt with by keeper Scott Coughlan.
Trundle was then instrumental in setting up Colin Harris, and his wellstruck effort was scooped over the bar by Coughlan.
The visitors were finding it increasingly difficult to contain the Reds’ fast-paced attacks, with Miles John, Watts and Eli Phipps prominent.
Louis Gerrard delivered a thunderous 25-yard strike which caused Joseph Massaro in the Ammanford goal problems before he managed to deflect it for a corner, while he was called into action shortly afterwards and did well to deny Watts.
A lofted clearance by James Parry gave Watts the opportunity to gain possession before making ground and unleashing a near-post effort that Massaro kept out.
Despite their all-round superiority, the hosts could not find the crucial killer ball to unlock their opponents.
But relief arrived on 26 minutes when they deservedly went ahead as Cronin made ground along the left before delivering a ball low across the goalmouth which evaded a number of players before James Baker timed his run perfectly to beat Massaro from close range.
Although being outplayed, the visitors still offered a threat. And it took an excellent save by Coughlan to deny Harris when he unleashed a shot from distance.
The Reds responded and another chance went begging, with Baker unable to find the net with a header from close in following a Gerrard cross.
An even better opportunity then came the way of Josef Hopkins, who was put clear by an assist from Bevan and made ground to the edge of the area before rounding Massaro, but could only direct his finish inches wide of the far post with the goal gaping.
Despite all their pressure, the hosts went in at the interval just a goal ahead.
The second period continued in the same vein, with Massaro safely gathering a well-struck Watts effort, and when the same player found Hopkins, the keeper again came to the rescue.
Phipps directed his header wide from another Watts cross, before he was replaced by Thomas Hillman. Owain Phillips-taylor came on for Gerrard.
Llanelli were then to rue their missed chances when Ammanford equalised on 68 minutes. Trundle was inevitably involved in the move with a trademark swivel and reverse pass to play in Brett Enoch, who made ground before firing past Coughlan.
The Reds continued to dominate and push forward in their efforts to find a winner, but again were let down by some wayward finishing. John headed wide from a decent position when he met a Watts delivery, while Tim Parker scuffed his finish off target with Watts again the provider.
Try as they might, Llanelli could not find a winner, leaving Ammanford delighted with a point.
The Reds have another difficult game on Friday when they travel to Briton Ferry Llansawel for their first away league fixture of the season (7.30pm).
Ammanford are at home to Taffs Well on the same evening.
LLANELLI TOWN: Coughlan; John (Robbins 90+1), Parry, Cronin, Baker, Bevan, Watts, Gerrard (Phillips-taylor 66), Parker, Hopkins (capt), Phipps (Hillman 57). Subs not used: D. Williams, Howard, Logan, E. Williams (GK).
AMMANFORD: Massaro; Griffiths, Enoch (Thomas 90), Trundle (capt), Dillon (Arnold 65), Samuel, Parry, Langley, Harris (Fisher 74), Airey, Clarke. Subs not used: Williams, Saunders, Davies, Marsh (GK).
SCORERS; Llanelli – Baker 26; Ammanford – Enoch 68.
YELLOW CARDS: Llanelli – Cronin; Ammanford – Samuel. REFEREE: Daniel Richardson. ATTENDANCE: 502.