TOWN HOLD OFF LATE FIGHTBACK

CARMARTHEN Town extended their winning run to four in JD Cymru South – but not before having to resist a second-half fightback by the visitors from Port Talbot.

Indeed, there were several worrying moments for Old Gold supporters to endure, in stark contrast to the earlier proceedings which had led to a comfortable two-goal lead.

Town went close to opening the scoring within the first minute. Jordan Vickers embarked on a typical burst along the right wing before firing the ball low into the penalty area where Matthew Delaney arrived with perfect timing to strike a fierce drive that defeated goalkeeper Keenan Bailey but was cleared by a defender.

For a spell the play was contained in midfield with both defences performing capably. However, after 20 minutes the Old Gold tested Bailey once more when Sam Parsons, near the left touchline, sent a tempting cross to the near post where Liam Thomas saw his glancing header turned aside.

Town were not to be denied from the ensuing corner. A Vickers delivery landed in the packed goalmouth where Noah Daley emerged with perfect timing and drove the ball past Bailey and into the back of the net.

Once more the game became confined to midfield, due largely to the strength and organisation of the two defences.

But on 35 minutes the visitors were handed a scoring opportunity from an unlikely source when experienced central defender Scott Tancock sent a weak back header towards Ifan Knott.

The ball was intercepted by Jordan Davies, but his shot was poor and Knott was well placed to claim the ball.

For the remainder of the first half the play was evenly balanced and while both teams were able to force a number of corners, the defences dealt with them capably.

After the interval Carmarthen began quite positively, maintaining possession and forcing Trefelin back in defence. And very soon they increased their lead.

In the 48th minute Town’s all-time top scorer Liam Thomas broke away from several defenders near the halfway line and sprinted towards the edge of the area before driving the ball past Bailey and into the back of the net.

But the comfort of that two-goal advantage did not last long.

On 62 minutes, the visitors’ search to get back into the contest paid off – and in a most impressive fashion.

Jordan Davies received the ball some 35 yards out from goal and produced a stunning volley that flew beyond Knott’s reach and into the roof of the net.

The pace and commitment of the players increased noticeably with the Old Gold anxious to restore their two-goal lead, while the visitors sensed the opportunity to gain at least a point from the match.

And in the 76th minute Thomas had the opportunity to score another breakaway goal when a pass from halfway set him racing free, but this time he lost possession of the ball and Bailey was able to clear it away.

Soon afterwards Adam John, from 25 yards, struck a fine volley over a crowded penalty area but saw the ball narrowly clear the bar.

Trefelin also had scoring chances. On 83 minutes Davies chased a long through pass only to be denied a scoring opportunity by Knott, who raced well out of his goal and bravely claimed the ball at the striker’s feet.

Moments later Davies, in clear space at the edge of the penalty area, was well placed to score.

As Knott again came out to challenge him, the striker lobbed the ball over the stranded keeper but saw it hit the far post and go out of play.

After those worrying moments Town supporters were relieved to hear the final whistle.

TEAM: I Knott; J Vickers, S Tancock, L Surman, S Parsons, T Dyson, G Walters, M Delaney, L Thomas, K Mohamed (sub A John 66), N Daley. Subs: N Jones, T Jones, R Bassett.