REDS IMPRESS IN FINE VICTORY
FOLLOWING the loss of their unbeaten league record to Barry at Jenner Park in their previous game, Llanelli Town bounced back in the best possible manner with a hard-earned win in the Rhondda at the expense of opponents who themselves are riding high in the JD Cymru South table.
Once again, some top-class performances by the visitors ensured victory, with the defence comprising the central partnership of Sean Cronin and Jamie Baker looking particularly solid, while the pocket dynamo who is Miles John never stopped running, with the rest of the personnel also playing their part in what is beginning to look a thoroughly efficient outfit.
Early home pressure led to Scott Coughlan being called into action to divert clear a delivery into the goalmouth by Ceri Morgan, before the Reds took a ninth-minute lead following a slick exchange of passes which culminated in the final ball being met by Thomas Hillman, who volleyed his shot past goalkeeper Harry Johnson.
This led to a period of dominance by the visitors, and they went close again when a throw-in by John found the head of Tim Parker, who glanced his finish just wide of the far post.
They had another chance when they were awarded a free-kick inside the Cambrian box after Johnson was penalised for picking up a back pass, but Cronin’s shot was off target.
The home keeper was involved again when he conceded a penalty by bringing down Keane Watts when he pursued a long ball into the area, and Josef Hopkins duly netted from the spot.
However, within two minutes the hosts were back in contention when Josh Bull collected a pass and was allowed room in which to turn before driving his finish past Coughlan.
The Reds continued to have the better of the overall play, and a through ball by Hopkins meant for Watts was just too strong, with Johnson able to gather, but in first-half stoppage time they were stunned when Cambrian equalised from the penalty spot following a challenge in the box. Liam Eason ensured the teams went in at the break all square.
An early home attack after the restart forced Adam Robbins to effect a timely clearance, before the Reds made a change, with Ryan Bevan replacing James Parry on 50 minutes.
Parker and John them combined to set up a chance, with the latter firing narrowly wide, but they were more successful in the 64th minute when they regained the lead.
Coughlan launched a kick downfield wide to the left where Watts gained possession. He did well to make inroads towards goal, with Johnson electing to come off his line in an attempt to close him down, but Watts kept his nerve to slot the ball into the vacant net.
With the final whistle approaching the hosts created a couple of opportunities, with the best chance falling to Bull, whose header lacked power and Coughlan made a safe catch.
The referee added on a substantial period of stoppage time, due mainly to Robbins suffering a bloodied nose after an accidental collision with
Bull.
Three hard-earned points for the Reds, which keeps them in second place, a point adrift of Barry, and they have a crucial match at Stebonheath this Friday evening when local rivals Carmarthen Town, who trail them by two points in the table, are the visitors. Kick-off is at 7.30pm.
CAMBRIAN & CLYDACH VALE: Johnson, Davies, Coles (Jones 84), Young (Edwards 74), Morgan (capt), Strinati, Eason, Thomas (Welch 80), Reed (Woodford 74), Bull, Keetch. Subs not used: Webber, Wilcox, Owen
LLANELLI TOWN: Coughlan, John (Steadman 90+1), Parry (Bevan 50), Cronin, Baker, Robbins, Watts (Marsh 90+1), Gerrard, Parker (Phipps 62), Hopkins (capt), Hillman (Williams 90+1).
GOALS: Cambrian & Clydach Vale — Bull 25, Eason (pen) 45+2. Llanelli Town — Hillman 9, Hopkins (pen) 23, Watts 64.
YELLOW CARDS: Cambrian & Clydach Vale — Johnson, Thomas, Reed, Keetch, Edwards.
REFEREE: Teifion Cook.