Aberdare continue to struggle as promotion dreams fizzle out

from the remnants of a set piece skew away from the goal.

They were made to pay in the 10th minute when poor defending of a corner saw James Bloxham drive home. It could have been a second minutes later with mayhem in the Aberdare rear-guard but eventually seeing the ball cleared to safety.

Aberdare were back on level terms on the half hour when Woodford’s brave header crossed the line after several Josh Powell crosses were only partially cleared to the right edge of the box. Dinas Powys’ imposing striker Gavin Beddard fired wide with the goal gaping and Aberdare lost the services of Woodford following a series of knocks to be replaced by Rhys Wiliams.

There was an early second-half chance for Elliot Morris from a Jason Henley cross but disaster was to strike 10 minutes in. An innocuous back pass to keeper Clint Forbes was not taken cleanly and under pressure from Adam Johns again did not clutch and the forward was able to poke home as the spectators looked on in incredulity.

Worse could have followed when a strong appeal for a penalty was waved away and as Aberdare became more desperate there were bookings for Lewis Holder and Josh Powell.

Aberdare, despite some huffing and puffing, never really looked like getting back on level terms and a disappointed set of players and supporters left the leafy suburbs looking to Friday night’s trip to Briton Ferry knowing a massive improvement is needed all round.