NORTH GWENT PREMIER DIVISION

EBBW VALE TOWN ....... 2 ABERCARN .................... 2

EBBW Vale maintained their unbeaten start to the campaign against a very strong Abercarn team. With an horrendous swirling wind, two very good footballing teams found it difficult to play their normal sweet, passing game. Ebbw could’ve took the lead after five minutes when Lewis Jones through on goal saw his shot well saved by the visiting keeper. The home side found it difficult in the first half with the physical Abercarn on top for large periods, this showed when they took the lead just before the interval. The second half, playing against the wind saw the home side start playing a little football. Carl Dix linking up well with Thomas Drake only to see his shot whistle narrowly wide. Persistence paid off moments later, when the visiting keeper made a rare mistake only for Jones to pounce and get the equaliser. The game still evenly balanced saw the visitors take the lead once again. A few substitutions were made by the home side saw the introduction to Michael Skelly, Jamie Lewis and 17-year-old Ewan Williams, this payed dividends playing the extra man in midfield and this showed within minutes. Captain Daniel Parfitt linking up with Skelly, his precise pass found Scott Richards only to see his shot well saved by Abercarn’s man of the match. Wave of attacks by the home side came to no avail until deep into injury time. Jamie Lewis a constant menace on the wing, his dangerous cross into the box found Skelly, who blasted his shot past the advancing keeper giving Ebbw a deserved share of the spoils. A very hard fought game and a lot of credit to Abercarn who will definitely be a force this year. Outstanding performances again by Ethan Hinch, Owain Caple Davies and joint man of match awards went to Adam Nicklin and Steve Williams. Next week the Vale entertain top of the league The Oak who has started the campaign with a 100% record. Hilltop Field 3pm KO.