Ruane ends Cwm dreams

CWMAMMAN United bowed out of the Welsh Cup after they were denied in a seven-goal third-round thriller by Aberystwyth Town.

Aberystwyth, who lie fifth in the Welsh Premier League, were favourites to win and they were on the front foot from the off.

As early as the 12th minute Aber striker Ashley Ruane rounded Blues keeper Chris Curtis but side-footed his effort wide.

A few minutes later Aber captain Declan Walker forced a good save from Curtis.

After 20 minutes Aber got the goal their attacking play deserved when a pinpoint cross by Matthew Jones found the unmarked Porya Ahmadi and the striker controlled his shot well to give his team the lead.

With 37 minutes gone Aber striker Ruane rounded Curtis again but saw his effort cleared off the line.

But two minutes later Cwmamman were on level terms when Aber failed to clear a corner and James Bryan poked the ball into the back of the net.

The second half was only two minutes old when a cross found the head of Ruane, who powered his header into the roof of the Cwmamman net.

And just minutes later Ruane added the visitors’ third goal.

Several minutes later the same player grabbed his hattrick as Cwm failed to clear a thunderous shot that had rattled the crossbar.

But Cwm didn’t give up and within three minutes they had won a free-kick 30 yards from the Aber goal. A well-rehearsed move ended with a cross into the box which was headed into the net by striker Chris Allen.

Cwm were now dominating and it took a fine save from Aber keeper Terry McCormick to deny Cwm a third goal.

But Cwm continued to push forward and Bryan, who had been pushed forward from defence, found himself one on one with the keeper and he kept his nerve to send the shot into the net via the inside of the post.

Cwm battled for an equaliser, but Aberystwyth saw out the closing minutes to clinch a spot in the fourth round.