Spirited Cwm battle back to move into fifth spot

CWMAMMAN United moved up to fifth in division one of the Welsh League by defeating Afan Lido 3-2 at Grenig Park.

Cwm put on an excellent display of attacking football and would have enjoyed a more comfortable victory but for a superb display by Lido keeper Rory McCreesh, who saved two penalties.

Chris Allen, Colin Harris and Ryan Thomas saw a lot of the ball early on and full-back Declan John was the source of many attacks. Cwm soon won a penalty for handball, and although Ryan Thomas struck it well McCreesh got down to push it wide.

Against the run of play a high ball into the Cwm box saw a strong challenge on keeper Chris Curtis in goal. The ball fell loose and Cai Owens pounced to put Lido ahead.

Cwm came back strongly and Ashley Curtis turned quickly on the edge of the box and fired a spectacular shot into the roof of the net.

A fine last-ditch tackle from Gareth Howarth then snuffed out a Lido attack.

Cwm started the second half with a bang and a sublime piece of interplay between Thomas, Ryan Hurlow and Curtis saw the latter steer the ball into the net.

Just minutes later it was 3-1 after Colin Harris crossed for Hurlow to beat the keeper.

Cwm were awarded another penalty, but again Thomas was denied by another fine stop.

Lido kept plugging away and got their reward on 83 minutes with a simple tap-in from Noah Daley. An excellent save from Curtis preserved Cwm’s lead.

Cwm now welcome Briton Ferry Llansawel to Grenig Park on Saturday (2.30pm).

Meanwhile, an extraordinary game saw Rhos beat Cwmamman Reserves 6-5 with two late goals to claim the Neath League division one title.

Cwmamman, who led 4-0 after 20 minutes, scored through Rhydian Jones (2), Kian Evans (2) and Cameron Isaac.