Ammanford in early exit

AMMANFORD captain Rhys Fisher remained upbeat after his side’s involvement in the Nathaniel MG Cup ended at the second-round stage.

Welsh Premier League side Newtown proved just too strong as they claimed a 2-0 win.

Fisher said: “All the boys were brilliant. They were a good outfit and not one of our players looked out of their depth.

“We had a chance at the death which would have made it 1-1 and into penalties and on another day who knows.

“There’s competition for places at the moment which is great for the team and this week’s league fixture can’t come quick enough.

“The buzz in the dressing room is like no other I have experienced since being with the club.”

Newtown started on the front foot and as early as the third minute Nicholas Rushton saw his shot shake the Ammanford crossbar and cleared to safety.

A lot of Newtown’s best moves were created by Sean McAllister, who was threading passes to his front men, but Ammanford’s defence stayed resolute.

However, the deadlock was broken after 21 minutes when Ammanford keeper Craig Morris palmed a cross onto his crossbar, but the ball fell kindly to Newtown paceman Lifumpa Mwandwe, who poked the ball into the net from close range.

Newtown almost doubled their lead five minutes later but wasted the opportunity when the ball was flashed over the crossbar from two yards out.

Ammanford had their best chance of the first half when the hard-working Gavin Jones rifled in a shot which was tipped away by Newtown keeper David Jones.

On the hour mark, a Newtown header rattled the Ammanford goal frame from close range and three minutes later the home supporters were cheering as a fine passing move was tucked into the Ammanford net, only for it to be chalked off for offside.

Lee Trundle won a free-kick on the edge of the penalty area, but his effort sailed over the bar. Jones then fired in a cross-shot that was met by Bruno Forkouh, but at full stretch he could only poke the ball over the bar.

Ricky Martin then saw his powerful low shot flash narrowly wide of the Newtown goal.

In the 90th minute Ammanford keeper Morris came out of his area to make a clearance, but the ball fell nicely to McCallister who cleverly chipped the ball into the unguarded net from 30 yards out.

Ammanford had time for one last attempt when Craig Frater struck a powerful free-kick from outside the box that hit the post and deflected onto the opposite post without crossing the line.

Ammanford travel to Taffs Well on Saturday for their first game in JD Cymru South.