A DECENT AWAY POINT FOR REDS

FRUSTRATION over the failure from their previous game against Ammanford to put the result to bed after dominating proceedings probably played a part when Llanelli Town tackled league leaders Briton Ferry Llansawel as once again they were wasteful when opportunities presented themselves.

Despite playing for over an hour with a numerical advantage following the dismissal of home defender Declan Evans, they failed to totally dominate their opponents who, to their credit, did not allow the setback to affect them unduly and themselves posed a threat going forward.

The visitors included new signing Taylor Marsh in the match-day squad, and when he came on as a replacement for Eli Phipps just before the hour, he acquitted himself well and looks to be a useful addition with a good turn of pace and deft touches on the ball.

In a somewhat scrappy opening 45 minutes, both sides cancelled each other out and there was little goalmouth action.

The nearest to a goal came when Reds defender James Parry coughed up possession to Rio Dyer, who made ground before seeing his final effort clip the bar and go over the top.

When the visitors countered, Thomas Hillman scuffed his finish wide of the home goal, with the Ferry again going close through a Jack Hurley free-kick that skimmed the bar.

As the half wore on, play became somewhat fractious, with referee Jordan Harman producing a few yellow cards. His patience was eventually broken with the sending-off of Evans after 30 minutes.

The Reds survived another close call when Parry repeated his earlier gaffe by this time allowing prolific home striker Tom Walters to dispossess him, and it took a good strong hand by keeper Scott Coughlan at full stretch to divert his shot to safety.

Miles John then made a run up the right before delivering a cross which was only partially cleared by the home defence, allowing Hillman to get away a shot which Rhys Wilson just about kept out.

But in the third minute of stoppage time, following the award of a home free-kick some distance out, Walters launched a superb strike over Coughlan into the top corner.

Stung by this setback, after the restart the visitors began to make more of their numerical advantage, and the Ferry goal survived some close calls, typified by a ball from John into the goalmouth that was somehow kept out by last-ditch defending.

Wilson then denied Tim Parker from point-blank range, while Keane Watts just failed to connect to a ball into the Ferry box.

But the visitors eventually broke through when another dangerous delivery led to an almighty scramble in front of the net, with Parker eventually getting the final touch to force the ball past Wilson on 78 minutes.

Five minutes remained when the Ferry were forced into a goalkeeping change with Wilson, who had been in discomfort for some time, being replaced by Tyler Evans, and his first action was a relieved one when Watts headed wide from close range.

The remainder of the contest was end to end, and the visitors’ goal survived some near misses before the last word fell to the replacement home keeper, who excelled himself with a wonderful save to keep out a Parker attempt that was destined for the top corner.

A point apiece was just about a fair result, and on this showing both teams should be in for a decent season.

The Reds host league newcomers Ynyshir Albions this Friday night, kick-off 7.30pm, and on Bank Holiday Monday they entertain Goytre United at Stebonheath with a 2.30pm start.

BRITON FERRY LLANSAWEL: Wilson (T Evans 85), D Evans, Goldsworthy, Williams, K Evans, Gammond (capt), Dyer (Hunt 70), Hurley, Walters, Brooks (J Jones 70), Kinsella. Subs not used: Power, N Jones, Woods.

LLANELLI TOWN: Coughlan, John, Parry, Cronin, Baker, Bevan, Watts, Gerrard (capt), Parker, Hillman, Phipps (Marsh 58). Subs not used: Robbins, Orford, D Williams, Phillips-Taylor, Rees, E Williams (GK).

SCORERS: Briton Ferry Llansawel — Walters 45+3. Llanelli Town — Parker 78.

YELLOW CARDS: Briton Ferry Llansawel — Williams, Brock, Gammond. Llanelli Town — Cronin.

RED CARD: Briton Ferry Llansawel — D Evans.

REFEREE: Jordan Harman.

ATTENDANCE: 522.