SURPRISE LOSS FOR OLD GOLD
ABERGAVENNY TOWN ...... 3 CARMARTHEN TOWN ........ 1
ABERGAVENNY Town tasted victory for the first time in JD Cymru South since August 20 thanks to a stunning home triumph over Carmarthen Town.
It was a disappointing defeat for the Old Gold as they looked to make ground on league leaders Llanelli Town.
But the reverse means they stay five points behind the Reds, having played a game more.
In contrast, new Abergavenny boss Nicky Morgan and head coach Danny Elliot were toasting their first league win.
Carmarthen had the better of the first half, but failed to take a number of chances.
Sam Pearson went close when he cut inside, but his shot was just the wrong side of the upright.
Then another Pearson effort was well saved.
Defender Lee Surman also went close, but his shot went wide of the far post.
And they were made to pay for those missed chances just a minute after the restart when Rhys Tandy crossed from the right and Drew Heffernan planted his header into the net.
Trystan Jones went close to levelling matters, but his shot hit the sidenetting.
Just past the hour mark Abergavenny doubled their advantage. Substitute Gary Paton, who had been on the field for barely a minute, scored with a near-post effort.
And five minutes later the home side made sure of the points when the referee awarded a penalty against Scott Tancock and Greg Preece fired home from the spot.
Carmarthen grabbed a consolation from Liam Thomas in the 77th minute.
It was a goal that came straight from the training ground as a wellworked free-kick by Bradley Gibbins found Thomas inside the area and he fired home through a crowd of defenders.
The Old Gold produced some of their best football in the closing minutes and Thomas went close to his second, only for his effort to narrowly clear the bar.
Carmarthen make the trip to thirdplaced Cambrian & Clydach on Saturday.