TOWN STAGE A FINE COMEBACK
CARMARTHEN TOWN staged a remarkable comeback to move into third in JD Cymru South.
They are just three points adrift of leaders Barry Town United, though have played one game more.
None of this appeared likely as their supporters endured a distinctly dismal opening 35 minutes during which Celtic secured a thoroughly deserved two-goal lead.
But they went on to witness a wonderful turnaround from the Old Gold, with a stunning second-half performance which overwhelmed the hosts.
The visitors managed the first notable attempt when Tom Dyson moved forward from the centre circle and from 30 yards released a speculative drive that the home goalkeeper turned over the bar.
Yet from that moment Cwmbran tested Town’s defence regularly. On 13 minutes Lewis Iles broke clear of defenders to pursue a long pass, but while his lobbed shot from the edge of the penalty area defeated keeper Ifan Knott as he advanced out of his goal, the ball flew over the bar.
Shortly afterwards Celtic were ahead. A cross into the area saw Knott and Alex Bonthrom challenge for the ball, but the referee deemed that the young keeper had done so dangerously. Moments later the striker converted the penalty.
And worse was soon to follow for Carmarthen.
On 25 minutes a fine pass from the touchline to the edge of the area reached Sam Powell, whose stunning drive flew beyond Knott’s reach.
During this phase of the match the Old Gold simply had no answer to Celtic’s rapid movement and crisp passing.
Yet gradually, as half-time neared, Town became much more competitive and this led them to score a crucial goal.
A slick move along the left flank led to the ball being sent to Liam Thomas deep inside the area and, with his typical composure, he converted the opportunity.
After the interval Carmarthen continued to dominate play. On 47 minutes Greg Walters, in a crowded area, struck a crisp drive that the keeper turned around the post at full stretch.
Just moments later Town were level. It came after they were awarded a free-kick and Walters, from fully 35 yards, left the keeper floundering and the back of the net bulging.
The Old Gold went in search of more success and they did not have long to wait. On 54 minutes Tom Dyson sent a fine cross into a crowded area where Thomas reached the ball quickest and fired it into the net.
Barely had supporters had time to digest this than the ball was back in the net.
It was deposited there by Mathew Delaney after his long-range shot was misjudged by the home keeper.
Yet Town were still not satisfied. On 64 minutes Jordan Vickers sent a cross into the area and Walters struck a stunning drive into the far corner of the net.
Celtic, who never stopped competing and more than played their part in an entertaining contest, managed
a last-minute goal.
TOWN: I Knott; J Vickers, L Surman, R Bassett, T Jones, S Parsons, G Walters, T Dyson (W Rikard 67), M Delaney, L Thomas, N Daley (B Gibbings 72).