REDS LEAVE IT LATE TO BAG POINTS
A LATE goal saw Llanelli Town end Llantwit Major’s unbeaten fivematch run in JD Cymru South.
They did just enough to come away from the Windmill Ground with maximum points as an 87th-minute header by Eli Phipps proved to be the winner.
An eminently forgettable first half did nothing to raise hopes that the second period might turn out to be an improvement.
Both sides struggled for fluency when in possession and cohesive moves were at a premium, while a poor playing surface did nothing to improve matters.
About the only notable efforts came from the home side’s Rob Jones with two long-range attempts, both of which failed to trouble Evan Williams standing in for the absent Scott Coughlan in the Llanelli goal.
When the visitors were awarded a free-kick, Thomas Hillman could only fire his attempt against the wall, and when he picked out Phipps with a pass, his cross into the goalmouth was safely held by Jack Lansdown.
The Reds went close when another set-piece found Phipps, whose glancing header went narrowly wide of the far post.
When Llantwit pushed forward, a snap-shot from outside the penalty area by Ioan Emanuel flew just over the top, and the half ended with the visitors on the offensive with Nathan Logan directing his headed effort from a Miles John delivery off target.
Both sides made changes prior to the start of the second half, with the hosts bringing on Paolo Merenghi in place of William Francis-Obeng, and the Reds introducing Dylan Williams for Logan.
This half did prove to be an improvement on the first, although that was not too difficult to achieve. The visitors were generally in the ascendancy, forcing their opponents into defensive mode.
A quick break along the Llantwit left culminated in the ball being deflected wide for a corner, while a strong run by Hillman ended with him firing over the home bar.
Llanelli made a further change with Taylor Marsh replaced by Sean Cronin, who was immediately pressed into service up front. And the Reds continued to look the more threatening of the two sides, the only failing being that many of their deliveries into the danger zone were too close to Lansdown, who was able to deal with them comfortably.
When Hillman made another run which took him into the box, he lost his footing at a vital moment and any threat was cancelled out.
With time running out, the contest appeared to be heading for a goalless draw until some skilful play by John, who along with Hillman had been the pick of the Llanelli team, culminated in an assist which found the waiting Phipps, who in turn directed his header under the sprawling figure of the goalkeeper to seal victory.
The three points elevate the Reds back into third place in JD Cymru South, four points adrift of leaders Barry Town United, and they will be hoping for more of the same when they travel to bottom side Goytre United this Saturday (2pm).
The draw for the fourth round of the JD Welsh Cup has earned Llanelli a home tie against Connah’s Quay
Nomads, who at the moment occupy second spot in the JD Cymru Premier. The game will be played on Saturday, January 14.
LLANTWIT MAJOR: Lansdown; Miller (Jennings 89), Llewellyn (capt), Davidson (Morgan 89), Evans, Walbeoff, Francis-Obeng (Marenghi 46), Emanuel, Edwards (Gauci 89), Jones (Woodington 82), Harris. Subs not used: Nelson, Ashworth.
LLANELLI TOWN: E Williams; John, Robbins, Gerrard, Baker, Marsh (Cronin 70), Logan (D Williams 46), Steadman, Phipps; Hopkins (capt); Hillman (Bevan 90+1). Subs not used: Rees, Miles.
SCORER: Llanelli – Phipps 87. YELLOW CARDS: Llantwit Major – Francis-Obeng; Llanelli – Hillman. REFEREE: George Nemes. ATTENDANCE: 142.