Caerphilly Athletic 2 Aberystwyth Town 3

Novira Cymru South

ABERYSTWYTH Town climbed to second in the Novira Cymru South with a dramatic 3-2 victory away to promoted Caerphilly Athletic on Saturday.

The Seasiders looked in complete control after Aaron Williams struck twice inside the opening 20 minutes, but the hosts fought back through a Finley Skiverton brace before substitute Tarran Hollinshead grabbed a late winner to spark celebrations among the travelling support.

After a free weekend due to Rali Ceredigion, Aber started brightly and created a series of early chances. Williams was twice denied by goalkeeper Cassius Tanhai, while Dan Owen fired over in the opening stages.

The breakthrough came when Owen's dangerous delivery caused problems in the Caerphilly box and Williams converted from close range after eight minutes.

Aber continued to press. Tom Evans supplied a cross that Dillon Browne headed narrowly wide, while Rhys Hughes saw an effort deflected for a corner. The visitors deservedly doubled their lead midway through the half when Owen's goalbound shot was turned home by Williams for his second of the afternoon.

Caerphilly's main threat before the break came through Elliot Humphries, whose free-kick was comfortably gathered by Luke Evans, as Aber went into half-time two goals to the good.

The hosts emerged with renewed purpose after the restart. Skiverton forced an excellent save from Evans before finally pulling a goal back when he was left unmarked inside the area and fired home.

Liam Reed and Drew Perrett both threatened as Caerphilly piled on the pressure, with Evans producing further saves to preserve Aber's advantage.

However, the leveller arrived with 14 minutes remaining when Skiverton rose to meet Will Toms' corner and headed home to make it 2-2.

Aber refused to settle for a point and restored their lead four minutes from time through two substitutes. James Smallwood threaded a superb pass between the Caerphilly defence and Hollinshead raced onto it before curling a composed finish beyond Tanhai and into the bottom corner.

There was still late drama when captain Liam Walsh received a second yellow card, leaving Aber to see out the closing stages with 10 men. Including stoppage time, the visitors had more than 14 minutes to defend their lead.

Hollinshead almost set up a fourth goal on the counter attack, but Caerphilly continued to press. Evans remained assured, gathering a late effort from Connor Hanford as Aber held firm for a valuable three points.

The victory continues Town's impressive start to the campaign and sets up a huge home clash with leaders Pure Swansea a week on Friday.

Before then, Craig Williams' side begin their Welsh Cup campaign away to Menai Bridge Tigers on Saturday.