Aberystwyth Town march on with four-goal masterclass

THE Black and Greens delighted their travelling faithfuls once again with a commanding 4-0 victory away to Carmarthen Town, which leaves them second in the Novira Cymru South, two points behind leaders Pontypridd but with two vital games in hand.

Dan Owen headed Aber into the lead in the eighth minute, and the visitors took control in the second half as Liam Walsh (58 minutes) and Aaron Williams (66 and 82 minutes) completed a comprehensive win.

The match was moved to an unfamiliar Saturday night slot to accommodate the first ever Cymru South live broadcast on the Cymru Football platform, and a lively start included Carmarthen’s Tyler Aylward seeing a shot blocked early on.

Then Dillon Browne chased what looked like a lost cause down the right wing before curling in a super cross which fell nicely for the onrushing Dan Owen to nod home at the far post, and an early lead.

This got the outstanding Aberystwyth support numbering over 50 people into good voice, however a rather messy first period ensued with neither side able to retain possession for significant periods.

Town keeper Luke Evans dealt well with a number of testing free kicks and corners, Kurtis Rees clipped an effort wide for the hosts, and Lewis Reed’s header was easy for Evans in Aber’s goal.

Gruff Sedgwick then saw a superb volley tipped over the post by Lee Idzi, Rhys Hughes fired over from distance, before sending another effort wide, and Town ended the half a goal to the good.

Town’s defence dealt with more set pieces and long throws after the break, with Harry Cottam again imperious at the back, then Dan Owen went on a super run down the left before clipping the ball over the post.

Then just before the hour Richie Ricketts sent a wicked free kick into the box from the left and Liam Walsh guided the ball home from eight yards out for a killer second goal.

Ricketts then sent in a great ball from the right which flashed past everyone in the box, then Browne took the ball off Aylward on the right and touched across for Williams to find the bottom corner from the edge of the penalty box for three.

Minutes later Tom Evans sent in a curling cross from the right which Browne sent just past the post with a diving header, before Liam Thomas sent an effort over the bar in response for Carmarthen.

Sub keeper Charlie Craig denied Williams a second with a low stop, but minutes later Ricketts sent in another cross from the left which tempted Craig off his line, and Williams got there first to nod home a fourth goal and put the Black and Green tifosi in dreamland.

Tom Mason volleyed a left footer just past the post, and Williams lobbed just wide – but the job was done and another big three points were heading home up the A485.

Black and Green supporters were delighted with the way Craig Williams’ men really took control of this encounter in the second half and this victory, broadcast live to the nation, puts Aber in a good place in terms of their league position.

Attentions now turn to the Welsh Cup, with a third round tie at Colwyn Bay on Saturday (ko 2pm).