Aberaeron v Caersws
The visitors arrived as league leaders with an expectation to return immediately to the Cumru Alliance. Aberaeron on the other hand has had a mixed season with a number of key players injured for some time. Once again the squad was stretched with manager, Jason Jones needing to be on the bench.
Aberaeron started strongly with James Hemmings setting the example by being first to every ball, in the air and on the floor. The whole team seemed to respond and after 8 minutes took the lead when Elwyn Edwards played a clever pass in to the area for Gareth Severs, who was outstanding all game, to finish with aplomb. Aberaeron continued to play neat football, keeping the ball low in the blustery conditions. In fact Aberaeron managed the difficult conditions much better than Caersws. It was no surprise to see Aberaeron double their lead with outstanding striker, Ifan Burrell scoring once again.
Caersws began to rise from their slumbers and started to put the home team under pressure with a few corners and dangerous crosses. From one ball in to the area, the unfortunate Elwyn Edwards was unlucky when a ball hit him on the hand and the referee deemed it deliberate. The penalty was dispatched with confidence. Aberaeron responded and from one attack possession was lost and Caersws sent a long ball for their striker to beat the last defender and slot the ball neatly in to the corner of the net. Parity restored! Aberaeron, however reacted well and created couple of good openings. Ifan Burrell beat three defenders and was running through on goal, but the defence managed to put him off just as he was taking the shot.
Aberaeron were very positive at half time and were confident of gaining a result. They completely controlled the game in the second half with James Hemmings, Dave Evans and Gareth Severs controlling midfield and Ifan Burell being a thorn in the visitors' side all afternoon. After twenty minutes the pressure paid off with a couple of attempts being thwarted before man of the match Hemmings shooting home from ten yards. Aberaeron remained dominant until the last fifteen minutes when Caersws really showed their quality and created some good opportunities. However, Ollie Farebrother in goal wad truly outstanding with a couple of tremendous saves with the efforts heading for the 'top corner'.
Aberaeron saw the game out achieving their best win of the season so far. It was well deserved and was testament to team spirit, team work and 100% effort by every team member.