Aberaeron’s squad was once more stretched for this away fixture, however with players who can play in multiple positions, the team were confident of gaining a result. Llansantffraid’s ground is vety impressive having been a Premier ground under the New Saints banner. The pitch, however was a disgrace and looked more like a rutted garden than a soccer pitch. The game, therefore was extremely difficult for the players and the match was strewn with errors galore.
Aberaeron, however started well and created a number of good opportunities making the home defence panic and make mistakes. Ifan Burrell was his usual lively self and created some good chances but the ball bobbled each time as he went to strike the ball. The home keeper was kept busy, but the vital breakthrough did not happen. Gareth Severs was very unlucky when it looked like a simple tap in when the ball cruelly hit a bump and the ball rolled in to the keeper’s hands.
Ryan Jones returning after a few months travelling was having a great game and was clearly fouled on the edge of his own area, the referee then awarded a free kick to the home team that baffled both teams. To add insult to injury the free kick was allowed to be taken quickly and the shot caught all unawares for the opening goal.
The second half was one way traffic in favour of Aberaeron with Llew Lloyd and Gareth Lewis creating chances galore. Gareth Severs on another day would have scored a bagful, but a combination of good saves, last ditch clearances and the cross-bar meant his luck was certainly out!
Ifan Burrell looked like he had saved the day when he beat two players and was running through on goal when the goalkeeper came out with his studs up and gave away the penalty. Burrel, bravely put the ball on the spot, however the ball struck the corner of the crossbar and was cleared to safety. It was not going to be Aberaeron’s day and to crown a disappointing afternoon, the home side scored a second goal to rub salt in the wounds. Aberaeron created enough chances to have won the match, there were some great performances and was an undeserved loss. It is a cruel game!