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Llanelli bounce back with win over Cambrian & Clydach

FOLLOWING the loss of their unbeaten league record to Barry at Jenner Park in their last game, Llanelli Town bounced back in the best possible manner with a hard-earned win in the Rhondda at the expense of opponents who themselves are riding high in the table.

Once again, some top-class performances by the visitors ensured the victory with the defence comprising of the central partnership of Sean Cronin and Jamie Baker looking particularly solid, while the pocket dynamo who is Miles John never stopped running, with the rest of the personnel also playing their part in what is beginning to look a thoroughly efficient outfit.

Early home pressure led to Scott Coughlan being called into action to divert clear a delivery into the goalmouth by Ceri Morgan, before the Reds took an early 9th minute lead following a slick exchange of passes which culminated in the final ball being met by Thomas Hillman who volleyed his shot past goalkeeper Harry Johnson.

This led to a period of dominance by the visitors who were on top, and went close again when a throw-in by John found the head of Tim Parker who glanced his finish just wide of the far post.

They had another chance when they were awarded a free kick inside the Cambrian box after Johnson was penalised for picking up a back pass, but Cronin directed his effort off target.

The home keeper was then involved further when he conceded a penalty by bringing down Keane Watts when he pursued a long ball into the area, and Josef Hopkins duly netted from the spot on 23 minutes to put his side into a commanding position.

However, within two minutes of this the hosts were back in contention when Josh Bull collected a pass and was not closed down effectively but allowed room in which to turn, before driving his finish past Coughlan.

The Reds continued to have the better of the overall play, and a through ball by Hopkins meant for Watts was just agonisingly too strong with Johnson able to gather, but in first half stoppage time they were stunned when their opponents levelled matters with the award of another penalty following a challenge in the box, and referee Teifion Cook pointed to the spot from which Liam Eason ensured the teams went in at the break all-square.

An early home attack after the restart forced Adam Robbins to effect a timely clearance, before the Reds made a change with Ryan Bevan replacing James Parry on 50 minutes.

Parker and John them combined to set up a chance with the latter firing narrowly wide, but they were more successful in the 64th minute when they regained the lead with Coughlan launching a kick downfield wide to the left where Watts was on hand to gain possession, and he did well to make inroads towards goal with Johnson electing to come off his line in an attempt to close him down, but Watts kept his nerve to slot his finish into the vacant net.

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This was not more than the Reds deserved as they had been playing the better football, with their opponents relying on long-ball tactics which for the most part were dealt with effectively.

With the final whistle approaching, the hosts became increasingly anxious in their attempts to draw level, and created a couple of opportunities with a dangerous delivery across the six yard box failing to pick out a home player, while undoubtedly the best chance fell to Bull who was found by a cross from the right in front of goal, but his header lacked power and Coughlan made a safe catch.

The referee added on a substantial period of stoppage time, due mainly to Robbins suffering a bloodied nose after an accidental collision with Bull, and Cambrian had one last chance during this, but a header in the box following a free kick drifted wide.

Three hard-earned points at the close for the Reds which keeps them in second place, a point adrift of Barry, and they have a crucial match at Stebonheath next Friday evening when local rivals, Carmarthen Town, who trail them by two points in the table are the visitors. Kick off is at 7.30pm.

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