Yet another disappointing afternoon for Carmarthen supporters to endure – this time against
mid-table Newtown who took an early lead in a first-half that they largely dominated. And
while the Old Gold performed significantly better after the interval, they were simply unable
to pierce the resilient, well-drilled home defence.
As the opening stages of the match unfolded the Robins progressively controlled the play,
monopolising possession and launching a series of attacks that kept the visitors largely
pinned back inside their own half. Yet for a brief initial spell Town’s back-line, well-
marshalled by Lee Surman and Dave Vincent, coped well under that pressure while just
ahead of them further valuable defensive support was provided by the midfield unit, in
particular the combative Greg Walters. As a result goalkeeper Lee Idzi was never seriously
tested.
However in the 11 th minute Newtown went ahead, but only with considerable unwitting
assistance from Vincent. Joe Kenton, who had already featured in several early attacks, cut
in from the left flank and drove the ball low into the goalmouth where Town’s accomplished
central defender, in attempting to clear the danger, had the misfortune to slice the ball into his
own net.
The Robins, spurred by that decidedly dubious ‘success’, continued to enjoy the greater share
of possession but they were unable to penetrate the Carmarthen defence in any meaningful
way and certainly Idzi was never seriously tested – his involvement was confined principally
to dealing with crosses into the goalmouth which he accomplished with his customary safe
and secure handling.
Yet in the 37 th minute it was his instant reaction to an impending scoring opportunity that
prevented Newtown from extending their lead. Lifumpa Mwandwe sprinted forward to the
edge of the penalty area and slid the ball across to George Harry, in open space, but Idzi
raced out of his goal and bravely dived down at the striker’s feet to clear the ball safely away.
Meanwhile Town’s opportunities as an attacking force were practically non-existent despite
the enthusiastic efforts of experienced strikers Liam Thomas and Luke Bowen – on a few
occasions there were bursts of activity on the outskirts of the Robins penalty area but nothing
ensued to cause goalkeeper David Jones any anxiety.
After the interval, whatever Manager Kristian O’Leary had said to his players during the
break it certainly made a difference – Carmarthen soon began to look far more purposeful as,
thankfully, they at last began putting the Robins’ defence under notable pressure.
And their first significant scoring opportunity arose on 61 minutes. A long pass was played
forward along the right touchline which Thomas pursued – he then fired an inviting cross into
the goalmouth only for Declan Carroll to send a weak close-range shot wide of the goal.
Moments later Carroll fired a corner-kick into the packed goal area where Vincent, rising
high above defenders, directed his firm header narrowly outside the post.
While Newtown were still enjoying a fair amount of possession, they were unable to make
the same penetrative forward progress that they had managed in the first-half mainly due to
the need to combat the much greater pressure that their defence was now under from the
resurgent Old Gold.
And in the 75 th minute that threat was evident when Bowen, from near the centre-circle,
produced a superb long pass that Thomas, outpacing defenders, eagerly pursued into the
penalty area only for Jones to come swiftly out of his goal to claim the ball.
Then after 85 minutes Bowen again set up a good scoring chance when he sent a left-wing
cross into the penalty area only for Jay Woodford, from just 10 yards, to fire the ball straight
at Jones.
Carmarthen’s last chance to snatch a vital equaliser arose in the 89 th minute when Chris Jones,
from near the left touchline, fired a dangerous cross into the crowded penalty area where
Thomas struck a rasping 15 yard drive that the Robins’ experienced ‘keeper was well placed
to claim.
So, the Old Gold remain firmly rooted at the bottom of the Cymru Premier League with just
five matches to play before the end of the first-phase programme – the need for points is
becoming increasingly urgent if a repeat of the anxieties suffered last season in the escape
from relegation is to be avoided.
Town’s next fixture is at Richmond Park on Saturday December 22 nd (k/o 2.30pm) against
Caernarfon Town who currently lie in fourth place in the League table.
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