CARMARTHEN extended their sequence of wins in the Cymru South League to four but not before having to resist a second-half fight-back by the visitors – and there were several worrying moments for the Old Gold supporters to endure in stark contrast to the earlier proceedings which had led to a comfortable two-goal lead.
Indeed, Town went close to opening the scoring within the first minute – Jordan Vickers embarked on a typical burst along the right-wing before firing the ball low into the penalty area where Matthew Delaney arrived with perfect timing to strike a fierce drive that defeated goal-keeper Keenan Bailey but was cleared by a defender.
For a spell the play was contained in the midfield with both defences performing capably – however after 20 minutes the Old Gold tested Bailey once more when Sam Parsons, near the left touchline, sent a tempting cross to the near post where Liam Thomas saw his promising glancing header turned aside.
Yet Town were not to be denied from the ensuing corner-kick – Vickers’ delivery landed in the packed goalmouth where Noah Daley emerged with perfect timing and drove the ball past Bailey and into the back of the net.
Once more the game became confined to the midfield due largely to the strength and organisation of the two defences. However, on 35 minutes the visitors were handed a scoring opportunity from an unlikely source when experienced central defender Scott Tancock sent a weak back header towards Ifan Knott – although the ball was intercepted by Jordan Davies his shot was poor and Knott was well-placed to claim the ball.
For the remainder of the first-half the play was quite evenly balanced and while both teams were able to force a number of corner-kicks the respective defences dealt with them capably.
After the interval Carmarthen began quite positively, maintaining possession and forcing Trefelin back in defence – and very soon they had increased their lead. In the 48th minute Town’s all-time top goal-scorer Liam Thomas broke away from several defenders near the half-way line and sprinted clear towards the edge of the penalty area before driving the ball past Bailey and into the back of the net.
But regrettably the comfort of that two-goal advantage did not last too long. On 62 minutes, as the visitors were searching to get back into the game they did exactly that – and in a most impressive fashion. Jordan Davies received the ball some 35 yards out from the goal and produced a stunning volley that flew beyond Knott’s reach and into the roof of the net.
The pace and commitment of the players increased noticeably with the Old Gold anxious to restore their two-goal advantage, while the visitors sensed the opportunity to gain at least one point from this match.
And in the 76th minute Thomas had the opportunity to score another breakaway goal when a pass from the half-way line set him racing free but this time he lost possession of the ball and Bailey was able to clear it away.
Then soon afterwards Adam John, from 25 yards, struck a fine volley over a crowded penalty area but saw the ball narrowly clear the bar.
As the match developed into an end-to-end affair Trefelin too had scoring chances. On 83 minutes Davies chased alone after a long through pass only to be denied a scoring opportunity by Knott who raced well out of his goal and bravely claimed the ball at the striker’s feet.
Then moments later Davies again, in clear space at the edge of the penalty area, was well-placed to score – however, as Knott again came out to challenge him the striker lobbed the ball over the stranded ‘keeper but saw it go on to hit the far post and go out of play.
After those worrying moments Town supporters (and no doubt Team Management members and players alike) were relieved to hear the final whistle.
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