Report by Ian Parfitt
AMMANFORD made it six games unbeaten with a draw at Cwmbran Celtic in this JD Cymru South fixture on Monday afternoon (Apr 10), a point that moves them to the brink of league safety with two games remaining.
Heavy rain showers and a strong wind made playing conditions difficult for both teams. Cwmbran had the better of the chances during a tight first half with Lee Trundle going close for Ammanford on the half hour mark, home keeper Josh Winstone saving well from a volley after Trundle had been well set up by Rhys Fisher.
Cwmbran were the quickest out of the blocks at the start of the second half and Joshua Rippon gave them the lead three minutes after the re-start, connecting well with a header at the far post.
Ammanford displayed their customary resilience by drawing level in the 51st minute, an excellent 20 yard shot from the in form Jay Thomas looping over Winstone after good set up work by Lee Trundle. Thomas recording his fourth goal in three games for Ammanford which has been crucial in their climb up the table.
Ammanford went forward in search of the three points that would confirm league safety but were disrupted by Jay Thomas having to leave the field after picking up an injury and a heavy rain shower.
Lee Trundle was extremely unlucky to see his right foot volley bounce off the bar with a quarter of an hour left, Rhys Fisher then went close to scoring from a loose ball during the ensuing scramble only to see his shot well saved by Winstone.
The away team continued to hunt a winner and substitute Danny Birch almost sparked off the celebrations only to see his shot well saved by Winstone deep into injury time. Whilst not mathematically safe Ammanford will be happy to pick up a point from a tricky away fixture.
When spoken to after the game, club captain Rhys Fisher said: “It’s always tough going to Cwmbran, more so when we are in the back of a tough fixture on Good Friday. The game had limited chances and they had a goal from a set piece but we reacted instantly with a superb goal from Jay.
“And we had 3 excellent chances after that and on another day we come away with a win. We are unbeaten in 6 games so we’ve put ourselves in a good position needing a point from 2 games for survival.”
Ammanford now move on to an away game at Goytre United next Saturday (Apr 15) where they will hope to secure Cymru South football next season.
