WITH Cwmamman having slipped into the bottom three last week having seen the teams around them in the Ardal South West survival battle go on a run of wins this game had become hugely important to the club’s chances of survival.
The visitors Penydarren BGC also had a significant motivation as they were looking to maintain their push for one of the two Cymru South promotion places. On a nice evening with a good crowd and Grenig Park looking good everything was set for an exciting match and it did not disappoint.
Cwm started well and they worked Ryan Thomas through on goal after 9 mins but with his shot beating the oncoming keeper it went agonisingly just wide of the post.
With Cwm having the better of the midfield through Ross Morgan and the ever-busy Kyle Ashford and Kieran Richards and Calem Rees influential up front Cwm were the more creative and after Thomas had a good effort saved from an Ethan Taylor cross in the 25th min he put Cwm ahead just before half time when a shot was partially blocked but spun towards goal and in for a well-deserved half time lead.
The second half saw Penydarren increase the pressure as expected and the back four of Cory Saunders, Leon Croucher, Ronan Templeton and Taylor had to be at their very best as they defended a number of well constructed attacks.
Cwm brought Jordan Sullivan on for the injured Gwion Howell and were now counter attacking through Rees and Ashford and creating some good opportunities. A great cross from Saunders then saw a Penydarren defender handle and Rees stepped up to calmly slot the penalty home in the 70th min.
Penydarren were then almost immediately given a penalty in the 73rd min when a player was brought down as Cwm failed to clear their lines and before it could be taken their Coach Andrew Gunter received a red card for something that was said to the referee.
Josh Brogden put it away to set up a nervous last 15 mins for Cwm but while they had to defend strongly with Kai Rees making a couple of saves they also continued to press and create and in the 95th min Levi Jones received a red card as he pulled back Ashford who seemed through on goal.
The final whistle then went to the relief of Cwmamman’s players and supporters. A very good win against one of the league’s top sides and the 3 points were vital if they are to stay up.
On Tuesday, May 2, Cwmamman suffered a 2-0 defeat against Garden Village, a result which leaves them one point above the bottom three.
There is another crucial fixture for Cwmamman United on Saturday, May 6, as they visit Cardiff Draconians, the side who sit just a point below them in the table.
