31.03.06 Aberystwyth Town 1 Carmarthen Town 1
A late goal from Glyndwr Hughes denied Town a full quota on Friday evening at Park Avenue. A long ball down the middle led to a mix up at the back that gifted ‘Paddy’ a simple tap-in and a share of the points for Aber.
Aber’s Huw Jones fired over from the edge of the six yard box early on and although Town were under some pressure from Aberystwyth’s positive start Andrew Delve’s goal was not really threatened. Kevin Aherne-Evans marshalled the giant Tom Billing well with Billing’s only contribution to the game a very poor tackle on Hayden Fleming who required extensive treatment.
Town got into gear with Kris Thomas prominent and a strong run down the left by Martyn Giles provided the momentum for Town’s breakthrough. Giles’ cross into the box was met by Thomas who steered the ball past Richard Morgan to make it 1-0.
Town dominated the remainder of the first half but clear cut chances were few and far between and it took some stern words from referee Neil Morgan to ensure that both sides started the second half with a full set of players.
Following the resumption Town continued to dominate possession, keeping Aberystwyth penned in their half for lengthy periods. But despite several half chances Town did not capitalise. Substitute Mattie Davies came closest to extending the lead. His strong run beat several defenders but agonisingly his finishing shot bounced inches wide of the upright.
Despite restricting Aber to breakaways the hosts looked dangerous at times. Aneurin Thomas did well at the back and Stuart Roberts broke free but with his shot going wide Town rarely looked like conceding. Morgan remained the busier of the two keepers and the three points appeared to be heading Carmarthen’s way.
Then with six minutes left on the watch up popped Glyndwr to capitalised on Kevin Evans' miss-kick and grab his tenth goal of the campaign and an unlikely share of the spoils for the hosts.
Aberystwyth Town Morgan, Evans, M. Roberts, A. Thomas, Lloyd, Watkins (Meredith 53'), Hughes, Jones, S. Roberts, Billing (Foligno 73'), James. Sub not used: R. Thomas Yellow Cards: Billing 10'.
Carmarthen Town Delve, Fleming, Giles, Smothers, Aherne-Evans, Hardy, K. Thomas, Loss (Walters 82'), Dodds (Davies 72'), Mohamed (D. Thomas 85'), Cotterrall. Yellow Cards Aherne-Evans 34' Cotterrall 69' Giles 87' Referee Neil Morgan (Gorseinon) Attendance 448
25.03.06 Carmarthen Town 2 Airbus UK 1 The fans that braved the atrocious weather were rewarded with an entertaining game to which both sides contributed equally despite the very difficult playing conditions.
With Town dominating possession the early exchanges saw Nathan Cotterrall and new signing Kris Thomas prominent but with the final touch proving elusive Town were unable to convert and were punished by the Wingmakers just after the half hour.
With an Airbus breakout from their own half Town conceded a free kick out on the flank. Gareth Owen’s curling set piece found Craig Jones who got between his markers to head home against the run of play.
Town, showing several changes of position and personal, continued to dominate with Mark Dodds, Thomas and Cotterall coming close. But Town should have equalised when Cotterrall was held back on the edge of the box and Colin Loss’ free kick bobbed around in the rain soaked area before being cleared by some desperate defending.
Airbus were proving dangerous on the break. The strong running of Chris Moores and Stewart White was causing problems for the Town defence and Moores’ snap shot on the stroke of half time caught Town unawares but was well held by keeper Andrew Delve.
Following the break Airbus pressed in numbers and with the lively White braking through the Town defence it took a great point blank save from Delve to deny the front man.
Mattie Davies replaced Dodds and with literally his first touch of the game he provided the finish to Cotterrall’s cross that had previously been so elusive.
Back on level terms Town retained possession and pressed the visitors. With the game into the final quarter Thomas and Cotterrall linked well down the left and with Cotterall cutting inside he hit home the vital winner.
In deteriorating conditions the game became a bit of a lottery but both sides continued to provide entertainment. The dismissal of Gareth Sudlow for dissent galvanise the visitors who looked for a late equaliser and it took goal line clearance from the covering Davies to preserve Town’s advantage.
Mark Jones can be satisfied that his side provided the edge and commitment that has been missing of late and will feel confident of regaining some lost ground over the next few weeks.
Town: Delve, Fleming, Giles, Smothers, Ahern-Evans, Hardy, K. Thomas, Loss, Mohamed (Walters 85’), Dodds (Davies52’), Cotterall. Sub not used: D. Thomas.
Airbus: McGhee, L.Williams, Hopkins, Dorman, Davies, Sudlow, Jones, Owen (Thomas 54'), Moores, White, Hughes (A.Williams 85'). Sub not used: Hussaney. Attendance: 210 Referee: S Jones
12.03.06 Bangor City 1 Carmarthen Town 0
Football once again showed its cruel twists and turns as Town were dumped from this year’s Welsh Cup by a late 88th minute goal from Bangor’s Paul Roberts. With a Chris Priest shot only parried by keeper Andrew Delve the ball fell kindly to Roberts and the striker had the simplest of tap-ins to net from five yards and put Bangor into the semi-finals of this year’s competition.
Town were on their third visit this season to Farrar Road and were buoyed by the fact that they had won on the two previous visits. But it was a comparatively new-look side that faced the Citizens as manager Mark Jones and coach Mark Aizlewood had to juggle resources with several absentees due to injury, cup tied signings and the suspension of Neil Smothers.
Town started the game positively with both Mark Dodds and captain Nathan Cotterall coming close as their strikes flash just wide of the uprights and Bangor were limited to a few long range efforts which Delve dealt with comfortably. But on a heavy pitch and with little to choose between the sides it always looked as if one goal could be enough to settle the outcome.
Following the break both sides looked to gain control. Town introduced Mattie Davies into the attack and he appeared to bring some impetus as his flashing header was well saved by home keeper Andrew Price. Bangor looked dangerous on the break and Delve made a superb stop from former Town player Leyton Maxwell. At the other end Town debutant Steffan Hughes was denied by Price at the foot of the post.
With the clock winding down and Town looking to be having the better of the game up popped Roberts to clinch the tie for the Citizens and Town’s Welsh Cup campaign was over.
So close yet so far, a disappointing end to the tie but manager Mark Jones gave credit to his players for their battling performance.
“I thought that today was one of our better performances of the season as the players adapted superbly to a new formation.
“They showed their class and were most unfortunate to lose in such a way. My job now is to raise morale for the rest of the season - fourth place in the league is still a possibility and that could give us another European adventure.”
Bangor City Price, Blackmore, Ogilvey, Killackery, Jones, O'Neill, Maxwell, Priest, Roberts, Lamb (Docker 65'), Linnacre (Gowans 80'). Sub not used: Burke
Carmarthen Town Delve, Hardy, Hughes, Giles, Aherne-Evans, Fleming, Walters, Loss, Dodds, Thomas (Davies 65'), Cotterrall. Subs not used: Morris, Fleig.
Attendance: 260 Referee: M S Whitby
04.03.06 Carmarthen Town 1 Aberystwyth Town 0 The captain's armband clearly has had a positive effect on Nathan Cotterall. Having scored the opener against Caersws at the weekend he netted the winner for Town against Aberystwyth at Richmond Park on Tuesday evening .
In a game that saw Tom Billing carve out several good chances for the visitors and Town keeper Andrew Delve anchor his back four well it was Cotterall and Danny Thomas that combined well for Town's wing man to net the all important winner with fifteen minutes remaining.
Referee Simon Jones brandished seven yellow cards in the difficult conditions and Aber were reduced to ten men late on as Billing collected his second and was was dismissed.
The win sees Town maintain their improved form and sets them up well for the trip to Bangor on Saturday for the Welsh Cup quarter final clash with the Citizens.
Carmarthen Town Delve, Hardy, W.Jones, Giles, Lima, Fleming, Walters (Hughes 77'), Loss, Dodds (Thomas 70'), Mohamed (Davies 84'), Cotterrall.
Aberystwyth Town R.Morgan, N.Evans, M.Roberts, A.Thomas, Lloyd (Rees 86'), Sherbon, Hughes, B.Morgan, S.Roberts, Billing, James.Subs not used: E.Evans, R.Thomas
Attendance: 232 Referee: S Jones
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