Aberaeron 1 – 1 Rhayader Town

Aberaeron 1 – 1 Rhayader Town

Aberaeron 1 – 1 Rhayader Town

Both teams will come away from this match wondering what might have been. Aberaeron forced to make wholesale changes to their lineup could have taken all three points on offer here whilst Rhayader for all their hustle will have to deliver a more rounded performance should they wish to gain promotion at first time of asking.
Aeron manager Jason Jones made five changes from the mid week game with Simon Bray, James Hemming, David Evans, Jamie Butler and Rhodri Thomas all coming into the starting line up with Billy Simpson, Robbie Evans and Gareth ‘nebo’ Evans all making their first appearance on the bench for the 1st team this season. It was very much nip and tuck with both sides having to adapt to the windy conditions. Rhayader, after 35 minutes were the first to make an attempt on goal and nearly got the opener when a thumping header came back off the bar following a corner. The rest of the half proved uneventful with both sides only mustering a couple of speculative shots from distance. Second half saw Aberaeron playing into the wind and although Rhayader dominated the possession Aberaeron were able to counter well with David and Gareth Evans providing the outlet. Aeron won a corner and and in-swinging effort from Gareth Evans caught everyone out and with the ball dropping into the box Gareth Severs was quickest to react and thundered the ball home from close range. Rhayader upped their tempo and pushed further up field but were reduced to half chances and long shots which were dealt superbly by keeper Barry Edwards. David Evans was a constant thorn in the visitors side and when he managed to rob the left back of the ball he ran in on goal only to see his shot saved well by the keeper. Gareth Severs nearly capitalised on an error from the Rhayader keeper when the goal kick was passed straight to him only for Severs to put the ball wide. Rhayader immediately recovered their composure and attacked down the right fed the striker who cut inside and finished well to restore parity. The visitors were attacking with every player in the Aeron half trying to force a second goal to win all three points only for their discipline to let them down at various points allowing the home side time to catch their breath. The last few minutes saw Gareth Lewis clear the ball off the line which embodied the whole commitment of the team. Jones said after the game, “With so many changes to the side that won mid week I had to adjust what we needed to do for this game. We had to start the game well and not let Rhayader have time on the ball and I thought we did that well. We rode our luck at times but we also created a few chances at 1-0 up which could have won us the game but a draw I think is a fair result. The boys who came in today did a fantastic job and they have shown they are asking question of the boys who are missing today. Training is going to be very interesting this week with so many boys competing for a starting place. I have to reserve special praise for Dan Bourne as well. He is carrying a slight knock from mid week and I thought he was outstanding today, he epitomises the spirit in this squad and put his body on the line to help his team”.

Aberaeron will face the rest of the season without cultured playmaker Jamie Owen who requires surgery. Aberaeron wish him a speedy recovery and hope to see him back playing as soon as possible.
Goal scorer Gareth Severs.