SEAGULLS INTO THE LAST EIGHT

Central Wales Challenge Cup round 4

Montgomery 0 Aberaeron 2

Aberaeron secured a place in the last eight of the Central Wales Cup following a well deserved win over a Montgomery side that lost their heads in the final quarter and had two men sent off.

The game started really scrappy with both teams unable to get the ball down and play on a very heavy pitch and it took the seagulls over 20 minutes before they had their first decent chance when an excellent ball by Gareth Lewis almost put Gareth Severs in on goal.

The deadlock was finally broken when following some good work by Mike Gornall and Severs, Gareth Evans was able to volley home from twelve yards.

Aberaeron finished the half fairly strong and had some great chances to put the tie to bed with the Monty keeper making a cracking save to deny Evans in the final minute.

The seasiders were far better after the break with some patient build up play but were guilty of missed chances and trying to force things, although the hosts keeper made another brilliant save from a Dan James left foot screamer which was heading for the top corner.

Then the game took a turn in favour of the visitors when manager Jason Jones drafted on experienced front runner Matty Davies and young winger Tomos Jones and within a few minutes Davies tangled with his opposite number, which resulted in the Monty player being sent off for violent conduct. The hosts were not happy with the decision and complained to the referee who lost his patience and sent off the other centre back for foul language.

It was just a matter of time before Aberaeron killed the game off and this duly arrived when striker Davies was in the right place at the right time to follow up a shot and tap the ball in to make it 2-0. Gornall almost made it three nil late on when following a mazy run his shot bounced back off the bar.

Black and ambers manager Jones said that he was pleased to get through and added: “ I am very happy with the result as Montgomery are a decent side at home and we knew it would be a tough afternoon.

“But we were confident in our game and we knew if we played and started well then the chances would come but you have to give them credit especially going down to nine men for the last twenty mins.

“That’s three in a row now for us in all competitions and a quarter final slot in the Central Wales so I have to be happy especially as the boys have shown improvement in all ways after a few poor performances and we are back on track and now look forward to Rhayader.”

Results:

Carno 2 Borth United 1

Llanrhaedr 5 Churchstoke 5 (Llanrhaedr won 5-4 on pens)

Llansantffraid 0 Caersws 4

Montgomery 0 Aberaeron 2

Rhayader Town v Llanfair United (walk over Rhayader)

Fixtures still to be played:

Penrhyncoch v Machynlleth

Dolgellau v Llanidloes

Radnor Valley v Tywyn Bryncrug.