Ammanford secured progression into the quarter-finals of the Welsh Blood Service League Cup thanks to a victory via penalty kicks against Llantwit Major.
Rhys Davies’ second-half equaliser ensured the match went to spot kicks on a night when the club bade an emotional farewell to club legend Rhys Fisher.
For the second home game in a row, the hosts made a disastrously slow start, falling behind early in proceedings. Joel Woodington beat the Ammanford offside line and slotted the ball home past Josh Hutchings.
To their credit, Town created two strong chances to get on level terms almost immediately. Harrison Lewis saw his header narrowly clear the bar before Lewis Reed beat Ryley Allen in the visiting goal, but the defence cleared the chance just as the ball was about to cross the line.
Wyn Thomas’ men continued to press, with Reed and Morgan Clarke going close from distance midway through the first half.
Ammanford went into the break trailing, although Callum Thomas nearly changed that with a moment of magic. The midfielder cut inside and unleashed a beautiful curling effort that cannoned back off the post.
The home side finally got the reward their play deserved just before the hour mark. A superb cross from Nich Arnold found Davies unmarked inside the area, and the winger finished smartly past an onrushing Allen.
Much like Ammanford’s equaliser had galvanised them, being pegged back spurred on Major, who had two very good chances to restore their advantage. Lewis headed onto his own post before Sean Kelly’s powerful drive hit the side netting.
Wyn Thomas introduced a trio of youth players, Gruff Newman, Reuben Jones, and Hari Lloyd, and the former had Town’s best chance to win it. The 16-year-old saw an acrobatic effort land narrowly wide of the target after some smart play between the youthful looking frontline.
Major went close in stoppage time when Rob Jones’ volley was deflected inches over the bar, but the game finished level, meaning penalties were needed to separate the two sides.
The first four attempts were all missed thanks to stellar work by young stoppers Allen and Hutchings. Llantwit continued the trend, allowing Adam Morgan and Jon Invernizzi to slot home decisive spot kicks, securing Ammanford’s progression into the next round of the League Cup.
