
An improved second-half performance was not enough for Ammanford as Caerau Ely secured a league double over the Black and Whites.
Lewis Reed’s goal after the break brought Ammanford back into the game, but the Young Guns had already built their lead with strikes in each half.
The hosts had the better of the opening exchanges, with Ammanford goalkeeper Luke Martin playing a key role in keeping the scores level early on. He produced a series of fine saves to deny Tom McClean, Hywel Davies, and Liam Bishop.
It took nearly 30 minutes for Caerau to breach Martin’s resistance. A cross from the right by Davies found Bishop unmarked, and the striker made no mistake in converting the chance to give his side the lead.
The visitors were fortunate to avoid a further deficit before the break when the ball was in the net again, but the assistant referee’s flag ruled out the effort.
Ammanford had a pair of chances to level matters just before half-time, both falling to top scorer Reed. His first attempt, a powerful drive, struck the side netting, while a subsequent free-kick from distance narrowly sailed over the bar.
The second half saw a more determined start from Ammanford as they tested goalkeeper Exauce Dimonekene within moments of the restart. Callum Thomas fired a half-volley at goal, but Dimonekene held onto the effort at the second attempt.
Despite a promising start, it was Caerau who extended their advantage just before the hour mark. Jack Ashford’s shot from the edge of the area cannoned off the post and into the net, completing a well-worked team move.
Ammanford were given a lifeline with just over 20 minutes remaining. Substitute Matthew Fisher’s pressing forced the Caerau defence into a mistake inside the box, and Reed was on hand to tap in and reduce the deficit.
The goal seemed to energise Ammanford, who pushed forward with greater intent. Fisher continued to cause problems for the home defence, and only a last-ditch clearance off the line denied him a third goal of the season.
Despite Ammanford’s increased pressure, Caerau Ely remained dangerous on the break and could have sealed the points with a clear-cut opportunity, only to see goalscorer Bishop put his effort inches wide of the far post.
With the final whistle approaching, Ammanford almost grabbed an equaliser, but Thomas’ last-minute effort flew just over the crossbar, and the Young Guns held on for the three points.