Match Report: Trethomas Bluebirds 1-1 Ammanford AFC

 

Ammanford earned their first league draw of the season at the 22nd attempt with a hard-fought point away at high-flying Trethomas Bluebirds.

 

Adam John’s goal on the stroke of half-time gave Ammanford the advantage at the break, but strong defensive performances across the team helped them withstand a second-half onslaught from the hosts, securing a point that reflected the effort and commitment of the whole squad.

 

Manager Wyn Thomas made four changes to his side due to a number of injuries and suspensions, including that of captain Morgan Clarke and top scorer Lewis Reed. 

 

Matthew Fisher, Tristan Jenkins, Adam Orme, and Nich Arnold were all included in the starting lineup, and it was the former who had the first opening of the match.

 

After a clearance to the edge of the area, Arnold lifted the ball towards the far corner, forcing Bluebirds goalkeeper Harry Irving to react quickly to prevent an early lead for the visitors.

 

Trethomas, who have been one of the standout teams this season, controlled much of the play early on, but aside from a header from Dave Vincent that missed the target, Luke Martin’s goal remained largely untroubled. 

 

In fact, the first serious save of the match came from Irving, who denied Jenkins superbly with his feet after the Ammanford forward was played through on goal.

 

Ammanford took the lead just before half-time when Jenkins provided a perfectly weighted pass for John, who finished expertly into the top corner with seconds remaining in the first half.

 

Trethomas responded strongly in the second half, buoyed by news that their nearest rivals were set to overtake them at the top of the table. They enjoyed the majority of possession and territory, with substitute Jack Jones making an impact down the left. Jones had the first chance of the second period, but his strike from distance was narrowly over the bar.

 

Ammanford continued to look for opportunities on the counter-attack, and Fisher came close after good work on the right wing involving John, Babucar Sauane, and Jenkins.

 

The equaliser came with just over 15 minutes remaining, when a well-worked team move ended with Ethan Edwards finishing from close range.

 

Trethomas thought they had taken the lead moments later when the ball was put in the back of the net, but an offside flag from the assistant referee ruled the goal out.

 

Ammanford made changes to inject fresh energy into their side, with Hari Lloyd and Luke Harris entering the fray. Lloyd’s workrate continued to drive the visitors forward, and he came close to forcing a pair of chances from Irving who was quick off his line to prevent the youngster from getting himself a famous winner.

 

In the final moments, Martin made a crucial point-blank save inside his six-yard box to deny Trethomas, ensuring Ammanford took home a deserved point back to Carmarthenshire.