Ammanford’s proud performance over 90 minutes wasn’t enough to secure passage to the second round of the Nathaniel MG Cup, as Cardiff City returned to the capital victorious.
After a goalless 90 minutes, penalties were needed to separate the two sides in yet another strong showing from Wyn Thomas’ men.
As expected against an academy side, the hosts saw little of the ball in the opening exchanges. However, resolute and organised defensive efforts prevented the Bluebirds from getting any clear sights of goal.
In fact, it was the hosts who created the first chance when Jake Dennis had to punch away a deep cross with Macsen Llewelyn waiting to apply the finishing touch at the far post.
The chance boosted Town’s confidence, and moments later they carved out the game’s two best opportunities. Adam John found Rhys Davies with a cross into the penalty area. The wing-back’s strike beat the keeper but not Gabriel Keita, who cleared off the line.
From the resulting corner, John’s delivery met the head of Chris Bell, making his second debut for Town, but the centre-half’s header was superbly stopped by Dennis.
Cardiff thought they’d taken the lead just after the half-hour mark. Luke Martin produced a fantastic stop from Mannie Barton, but on the follow-up, the referee adjudged a foul had been committed.
Before the interval, Ammanford went close with a pair of free kicks. John struck his effort under the wall, which was well held, before Callum Thomas shaved the top of the crossbar with his attempt from a similar area.
After the break, City started the stronger, and Town were indebted to Martin for keeping the scores level. He saved an effort from Troy Perrett with his feet after some strong work down the left flank.
The pressure continued on the Town goal, but Charlie O’Brien could only shoot over the bar, and Trey George went close from the edge of the box. For the hosts, Morgan Clarke’s effort from distance went narrowly over, but despite pressure at both ends, the game ended goalless; leading to a penalty shootout.
While Cardiff City were immaculate from 12 yards, Ammanford missed all three of their attempts, securing passage to the second round for the visitors and sealing Ammanford’s exit from the secondary cup competition.
