Ammanford made it two wins from two in the Cymru South with a dramatic victory over Llantwit Major in a match that saw referee Daniel Richardson award four penalties, only one of which was scored.
Ammanford began brightly, with new loan signing Dan John lively up front. Both sides struggled to create clear chances early on, but the Llantwit defence found it difficult to cope with John’s pace and energy. In the 13th minute, he was brought down in the area by Llantwit goalkeeper Kane Draper, and the referee pointed to the spot. Draper redeemed himself immediately, diving to his right to save Adam John’s penalty.
The breakthrough came five minutes later. Dan John’s good work set up Adam John, who took the ball forward and unleashed a fierce strike that crashed in off the underside of the crossbar.
Ammanford kept up the pressure, and in the 28th minute Dan John teed up Rhys Davies, who fired over.
John continued to trouble the visitors’ defence and, in the 32nd minute, was again brought down in the box by Draper, earning the home side a second penalty. This time John stepped up himself, but Draper saved again to keep his team in contention.
Five minutes before the break, John fashioned a chance on his own but shot straight at Draper. Ammanford went in at half-time no doubt wondering how they were only one goal ahead.
Llantwit began the second half positively, but it was Ammanford who struck next. In the 56th minute, an excellent backheel from Adam Orme found Dan John, who fired past Draper, a goal his performance had merited.
If home fans were hoping for a comfortable final half-hour, those hopes were dashed in the 63rd minute when Llantwit were awarded a penalty after a foul in the box. Connor Goldsworthy sent the ball low into the right-hand corner, beating goalkeeper Luke Martin.
The visitors grew in confidence, pressing for an equaliser. In the 72nd minute, Martin produced a smart low save, then had to defend a corner after the referee ruled he had held the ball for longer than the eight seconds allowed.
Five minutes later, Llantwit were given another golden chance to level when awarded a second penalty. Goldsworthy again aimed for the bottom right-hand corner, but this time Martin made a superb save.
A tense finale saw Llantwit throw everything at the home side but Ammanford’s resolute defending saw them hold on for three valuable points sparking jubilant celebrations among the Black and White Army.
Words: Ian Parfitt
