Ammanford secured progression to the third round of the Welsh Cup after overcoming 5th tier FC Cwmaman.
After Callum Shirt’s first goal for Town gave Ammanford a slender lead at the break, the hosts had levelled half way through the second half. But two goals in three second half minutes followed by a late Jonathan Evans strike saw the Cymru Premier side avoid a potential cup upset.
The home side had built this game superbly prior to kick off and a very healthy crowd saw Connor Wickham curl a freekick over Tom Wright’s cross bar in the opening couple of minutes.
Town went close through a pair of half chances which fell to Joe Hopkins and Adam John but did eventually take the lead just before the half hour mark. Joe Case’s relentless workrate forced the home defence into an error which teed up Shirt six yards out for a simple tap-in.
The lead was slightly harsh on the hosts who’d more than been in the game up to that point. The lively James Thornton forced Wright into a smart stop at his front post minutes after the go ahead goal.
In first period stoppage time, Shirt went close to a second but could only lift his effort over the bar.
FC Cwmaman started the second stanza in a similar manner to the first, on the front foot and looking to take the game to the Black and Whites. Rhys Bevan had a chance on the edge of the area but could only put the ball wide.
Just after the hour mark, Wyn Thomas sent on Callum Thomas, Evans and Harri Rowe but despite the changes, it was the home side who made the next impact on the game. A cross from Adam Karakus was turned into the Ammanford net by a visiting defender sparking scenes of jubilation on and off the field.
The leveller provided a much needed wake up call for Town who were back ahead just three minutes later. Rowe’s corner found Hopkins unmarked inside the penalty area and the ex Llanelli man powered his header into the back of the net.
There was further heartbreak just minutes later when a two goal lead was established just seconds later. Callum Thomas’ run forced the keeper Jakub Cieslikowski into a save but the rebound fell to Case who bagged his second in as many games.
Just like they had throughout the game, the men from Aberdare wouldn’t give up and Writght was forced into a fantastic one handed stop just seconds after the third goal.
Any hope of a relaxing finish to the game for Ammanford disappeared with ten minutes to go. The pick of the goals was scored by Karkaus who lifted the ball over the Ammanford defender before lashing the ball into the back of the net.
But with the home side pushing for a historic draw, it was the visitors who made the final impression on the scoring charts. Evans’ low finish into the bottom corner after a defensive error sealed Town’s progression into the 3rd round of the Welsh Cup for the first time in two years.