Cwmbran Town 2 – 5 Port Talbot Town

A game of two halves ended in style for Port Talbot, as two headers and a penalty earned them a 5-2 victory at Cwmbran Stadium. First half goals from Dimond and Mohamed were not enough as Port made it 2-2 at half time.

The Crows made a few changes from the last match, with Tom Billing partnering Kaid Mohamed up front, and Simon Heal coming in to replace the departed Paul Bonar.

The Crows got off to a great start when free-scoring midfielder Kristian Dimond notched his fifth goal of the season when he headed in Jamie Edwards’ free kick from near the corner flag.

Unfortunately, six minutes later Port Talbot levelled when Dean Johnston headed in Nicky Jones’ left wing cross.

The goal that put the Crows 2-1 was quite breathe taking. Kaid Mohamed latched onto a ball down the right flank by virtue of an outstretched right foot. He then juggled the ball passed one defender before beating another for pace as he headed for goal. Then just on the edge of the box he hit a sweet left footer into the ‘keeper’s bottom left hand corner.

This wasn’t enough to see the Crows safely into the dressing room for half time though, as Port Talbot levelled again. A Port attack wasn’t cleared by the Cwmbran defence, and Nicky Jones scored from close range after Wesson’s save from Griffiths’ header put the ball into his path.

In the second half Port Talbot came out all guns blazing and really attacked the Crows from all angles. Unfortunately for the Crows, the three goals Port scored all came from dubious free kicks and an equally dubious penalty.

First, Johnston headed in a Robert Cockings free kick on 62, then Griffiths slotted home an 80^th minute penalty after referee Simon Jones was the only one to spot a push in the area. Port’s victory was complete when former Crow Griffiths heading home a cross by substitute Leigh de Vulgt.

Crows’ sub Rhys Carpenter had a good shot saved by the visiting ‘keeper, but the Crows just could not live with a very lively Port Talbot Town side.

The Crows travel to Farrar Road next Saturday to face a recovering Bangor City.

Cwmbran Town

Wesson, Green, James, Perry, Lloyd, Thomas, Heal (Carpenter 67), Dimond, Billing, Mohamed, Edwards (Rogers 67).

Subs not used: Tippins.

Goals: Dimond (12), Mohamed (18).

Yellow cards: Heal (41), Edwards (45).

Port Talbot Town

Williams, Cockings (de Vulgt 86), Jones, Hanford, Rees Surman, Pridham, Phillips, Griffiths, John (Pearson 88), Johnston.

Subs not used: Bowen, Hooper.

Goals: Johnston (18, 62), Jones (33), Griffiths 80 pen, 87).

Yellow cards: Johnston 90.

Referee: S. Jones.

Attendance: 135.