h in battle of the Buds

Abergavenny Town FC - 2

Aberbargoed Buds - 1

DUE to a combination of tragic circumstances and two excellent early seasons cup runs where they reached the second round of both the FAW and Welsh League Cup, the Buds arrived at Pen-y-Pound Stadium having only played five league games compared to Town’s 12.

Ominously, the Buds were unbeaten in these five games, drawing one and winning four, so Town knew they were up against strong opponents.

In a tentative start with both teams searching out each other, Town always looked the brighter, even if there was little in the way of clear cut chances.

All that changed twenty minutes in when Town were awarded a corner and sent defender Ross Davies up-field, who met the spot kick perfectly, to head his side into an early lead.

Town were on top during most of the first half and when the Buds did have the ball they rarely troubled Town’s goalkeeper Tom Indge.

The home side held the advantage at the half time break.

The Buds looked a different side in the second half showing far more thrust and Indge had to be sharp on several occasions to keep his goal intact.

Buds got their reward for their pressure midway through the second half when Town lost possession in mid-field, and they pressed forward at pace to get their equaliser.

In the wake of this it looked as if they might go on to win the game, but Town had other ideas.

With ten minutes remaining Aaron Norman astutely held up the ball in a Town attack before slipping it to Nathan Davies, who unleashed a screaming shot which gave Hegarty, in Buds’ goal, no chance.

The result saw Town claim another three points and reclaim second spot in the league table.

On Saturday, Town travel to Pontardawe seeking revenge for an early season defeat at Pen-y-Pound when Pontardawe claimed a narrow 3-2 victory.

Town’s reserve side, who were without a fixture last Saturday, entertain Pontyclun at Pen-y-Pound on Saturday (2pm) hoping to build on their last outing when they beat Risca Utd 4-2, with assistant manager Ross Melrose at the helm.

Meanwhile, Town’s Youth side had to settle for a 2-2 draw against Aber Valley, having led 2-0 at half time through goals from Lloyd Francis and Josh James.