Welsh League – Division Two

Ammanford 2 Ely Rangers 2

Ammanford had Chris Hyde to thank as the super sub grabbed a late equaliser in a hotly contested 2-2 draw with Ely Rangers at the Recreational Ground, writes Nick Davies.

With Cardiff Corinthians hot on their heels, Ammanford desperately needed to pick up some points against their 6th-placed visitors to ensure they maintained some breathing space between themselves and the drop zone, but things didn’t start off in the best manner as Ely netted early on.

A corner was headed home by the visitors, despite the protests from the home coaching staff that the Rangers attacker had climbed on Ammanford player for extra height.

The hosts pressed for the equaliser before the break and after a few half chances, Alex Squires was on hand to tap in after a scrappy goalmouth scramble 20 minutes into the match.

It was Ely’s turn to complain later, as they saw a goal chalked off due to offside.

However, Ammanford failed to make the most of their good fortune.

Despite a number of opportunities before the interval the hosts failed to take advantage. The best chance fell to Luke Squires, only for the keeper to deny him.

The second half brought a more balanced game, but chances were created by both sides.

Owen James created a golden opportunity for himself following a driving run only for his effort to fizz wide before Euros Griffiths’ deflected shot almost gave the home side the lead with 20 minutes to go.

However, Ammanford were to rue the missed chances, as Rangers hit them on the counter with just seven minutes on the clock.

With one last throw of the dice open to him, Ammanford manager Gruff Harrison sent on striker Hyde with instructions to grab the goal that would earn the hosts a point.

Hyde took the instructions literally and sent his manager and the home support into raptures when he volleyed home late on to claim what could well prove a massive point for Ammanford.