Welsh League Division Three

Cardiff Corinthians 1 Ammanford 3

Ammanford overcame a tough away trip at Cardiff Corinthians, finishing 3-1 winners as they continued their charge up the table, writes Nick Davies.

After a drab start from both sides, Craig Frater mustered the first shot on goal after 18 minutes when his close range shot was tipped wide by the keeper.

Corries caused panic in Ammanford’s defence 10 minutes later when a shot from the left of the area rattled the crossbar and the hosts spurned their chance by firing over from the rebound.

Frater responded for the visitors as he headed wide from a cross minutes later. But, immediately, the home side countered and their striker fired them ahead when he shot across James Kirkwood after being threaded through.

Despite finding it difficult to force their way through the home side’s defence, Ammanford equalised on the cusp of half-time. Euros Griffiths launched a free kick into the box and Frater dodged his way to the edge of the area before slotting into the corner.

After the break, Ashley Richards’ clipped a header goalwards from a corner, which was caught, to set the tone for the half.

But, it was the hosts who nearly retook the lead on 56 minutes when a run down the right led to a shot on goal. With Kirkwood stumbling, Dayle Selvage was on hand to clear.

On 70 minutes, the Carmarthenshire outfit pressed onwards and Alec Squires had his attempt blocked. Frater then skied his effort when open on the right. But, it mattered for little as Rhys Fisher’s blocked cross fell for Selvage to poke in to give Ammanford the lead.

With eight minutes left, man of the match Richards capitalised on a defender’s slip but when one-on-one he could only shoot at the keeper. However, he got his just rewards as, when Fisher had a penalty appeal turned down, Frater crossed to the back post for him to head in.

Ammanford now play Caerau at Britton Ferry on Tuesday, before a rearranged fixture against Newport YMCA takes place at the Rec on Saturday.

The victory proved the perfect end to the week for Ammanford boss Gruff Harrison, who was named Welsh League Manager of the Month for December, and with his partner is awaiting the arrival of their first baby.