A SUBLIME second half hattrick from super sub Craig Frater fired Ammanford to the top of the league, as they defeated Croesyceiliog 4-3 at Woodland Road on Saturday.

In a cautious opening 15 minutes, Ammanford looked the better side. But, the tables were turned when Ashley Richards’ incredulous swipe at an opposition player saw the visitors reduced to ten men on 22 minutes.

Just minutes later, they were made to pay as a penalty was awarded to the hosts and they duly took the lead.

Rano was on hand to dispel a good Croesyceiliog attack before the break, as the hosts piled on the pressure.

After the interval however, Frater was introduced and it turned out to be an inspired substitution. Just one minute after his introduction, the forward played a ball in from the left for Mikey Morris who earned his side a penalty.

Frater’s tame effort from 18 yards was saved, but he tucked the rebound home to equalise.

Morris was played through by a lobbed Frater through ball, on 59 minutes, and was brought down when through on goal. But, the referee waved away any penalty claims.

However, they did gain the lead on 74 minutes. Frater turned on a through ball and smashed his effort with venom over the keeper’s head from a tight angle.

Morris grabbed his second in two games as he fired home a Rhys Fisher cross a minute later. Croesy failed to lie down though and fired back immediately.

But, it was the former Manchester City academy star who earned the plaudits as he grabbed the match ball with an incredible strike on the turn; his effort dipping over the keeper.

Croesyceiliog reduced the deficit in the dying minutes, but it wasn’t enough to share the spoils