THE TALENTED young 16 and 17-year-olds of Ammanford’s youth battled and grounded out a win from a very good visiting Risca at the Rec under lights, supported with a good crowd.

Risca were a no nonsense team who displayed some class passing and indeed were the better side. However, it was the classy Osian Davies who opened the scoring from a well struck free kick that left the visitors bamboozled.

The second half was much better from the hosts with great pressure from Nico Sofiu, Cian Williams and Cai Rees. A shuffle in the middle saw skipper Callum Thomas, Param Bansi and Osian playing to a style that suited the hosts.

Risca came close but for the safe hands of ever improving keeper Ethan Morgan, who has only let in 3 goals in 5 games. An incredible achievement but with the defensive wall of Jac Chapman, Rhydian Davies, Harrison Griffiths and Jamie Owens it was always going to be a tall order to break this resolute defence.

It was another slinky run by Cian Williams who set up Osian to belt home his and Ammanford’s second against the run of play.

This settled the home side again but Risca always looked dangerous testing the Ammanford defence time and time again.

After about 15 minutes’ pressure from Risca it was a bit of magic from Nico who saw him trick two players before curling a left footed beauty to the top corner of the net.

Ammanford introduced Lewis Trotman and Morgan Cai Thomas who brought freshness and pace to the game, and there were chances on both sides before the final whistle

Players of the match were Sofiu and Davies.

The talented young townies now await an appetising challenge on Sunday, September 12 when they play against Penybont Acadamy Youth in the Welsh Youth Cup competition.