A first goal at senior level in the 90th minute by substitute Matt Beynon earned us a share of the spoils at Pontardawe. It was no more than we deserved as we threw caution to the wind in the last ten minutes playing four up front. In contrast to our home record against Pontardawe where we've lost three of the last four matches we have yet to lose at the Recreation Ground winning one and drawing three. The match was refereed by local boy Gareth Ayres which couldn't have been easy for him, refereeing players he knows but he came out of the game with more plusses than negatives.

Corey Thomas, Adam Carpenter and Daniel Lancey were all out injured and there was a full debut in midfield for 16 year old James McEvoy, Leigh Shrimpton returned while there was a first start of the season for Aaron Keefe. Pontardawe started the better winning a couple of corners and free kicks around the box but we dealt with these without any undue problem. Similarly when we got under way we had a couple of unproductive comers and free kicks. This was the pattern of play until the 20 minute mark when the game sprang to life with Pontardawe attacking down the right and crossing into the box but from a good position they shot wide. From the goal kick Aaron Keefe was caught in possession 35 yards from our goal but once again the Pontardawe attack lacked accuracy in their shooting the ball going over the bar. We then had our first real opportunity when Craig Langdon received the ball in the Pontardawe half and made ground before shooting from outside the box. The keeper spilled his shot but no-one was far enough forward to take advantage of the keeper's slip. The monotony of free kicks continued before Pontardawe had a period of pressure when we were unable to clear our lines effectively. Just when it looked as though the first half was going to close without a goal Pontardawe took the lead. A Lido free kick caused some confusion in the home penalty area and a defender kicked the ball against the crossbar, no one was able to take advantage and the ball was knocked down the left wing where a forward and Leigh Shrimpton competed for the ball. Leigh shoulder charged the attacker off the ball to concede a free kick level with the penalty area. Mark Napierella who spent some time with the Lido reserves some years ago hammered home the free kick into the top corner but hopefully Rory McCreesh will be disappointed with his attempts to save.

Matt Beynon replaced the injured Justin Williams at half time and we responded positively with Mika Chunuonsee finding Carl Payne who headed the ball goalwards but straight at the keeper. The pattern of free kicks continued and from one of ours Mika played a one-two then found James McEvoy, he played a great ball into the box but the Pontardawe defence managed to clear it. Luke Borrelli replaced Carl Payne with 13 minutes to go and with 9 minutes to go the ball was played forward to Scott McCoubrey who from outside the area shot just wide of the post with the keeper beaten. We were awarded a couple of free kicks on the edge of the area but they will drilled into the wall and away. By now we had Carl Evans, Matt Beynon, Karl Reynolds and Scott McCoubrey up front and on 90 minutes we played the ball wide right with several passes to player's feet. Eventually Scott had the ball right side of the penalty area and his cross/shot was turned in by Matt Beynon. It was the best move of the match and deserved to be the equalising goal.

Lido side:
Rory McCreesh, Rhys Williams, James McEvoy, Carl Evans, Justin Williams, Aaron Keefe, Leigh Shrimpton, Mika Chunuonsee, Craig Langdon, Carl Payne, Scott McCoubrey.

Subs:
12 Matt Beynon for Justin Williams 46
14 Karl Reynolds for Craig Langdon 84
15 Luke Borrelli for Carl Payne 77
16 Vince Lewis

Bookings Justin Williams 36 Carl Evans 71

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Match Report by Peter Reynolds

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