Aberystwyth Town and Treorchy Stars met in the South - 2 stage of the Welsh Championship on Saturday, and the visitors held on for a 2:1 victory after a second-half comeback. The match ran its course with three goals, none particularly early, and the result shifted the local table by a fraction. To be fair, neither side dominated from the whistle, but Treorchy found a way back into it when it mattered.
C. Davies opened the scoring with a penalty in the 64th minute, and that gave Aberystwyth the kind of cushion that usually settles a game. The home side had been comfortable enough to take the spot-kick, and by then they were playing with a little more space. Cup football has its own rules, but this was league football, and the lead stood up for twenty minutes.
Treorchy did not fold, though. T. Hillman equalised in the 87th minute, and that changed the atmosphere on the pitch immediately. R. Hughes added the winner in 90+2, and the hosts were left scrambling for an explanation. And here's the thing — they never really challenged the visitors after the break.
The result keeps both sides in touch at the top of the South section. Aberystwyth remain fourth with five games played and twelve points, while Treorchy sit fifth after six matches, also on twelve. The gap is negligible, and either side could move up with a single win. The tie is still wide open.
Aberystwyth's recent form has been strong, with four wins in five league matches before Saturday's defeat. Treorchy's last outing was a 2:3 loss to Pontypridd Town, so this win was a necessary response. Both sides have shown they can score, but defending consistency will decide who finishes higher.