Unless otherwise stated all match reports relate to Division Two

Link to ENTO Aberaman Athletic Photographs

Season 2004-05

WEDNESDAY 4 MAY 2005

ENTO ABERAMAN 1 - 0 MORRISTON TOWN 

ENTO finished their season with a win against fellow strugglers Morriston Town. ENTO battled hard from start to finish with only 11 players that included Club Treasurer Steve Pearce. This was manager David Morgan’s swansong as a player – hanging up his boots after an 18-year playing career.

ENTO started brightly and had early chances through Anthony Jenkins and man of the match Ross Williams but Morriston keeper Johnny Martin was in fine form. Dean Benioumous was on target many times for Morriston but David Morgan was inspired in the ENTO goal, pulling off a string of superb saves.

ENTO went ahead in the tenth minute following a superb strike from top scorer Jenkins that keeper Martin got a hand to but couldn’t keep out. ENTO had several chances through Lee Burksfield and Pearce but they couldn’t extend the lead. Lee Williams and Martin Edwards were doing well at the heart of defence and Morriston couldn’t break through. Rhys Whatley and Horan battled hard in midfield and Morriston's midfield were finding it difficult. Matthew Saunders and Gavin Fowler were going forward at every chance but Morriston's defence held out.

As the game wore on ENTO were indebted to Morgan who pulled off a couple of class saves, and coupled with poor finishing ENTO managed to hold on for a fine win.

ENTO finished the season in 12^th place which considering the start of the season they had was a fine turn around in fortune. Back in October the club had 14 points and were bottom of the table. The management team of David Morgan, Matt Cable, Pip Edwards and Richard Bennett along with a committed bunch of players did a fine job to keep ENTO in the Second Division.

REPORT BY STEVE PEARCE

TUESDAY 26 APRIL 2005

PONTARDAWE 5 - 1 ENTO ABERAMAN

ENTO travelled to table topping Pontardawe with a squad of 12 due to injuries and work commitments. ENTO started brightly and Matthew Smart was doing well in the middle of the park. Pontardawe were looking lively though and Jamie Rickard brought out a save from David Morgan on five minutes. A minute later Layton Thomas headed into the side netting with a free header.

Chris Ridgeon battled hard in midfield to win the ball to release Ross Williams who hit his shot wide. Martin Edwards did well to clear and the ball was eventually headed out for a corner by Matt Saunders, from the corner the lively Jamie Bowen headed wide.

On ten minutes in a lively opening Ross Williams and Ridgeon combined well before an Anthony Jenkins cross was cleared to safety. On 16 minutes Ross Williams broke through the Pontardawe defence and only had the keeper to beat but in trying to chip him keeper Lee Williams pulled off a fine save to deny him. Four minutes later a great corner by Leighton Price found Ridgeon whose downward header was tipped out for a corner.

Pontardawe were looking dangerous on the break and only a fine Rhys Whatley challenge denied them a goal scoring opportunity. On 26 minutes Smart cleared off the line then the in-form Lee Williams cleared the danger. Paul Buckingham put in a fine challenge on Price when he was through on gaol before Morgan pulled of a superb save to deny Layton Thomas at the other end.

ENTO were coming under increasing pressure and a fine Jenkins header relieved the danger from a corner. On 39 minutes Pontardawe broke quickly and a fine cross was met by a sliding shot from Jamie Bowen that Morgan almost got a hand too but couldn’t keep out to make the score 1-0. Straight from the kick off Pontardawe were on the attack again and only a superb challenge by Lee Williams on the giant Layton Thomas averted the danger.

On 41 minutes a superb long range free kick by Jamie Rickard deceived everyone and made the score 2-0. Two minutes later Thomas was allowed space in the area and he made the score 3-0 in a remarkable few minutes.

ENTO started the second half lively and Ridgeon, Jenkins and Smart combined well only for Smart to hit his shot well wide. On 51 minutes Marc Otten was shown a second yellow card for a second off the ball incident involving Leighton Price. From the free kick Jenkins saw his effort hit the post and get cleared. Minutes later a great move in midfield between Price and Jenkins saw keeper Williams pull off a superb one handed save to push the ball out for a corner. Two minutes later a free kick on the edge of the area was taken quickly by Richard Lewis and he made the score 4-0.

Matt Saunders and Lee Williams were playing extremely well in defence and were putting in some fine challenges. On 65 minutes ENTO were awarded a penalty for a push in the area that Jenkins coolly dispatched to make it 4-1.

On 70 minutes Jenkins and Smart combined well but the ball was cleared for a corner, from the corner Jenkins hit his shot just wide. Ridgeon then hit a first time shot from over 30 yards that went well wide. Whatley played a fine ball through to Jenkins whose superb shot hit the side netting.

ENTO then failed to clear the ball and were punished with a long range shot from Bowen to make it 5-1. Steve Pearce replaced the injured Jenkins up front. ENTO were playing some excellent football and were causing their hosts all sorts of problems. Lee Williams collected the ball and played a neat ball through to Rhys Horan whose cross was collected by the keeper. Morgan challenged Pearce on the edge of the area before Ross Williams again came close with a speculative shot.

ENTO never game up and were not giving the Pontardawe players any time on the ball. After Saturday's mauling against Tillery the players tonight certainly showed plenty of commitment and character and despite losing should be proud of the way they all battled.

REPORT BY STEVE PEARCE

SATURDAY 23 APRIL 2005

TILLERY 7 - 3 ENTO ABERAMAN

ENTO travelled to bottom club Tillery knowing a point would make them mathematically safe from relegation. They started badly though and were behind in the seventh minute. Anthony Jenkins losing the ball in midfield resulting in a quick Tillery throw in that caused chaos in the ENTO defence and eventually the ball went over the line from Gavin Bennett with an own goal. A minute later though ENTO were back in it with a superb 30 yard strike from Matt Saunders that gave the keeper no chance to make it 1-1.

On 14 minutes Rhys Whatley did well to release Jenkins who miss kicked when well placed. Lee Coburn broke through ENTOs defence but Lee Williams was alive to the danger. Minutes later a superb ball by Gavin Fowler was almost met at the far post by Williams before being cleared by keeper Bevan.

On 21 minutes a long kick by David Morgan found Chris Ridgeon who did well to release David Blackstock who calmly struck the ball past Bevan to make the score 2-1 On 27 minutes the Tillery midfield did well and Price was unlucky with his header that went just wide. Two minutes later though the same player made no mistake after a great turn and shot to equalise. Anthony Phillips and captain Lee Bull combined well as Tillery were playing football that their defied their lowly league position.

On 37 minutes another fine ball from Fowler was superbly controlled by Blackstock who released Jenkins who coolly chipped the keeper as ENTO regained the lead going into half time. 

ENTO started the second half brightly and had three great chances in the first five minutes but poor finishing was eventually going to cost them the game. Whatley saw his effort cleared off the line before Tillery broke away in a sweeping move that resulted in their equaliser following some awful defending.

Tillery were now controlling the game and it was no surprise when on 60 minutes another defensive error was punished and they went ahead 4-3.  Minutes later Tillery's Price went straight through ENTOs midfield and defence and calmly shot into the bottom corner to make it 5-3.

On 67 minutes Leighton Price and Jenkins combined well and after the keeper dropped the ball Ross Williams saw his close range effort go over the bar. On 70 minutes as the ENTO defence was in total disarray Tillery scored their sixth. With two minutes remaining Morgan pulled off a fine save that rebounded out to the edge of the area and the unmarked Smith calmly shot back to give Morgan no chance and make it 7-3.

REPORT BY STEVE PEARCE

SATURDAY 16 APRIL 2005

ENTO ABERAMAN 2 - 1 AMMANFORD

ENTO secured the win that looks to have made them safe in their battle against relegation. Once again against Ammanford they did it the hard way after going behind early on, as they did at Rice Road earlier in the season. ENTO started brightly through Chris Ridgeon who was started up front for the first time. Leighton Price was unlucky with an early corner that deceived everyone only to hit the cross bar and fall unexpectedly to David Blackstock who could only hit his effort wide.

On four minutes Gary Davies played a neat ball that was watched out by Martin Edwards, Paul Jones then hit a decent shot straight at David Morgan.

On seven minutes Price hit a superb free kick that was superbly tipped over the bar by keeper Craig Morris for a corner. Minutes later a quick ball from Rhys Whatley released Ridgeon who saw the ball go out for a corner from Terence Ward, from the corner the ball was somehow cleared off the line by Mark James.

ENTO were dominating but were caught napping by Ammanford who broke quickly and following a mix up between Edwards and Morgan, Nathan Jones nipped in to make the score 1-0 on 12 minutes. This gave Ammanford confidence and Morgan did well to clear from a corner. Price had another long range free kick that went just wide before he, Blackstock and Matthew Smart combined well.

On 22 minutes Gavin Bennett did well to clear under pressure from Jones. Lee Williams did well to clear the ball under pressure from Cerrison Davies before Matt Saunders and Ridgeon combined well in a move that was cleared by Robert Griffiths. 

At half time Anthony Jenkins replaced the injured Smart and made an immediate impact, taking a quick throw to release Price who did well to take the ball on and beat the keeper to make the score 1-1. 

Gavin Fowler did well under pressure from Davies before Morgan saved well from goal scorer Jones.

Both sides were creating chances but were lacking that final ball. On 65 minutes Martin Edwards went running through the midfield and just beat the offside trap and played a neat ball to the oncoming Jenkins who made no mistake with a simple tap in to make the score 2-1.

ENTO were creating problems for the Ammanford defence and good play between Ridgeon and Whatley almost released Jenkins. Bennett fouled Hughes on the edge of the area and it was Gary Davies who lined his shot up only to see it go high and wide.

As the game entered the final minutes ENTO were put under pressure but Blackstock then Edwards defended well.  Ammanford's Hughes had a great chance in injury time but hit his effort wide. Horan then broke but his cross was cleared by Ward. Paul Jones then hit his effort wide after good work in Ammanford's midfield. ENTO held on for this well deserved win.

REPORT BY STEVE PEARCE

WEDNESDAY 13 APRIL 2005

Pontyclun 3 – 0 ENTO Aberaman

Pontyclun made it three clean sheets in a row after this solid midweek display against ENTO Aberaman. The home side went into the match looking to overturn a 2-0 defeat suffered in the away fixture that could have been much worse. ENTO were looking to build on their promising display against Garden Village on Saturday.

Pontyclun started the game at a high tempo and ENTO seemed unable to cope, with Pontyclun’s front runners of Craig Roberts and Ross Youlden proving a handful throughout, Martin Edwards was called into action on a number of occasions to clear the danger. It was no surprise when Chris Round opened the scoring with a fine finish following a quick throw-in from Phil Watson after ten minutes that caught ENTOs defence napping. Craig Williams then went close when his strike went just over the bar. Leighton Price was unlucky on 28 minutes following a good turn and shot.

The next goal arrived on 33 minutes, when Watson was fouled out wide as he prepared to cross. Eliot Davey swung a dangerous free-kick towards the far post, which eluded everyone and bent into the back of the net to make it 2-0 to Pontyclun.

Davey almost doubled his tally within two minutes when his strike from 25 yards dipped narrowly wide. ENTO were then forced into a change with an injury to Gavin Fowler who was replaced by Matt Saunders.

Ross Youlden’s effort forced a save from ENTO keeper David Morgan. David Blackstock was again doing well in midfield but most of ENTOs attacks were breaking down too easily as they were crossing the half way line.

On 38 minutes Pontyclun made it 3-0 when Phil Watson took a long throw into the box and Craig Roberts glanced a neat header past Morgan. ENTO then forced a succession of corners but could not test keeper Poole, Rhys Horan did get an effort in but it was high and wide.

The second half continued in much the same fashion with Pontyclun dictating the pace of the game and ENTO rarely threatening keeper Mark Poole’s goal. Wayne Morgan and Chris Round combined to good effect down Pontyclun’s left flank on several occasions to open up the ENTO defence as the visitors tried to get back into the game, Gavin Bennett being forced into several clearances.

Matthew Smart, Rhys Whatley and Ross Williams combined well but again the move broke down. Craig Roberts went close to adding a fourth for Pontyclun when a neat move down the right saw Gareth Morgan and Craig Williams combine to release Ross Youlden who crossed for Roberts, but he pushed his shot narrowly wide.

On 61 minutes, Tyrone Pope saw his header well saved by Morgan in the ENTO goal. ENTO then had several chances through sub Anthony Jenkins whose first effort was tipped over for a corner and from the resulting Price corner his long-range effort went wide. Further half chances followed for Chris Rounds and Youlden but there was no further scoring and the game ended at 3-0. ENTO did have a chance at the final whistle but keeper Poole was alert to the danger.

Pontyclun: Mark Poole, Gareth Morgan, Tyrone Pope, Gavin Rees, Wayne Morgan, Chris Round, Phil Watson, Eliot Davey, Craig Williams, Ross Youlden, Craig Roberts

ENTO Aberaman: David Morgan, Gavin Fowler (Matt Saunders 39), Lee Williams, Martin Edwards, Gavin Bennett, David Blackstock, Matthew Smart(Neil Giles 75),Rhys Whatley, Leighton Price, Rhys Horan (Anthony Jenkins 55), Ross Williams

SATURDAY 9 APRIL 2005

GARDEN VILLAGE 2 - 2 ENTO ABERAMAN

Marc Lloyd's scrambled goal two minutes into injury-time capped off a Garden Village comeback against ENTO on Saturday - the second time in a week in which Village have scored right at the death to earn a 2-2 draw. Craig Blake's goal early in the second-half started the comeback to peg ENTO back after they took a 2-0 lead into the break thanks to goals from Leighton Price and Ross Williams.

The game got off to the best possible start for ENTO when they scored with only four minutes on the watch. A quick ball across the face of goal by Rhys Horan following a fine run defied the defence and the unmarked Leighton Price was on hand at the far post to put ENTO in front. Jamie Evans came close to levelling just a minute later when he headed over the top from Louis Cann's corner, under pressure from Rhys Whatley.

ENTO were causing Village all sorts of problems at the back with Price looking lively up front. Matthew Smart and David Blackstock were controlling the midfield and giving Village no chance.

ENTO doubled their lead on 20 minutes and this time goal scorer Price turned provider, it was his corner that met the head of Ross Williams and the ball flew past Rob Thomas like a rocket. The half started to go quiet with neither side really creating much, both defences were on top and Lee Williams and Gavin Fowler down the flanks were causing problems. 

Six minutes before the break Garden Villages top-scorer Ben Brown came close to producing a goal after beating two defenders on the edge of the area he let loose a powerful shot that ENTO player-manager David Morgan got fingers too and put it onto the top of the crossbar.

HALF-TIME: Garden Village 0 - 2 ENTO Aberaman Athletic

With just five minutes of the second-half played, and with Village still not creating many chances, Andy Mumford was brought on to replace Carl Alfei to help bolster the midfield, he and Blackstock had an intriguing battle!

The home side did pull one back on 54 minutes; Ben Brown again managed to get past a defender and his low shot beat the 'keeper and struck the foot of the post but, as the bounced up into the air, Craig Blake was at hand to knock the ball into the empty net.

Things started to pick up for Village from here. With 20 minutes of the half gone Village were awarded a free-kick on the edge of the area. Andy Mumford  was the one to take it, as he proved to be a master at taking set-pieces during his days at the Vetch. He stepped up and curled the ball over the wall and it looked to be heading for the top corner, but David Morgan produced a fantastic one-handed save to push the ball onto the crossbar, and from the rebound Marc Lloyd flew in with a diving header, with the open goal in front of him, he could only head the ball in the direction of the post.

Rob Thomas was also forced into making a great save from a Leighton Price free-kick just three minutes later, which he acrobatically tipped over the bar. Phil John then had a chance for Village but with less than quarter of an hour to go Mumford was gifted another chance in front of goal with another free-kick. This time he sent his set-piece low and around the outside of the wall, but David Morgan was alert to it and again produced a fine save by tipping it around the foot of the left-hand post.

Time was now running out for the home side. The chances were coming but they just weren't coming  to anything. With two minutes to go Jamie Evans had his header tipped over the bar after getting on the end of another quality Mumford free-kick, and in the last minute Craig Blake, with a shot, and Andy Mumford, with a header, could have scored. Martin Edwards and Gavin Bennett at the heart of ENTOs defence were being kept busy.

After trying so hard in the second-half the equalising goal finally came two minutes into injury-time. Once again Ben Brown beat his man and took the ball right to the by-line, with the 'keeper at the front post all he had to do was place the ball inside the 6-yard box and there were at least three Village players waiting to score; the ball fell to Marc Lloyd and he just managed to scramble it in to make it 2-2.

The game could have easily been turned on its head if Louis Cann had struck his shot harder in the third minute of the added time, which was collected comfortably by David Morgan, who had an excellent match between the sticks for ENTO.

Garden Village: R Thomas, N Lloyd, D Evans, J Evans, L Cann, C Alfei (A Mumford 50), P John (O Williams 83), C Thomas, M Lloyd, C Blake, B Brown.

Un-Used: N Romanello.

ENTO: D Morgan, G Fowler, L Williams, M Edwards, G Bennett, D Blackstock, M Smart, R Whatley, L Price, R Horan (A Jenkins 86), R Williams.

Un-Used: M Cable, N Giles.

WEDNESDAY 6 APRIL 2005

Cardiff Corries 3 - 0 ENTO Aberaman

ENTO travelled to relegation threatened Corries for their first game in over three weeks and were on the back foot immediately, only good defending by Edwards and Williams averted the danger.

It wasn't until the 17th minute that ENTO had their first chance following a good run by Whatley who found the head of Jenkins with a fine cross, the keeper easily saved though.

Matthew Smart on his debut was having a good game in midfield but few others were matching him and it was no surprise when Corries took the lead in the 33rd minute with a low shot past Morgan.

Just on the stroke of half time Whatley and Jenkins combined well, Jenkins should have scored but from the breakaway it was Corries who made it 2-0.

ENTO started the second half brightly and Ross Williams was denied with a brave save at his feet whilst Price shot wide from distance. With 57 minutes gone a shot from Corries hit the bar and bizarrely bounced off Morgan and into the net to make it 3-0.

ENTO looked to get back into the game and good play in midfield between Smart and Price saw Jenkins clean through on goal but his shot hit the bar.

With 15 minutes remaining Saunders was sent off after a second yellow card. With minutes remaining Horan had two chances that he couldn't take and a Corries defender was sent off for a foul on Whatley.

This was a disappointing result but after three weeks off it looked like ENTO had lost some of their fighting spirit.

REPORT BY STEVE PEARCE

SATURDAY 12 MARCH 2005

ENTO ABERAMAN 1 - 1 CALDICOT TOWN

ENTO welcomed tenth placed Caldicot Town to the Park looking to build on their recent good run of wins. Caldicot pushed at the start and in the first minute David Morgan had to be alert to deny Ross Lewis with a good save low down to his left. In the third minute Gavin Fowler cleared well to Anthony Jenkins who flicked the ball to Ross Williams who in turn hit his shot wide. Gareth Cullimore broke well for Caldicot and a great challenge by Martin Edwards saw Caldicot win a corner.

In the ninth minute Caldicot broke well and a neat ball across the area was not cleared and Andrew Wenzel was on hand at the far post to drill the ball home and make the score 1-0.

ENTO were under pressure and firstly Matt Saunders then Gavin Bennett did well to clear under pressure. In the 12^th minute debutant Mark Stedman did well to get onto a cross from Jenkins and release Rhys Whatley whose ball was cleared for a corner by Vers. In the 17^th minute a fine ball in by Fowler saw Ross Williams get a head to it that went inches wide.

Andrew Wenzel was causing ENTOs defence problems and only a fine save by Morgan from Wenzel stopped another goal. In the 25^th minute Fowler cleared a cross by Cullimore.

On the half hour mark Williams did well to control the ball and release Jenkins who lost the ball easily in a challenge. Chris Ridgeon saw his effort go just over before Bennett challenged Cullimore at the other end. With 41 minutes gone a cross from Jenkins found Stedman whose shot was blocked and an effort from Leighton Price was cleared off the line. A minute later the chance of the game fell to Jenkins who when in acres of space got caught in two minds whether to cross or shoot and in the end he passed straight to keeper Mackerness. On the stroke of half time Edwards blocked and then Bennett cleared from Morley.

Ross Williams had an excellent chance at the start of the second half. Price then had to clear the danger at the other end when under pressure from Lloyd. With 12 minutes of the second half gone Fowler and Whatley combined well before Stedman was fouled on the edge of the area. Price's free kick was tipped over for a corner, from the corner Williams was unlucky to see his header go just over. With neither sides creating clear cut chances the game turned into a midfield battle before on 67 minutes Stedman had a great chance that he was unlucky to see go over the bar. 

On 73 minutes a great cross by Jenkins found Ridgeon who headed wide. Two minutes later a great run down the right by Ridgeon saw him cross to Stedman whose effort went just over. A minute after that Caldicot broke again through Wenzel but he put his shot wide of the far post when clean through.

On 85 minutes a good build up in midfield saw Price hit a speculative shot that keeper Mackerness could only parry into the back of his own net to make the score 1-1. Caldicot then broke through Cullimore before Edwards then Fowler cleared for a corner. A shot by Culllimore was then well saved by Morgan.

With a minute left a good run and cross by Stedman found Ridgeon who hit the ball wide off his stomach!

This was a good battling performance by ENTO despite having several players missing. They now have a few weeks off before travelling to Cardiff Corries on 6^th April.

REPORT BY STEVE PEARCE

SATURDAY 5 MARCH 2005

ENTO ABERAMAN 1 - 0 SEVEN SISTERS

ENTO welcomed bottom of the table Seven Sisters to the Park for a crucial relegation battle with the home side looking to build on three wins in the previous four games that had given the club a real chance of avoiding the drop.  Seven had shown signs of a recovery following the appointment of the experienced management duo of Paul Evans and Huw Davies. 

ENTO were forced into two enforced changes with the unavailability of Gavin Bennett and illness to Rhys Horan resulting in recalls for Anthony Jenkins and Chris Ridgeon.  ENTO opened brightly and from a quick Jenkins throw the lively James Rowlands should have done better when well placed.  The Seven response was immediate with a thunderous 25 yard volley cannoning off the ENTO bar with keeper David Morgan a spectator. 

Another Jenkins throw caught the Seven defence asleep and a square ball from Rowlands found Leighton Price in a good position but Adrian Barnsley in the Seven goal made an excellent point blank save to keep the scores level.  Morgan in the home goal was called into action to save with his feet from close range and then having to tip over a cross come shot from the lively Richard Barness that was heading for the far top corner. 

Five minutes into the second half ENTO pressure which saw good work from Rhys Watley and Ross Williams saw the latter tripped in the box for a penalty that Price converted to the keepers left.  ENTO had further chances as the game progressed with Rowlands firing wide when well placed and on other occasions the final ball not quite being accurate enough. 

The win means four out of five for a rejuvenated ENTO side and a fourth clean sheet in five forming the basis for the progress that has seen the Cynon Valley side climb to 11^th and with every chance of avoiding the relegation dogfight.   

Report by David Morgan

SATURDAY 26 FEBRUARY 2005

MORRISTON TOWN 0 - 1 ENTO ABERAMAN

ENTO travelled to fellow strugglers Morriston Town and came away with all three points following a dogged display in windy conditions and on a poor playing surface.

ENTO started brightly with a through ball from Leighton Price that James Rowlands was unlucky not to reach. On three minutes though poor play by ENTOs defence let in Leon Dennis whose shot was well saved by David Morgan who tipped the ball out for a corner. As ENTO battled against the long ball in windy conditions man of the match Lee Williams cleared twice under tremendous pressure.

On nine minutes Gavin Bennett, Ross Williams and Leighton Price combined well before Price saw his shot saved by keeper Jon Martin. On 16 minutes a header from John Parry went just wide. Neat interplay between Price and Gavin Fowler saw Bennett’s cross cut out. Martin Edwards had to be alert as Morriston relied on a long ball approach.

On 22 minutes a free kick by Price was easily saved.  Beniamous saw his run brought to an end with a tidy challenge by Matt Saunders.

On 40 minutes a cross from Carlisle found Edwards whose first time shot was blocked by Bennett. A minute later Price met a cross from Rhys Horan before Simons cleared. As half time approached Parry did well to back track and clear for a corner from Price.

ENTO kicked off the second half and Price tested keeper Martin straight from the kick off with a long shot with the wind. A minute later Beniamous tested Morgan with a shot that went inches wide as Morgan struggled to get across. Edwards did well to clear under pressure from Edwards.

On 50 minutes good play between Lydiard and Dennis saw the latter challenged by Lee Williams who cleared well. Two minutes later Price and Fowler combined well before releasing Rowlands who was challenged on the edge of the area.

On the hour mark Lee Williams did superbly again to clear the ball. As the ball was played back in Morgan misjudged the flight of the ball and Parry blasted his shot over with the goal gaping in front of him. Simons did well down the right and it needed a timely challenge by Saunders to stop his run.

On 66 minutes Ross Williams did superbly well in the oppositions penalty area ad he released Rowlands whose shot was well saved. On 77 minutes Whatley and Price combined well before the ball went out for a corner. Whatley took a superb corner that Ross Williams met with a fine header at the far post that gave keeper Martin no chance and made the score 1-0.

Morriston threatened almost immediately through Beniamous who saw his effort scrape past the post. With five minutes remaining Whatley whipped in another corner that almost went straight in before being cleared off the line. As Morriston pressed for an equaliser Bennett cleared off the line before a superb point blank save by Morgan in injury time kept ENTOs lead intact. In the dying seconds Edwards, Bennett and Lee Williams all cleared well as ENTO held on for a vital victory to go into next weeks encounter with Seven Sisters full of confidence.

REPORT BY STEVE PEARCE

REPORT BY STEVE PEARCE

SATURDAY 8 JANUARY 2005

ENTO ABERAMAN 0 - 3 PENRHIWCEIBER

ENTO welcomed local rivals Ceiber to The Park for this Motaquote Division Two match looking to build on an impressive recent run of results.

Ceiber started brightly with Keith Cadagon firing over in the third minute. Martin Edwards was called into action early on under pressure from Robert Richards. In the sixth minute Ross Williams and David Blackstock combined well in midfield before releasing James Rowlands who was uphended by Gerwyn Harris. Two minutes later Nathan King hit a long range shot that went just over the bar.

On eleven minutes the ball was lost by Gavin Fowler in midfield and played across the area to an oncoming Nathan King who made no mistake with his shot at the far post to make it 1-0.  A minute later Rowlands went on a run down the left, releasing Anthony Jenkins who played the ball to Fowler who hit his shot wide. Morgan was called into action pulling off a fine save at the feet of Cadagon when one on one.

On seventeen minutes ENTO conceded a silly free kick 25 yards out, Richard Veale lined his shot up perfectly and it sailed past David Morgan into the top corner to make it 2-0.

Leighton Price ran through Ceibers midfield before passing to Jenkins who was tackled by Ian Jones. Rhys Whatley was then booked for a challenge on Jones. David Blackstock was hurt in a 50-50 challenge with Paul Nicholas and had to leave the field, being replaced by Phil Haines whose return to the club from Ely Rangers is a welcome boost.

On 27 minutes Richards went on a neat run before playing a through ball to King whose shot was deflected by Edwards for a corner. From the corner Haines did well to clear under pressure from Richards. The lively Richards was causing ENTO problems and a timely tackle by Lee Williams broke up another attack.

On 40 minutes Andrew Workman timed his run to perfection but shot over when clean through. On the stroke of half time Haines cleared well before the ball was picked up by Workman who released Cadagon whose shot went over the bar.

Ceiber started the second half brightly with a dangerous ball in by Gerwyn Harris being cleared for a corner by Chris Ridgeon who was having one of his quieter games. From the corner Williams headed the ball clear only for it to fall to King who hit a long range effort just wide.

On 54 minutes great play between Cadagon and Richards saw the ball fall to Richards who made no mistake with his shot to make it 3-0.

From the restart Ridgeon and Fowler combined well before releaseing Jenkins whose cross was deflected out for a corner. Price's corner seemed to be going straight in before being cleared off the line by Chris Keepings.

On the hour mark Richards skipped through the ENTO midfield unchallenged before Ridgeon finally put in a challenge to clear the danger.

Two minutes later as Ceiber were totally dominating Veale went on a great run down the right before Haines cleared.

On 64 minutes a superb run through midfield by Price saw him play an excellent ball to Fowler whose close range shot was hit straight at keeper Nicholas. Veale was causing all sorts of problems down the right and only a great save by Morgan from him saw the score stay at 3-0.

Rhys Horan was brought on to replace Whatley. On 70 minutes a first time shot from the halfway line by King saw Morgan scramble back and put the shot out for a corner. Horan challenged sub Sam George well and went on a nice run before releasing Rowlands who was booked for stopping a free kick quickly after his challenge.

With less than ten minutes left a Price free kick found Ridgeon who hit his header straight at the keeper.

With only two minutes remaining a great run by George released Veale whose cross was cleared by Edwards. 

ENTOs players need to regroup after this awful performance if they are to avoid a relegation scrap at the end of the season.

REPORT BY STEVE PEARCE

MONDAY 3 JANUARY 2005

ENTO ABERAMAN 4 - 0 AFC LLWYDCOED 

A big crowd saw this friendly between the two local rivals. 

ENTO had the best possible start with a goal from 16 year old debutant Chris Pedrick in the first minute.  Both sides played good football with ENTO having ex Stereophonics drummer, Stuart Cable, as their right back for the entire first half!  ENTO scored a second goal on 30 minutes through Anthony Jenkins, and a third goal just before half time, again through Jenkins.  

ENTO completed the scoring midway through the second half with Jenkins completing his hat trick. 

The game raised a total of £700 for the Macmillan Cancer Care Unit at the Prince Charles Hospital.

REPORT BY STEVE PEARCE

SATURDAY 18 DECEMBER 2004

ENTO ABERAMAN ATHLETIC 1 - 0 LLANWERN AFC  

ENTO entered this game knowing only a win would do against a side that lay 2 points above them in the table. ENTO welcomed player manager David Morgan back into the team at the expense of keeper Carl Mounty.

ENTO started brightly with Rhys Whatley and Leighton Price combing well down the right. Anthony Jenkins had an early free kick that he hit tamely at keeper Mark Evans. David Blackstock made a fine challenge on the edge of his own area to quell Llanwern's first attack.

On seven minutes Nathan Phillips hit his shot well but Morgan saved easily and Martin Edwards was on hand to clear the danger. A minute later Whatley went on a fine run down the right after a superb ball from Gavin Fowler, the ball eventually being cleared by Russell Scott for a corner. From the corner a header by David Blackstock went just wide.

On eleven minutes Llanwern had their best chance when following a poor clearance by Morgan a quick shot by Alex Lee went just wide.

A quarter of an hour in and Chris Ridgeon went on a flying run before losing the ball to Rhys Cox who cleared well.

On 20 minutes ENTOs defence were called into action again with a fine clearance by the impressive Lee Williams who has really settled since his move from Bettws.

On 25 minutes the move of the match saw Ross Williams and Blackstock combine well before the latter released the ball to Fowler who again played a superb ball to Whatley whose cross was deflected for a corner.

A minute later Scott and Greg Taylor combined well for Llanwern before Ross Williams intercepted and conceded a throw.

On 28 minutes Marcus Power went on a fine run before finally shooting over the bar.

Lee Williams was again called into action, tackling Shier when he was throw on goal.

On the half hour mark it was Martin Edwards turn as he put in a fine challenge on the impressive Power. As Llanwern began to dominate it was Power again who was challenged firstly by Edwards then by Lee Williams.

On 40 minutes a great run by L Williams found Jenkins who played a through ball to Price that was cleared for a corner, from the corner a header by Matthew Saunders seemed to be handled on the line but the ref waved play on. As half time approached a good cross by Fowler was met by Blackstock whose header was saved well by keeper Evans.

ENTO started the second half brightly with Whatley and Blackstock combining well down the right before the ball fell to Jenkins two yards out but he somehow hit the ball over the bar.

Llanwern broke quickly however though through Currie and he played a defence splitting pass through that was eventually cut out by Ridgeon.

On 54 minutes Morgan played a superb quick ball to Whatley who then went on a good run that was cleared for a corner by Cox.

On 58 minutes Ridgeon did well to clear a free kick that saw Ross Williams win the ball well in midfield before being up-ended for a free kick. Whatley did well to clear under pressure from Alex Lee.

ENTO were starting to dominate proceedings mid way through the second half and first Jenkins saw his shot deflected for a corner. Then it was sub Rhys Horan's turn, he went on a good run down the right before seeing his cross deflect for a corner.

Llanwern were still dangerous on the break though with Power going close and Phillips hitting his shot over when well placed.

On 78 minutes ENTOs dominance paid off when Horan and Price combined superbly in midfield before Evans tipped Price's shot over the bar for a corner. From the corner by Whatley, Price flicked on well and Ross Williams was on hand at the far post to drill home and make the score 1-0.

ENTO then defended well with first Power seeing his shot cleared by Ridgeon for a corner, then two minutes later the same two players were involved in a tussle that saw Ridgeon clear for a throw.

With five minutes remaining ENTO defended superbly as a goalmouth scramble saw the ball get cleared off the line with bodies everywhere. ENTO held on for the remaining minutes and in almost darkness secured the three points they needed to see them move up to 11th in the table. 

ENTO Aberaman team:

David Morgan, Chris Ridgeon, Rhys Whatley, Martin Edwards, Lee Williams, Gavin Fowler, Leighton Price, David Blackstock, Anthony Jenkins, Matthew Saunders, Ross Williams. Subs: Rhys Horan (on for Saunders 70 mins). Anton Potterton and Steve Pearce

MATCH REPORT BY STEVE PEARCE

SATURDAY 11 DECEMBER 2004

BRYNTIRION ATHLETIC 5 - 1 ENTO ABERAMAN ATHLETIC

ENTO travelled to highflying Bryntirion Athletic who were on a high with six wins on the trot and four clean sheets. 

ENTO had an awful start and were behind in the first 40 seconds after a harmless looking shot by Brandon Walters went under Carl Mounty to make the score 1-0. 

Minutes later Gerrie went on a run that was cleared by Lee Williams. 

On 8 minutes ENTO didn’t clear a corner and the unmarked Walters scored his second. 

Bryntirion were dominating and ENTO were sleeping, Gerrie again went on a run and saw his shot go wide. On 16 minutes Walters played Richard Jago through and he hit his shot over the bar when through on goal.

Williams was again called into action on the edge of the area and Chris Ridgeon cleared the danger. Martin Edwards was called into action to clear a header on the edge of the area.

It was 25 minutes before ENTO had their first attack when neat play between Anthony Jenkins and Rhys Whatley eventually saw the ball go out for a throw on the edge of the area.

On the half hour mark neat play in midfield between Gavin Fowler, Jenkins and David Blackstock saw a shot from Jenkins charged down by Bishop. A minute later a long-range effort from Walters went just wide.

On 34 minutes a good run from Ross Williams saw him find Blackstock whose shot went wide. As ENTO gradually got themselves back into the game a great ball from Jenkins found Leighton Price whose shot from an acute angle was well saved by Cronily for a corner.

Martin Edwards needed to be at his best to block Walters, as he was about to pull the trigger for another shot. Jago found himself through on goal but a fine save by Mounty denied him.

With a minute to go before half time Price pressured keeper Cronily into an error, Price laying the ball back to Matthew Saunders who hit a superb first time shot from 25 yards that gave the keeper no chance and made the score 2-1.

As the second half started ENTO made the worst possible start with almost a carbon copy of the first half, this time the goal coming inside 25 seconds, Jago this time hitting a harmless looking shot that somehow Mounty allowed under his body to make the score 3-1.

Jenkins played a great cross-field ball to Whatley who crossed to Saunders only to see keeper Cronily collect the ball. Ridgeon was called into defensive action under pressure from Folton and cleared well.

Thirteen minutes into the second half Matthew Bishop hit a superb strike that was well saved by Mounty.

ENTO conceded a free kick on the edge of the area that was taken by Gerrie, his shot cannoning off the bar.

Price played a great through ball to Jenkins who took the ball past Budge but hit his shot into the side netting.

On 65 minutes Martin Dando hit a speculative shot that Mounty failed to get hold of and made the score 4-1.

The next ten minutes were dominated by substitutions by both teams. Ridgeon put in a superb challenge on the edge of the area on substitute Burge. Anton Potterton played a good ball through to Whatley who found Rhys Horan unmarked in the middle, Horan somehow miss kicking at the vital moment and hitting his shot wide.

On 75 minutes Davies and Burke combined well to lay the ball off to Dando who hit his shot wide.

With five minutes remaining Bowley released Whatley who saw the ball cleared by Bishop. With time almost up the unmarked Walters completed his hat trick and Bryntirion's rout to make the score 5-1.

MATCH REPORT BY STEVE PEARCE

SATURDAY 4 DECEMBER 2004

ENTO ABERAMAN ATHLETIC 6 - 2 TILLERY

ENTO were looking for a first home win of the season going into this match after last weekend’s victory at Ammanford. 

They started brightly with Ross Williams and David Blackstock combining well with Blackstock seeing his shot charged down. Tillery had an early chance with Bull and Smith playing some neat football from the back. 

Williams did well in defence under pressure from Matthew Price early on. In the seventh minute a superb cross field ball from Anthony Jenkins was met by Leighton Price who played it back to Matthew Saunders who hit a superb chip past keeper Macknight to make the score 1-0.  

ENTO then had another chance immediately after with a quick kick by Carl Mounty being held up by Jenkins who released Williams who was unlucky to see his shot go over. Jenkins was controlling things and a neat touch by him released Gavin Fowler whose shot from 20 yards was tipped over the bar. Price went on a good run for Tillery but the in form Chris Ridgeon superbly tackled him. 

On 14 minutes Jenkins and Blackstock combined well on the edge of the area before the ball was hit out for a corner. From the corner Macknight somehow tipped Price's superb reflex header past the post for another corner with a brilliant save. 

On 18 minutes a superb run by Ridgeon saw him sail into the Tillery box and play a ball back to Saunders who hit a first time shot that gave the keeper no chance and made the score 2-0.  

Richard Langley and Matthew Price combined well for Tillery but Mounty was alert to the danger and cleared his lines well.  

On 25 minutes a great through ball from Blackstock released Jenkins who hit his shot well to make the score 3-0.  

On the half hour mark Price released Saunders whose shot went just over under pressure from Bull. A minute later David Smith was unlucky for Tillery, his effort going just over the bar. Just after that Matthew Price was not picked up and his effort went just wide.

As Tillery looked to get back into the game it needed a timely challenge by Lee Williams on Smith to clear the danger again. On 37 minutes Tillery's hard work paid off when a cross from the right was not dealt with and David Smith hammered his shot home to make the score 3-1.

On 40 minutes Martin Edwards did well to clear the danger. A minute later though ENTO scored a great goal after a superb run down the right by Ross Williams saw him cross the ball to Jenkins who after hitting his first shot at the keeper was lucky with a deflection and scored at his second attempt to make it 4-1. 

Saunders was then taken off with a groin injury and was replaced by Rhys Horan. Neat play between Matthew Price and David Smith saw Price eventually hit his shot wide.  

Just before half time Shaun Smith went on a break that was brought to an end by Williams who then released Jenkins only for the offside flag to go up. On the stroke of half time defender Jason Morgan hit a good free kick that was deflected wide. 

The second half started brightly with Williams making a good run before the timely intervention of Bull.

Tillery were pushing for a goal and the impressive Matthew Price went on a good run before Martin Edwards conceded a corner, from the corner Mounty pulled off a superb save from Shaun Smith. Richard Langley was unlucky to see his shot go over after a quick break by sub Gareth Harding. 

On 53 minutes a great ball from the right by Horan found Jenkins who made no mistake with his shot to make the score 5-1.

This goal seemed to inspire Tillery into life and Jamie Williams went on a superb run down the left that led to a corner being conceded by Fowler.

On 55 minutes it was Horan again who put in a fine cross that was headed out to Leighton Price who drilled his shot back in to make the score 6-1. Langley again caused problems before Mounty saved his shot. Smith and sub Hackling combined well before Lee Williams headed clear.

On 74 minutes a good run by Langley eventually saw him find Price who made no mistake with his shot to make the score 6-2.  

On 78 minutes Ridgeon headed off the line to set up an ENTO break with Ross Williams releasing Horan who flicked the ball on to Jenkins who saw his shot easily saved. With the game entering the closing stages Lee Williams tracked back well to deny Shaun Smith with a superb challenge.

This was a great result for ENTO against a poor Tillery side. However its points that matters and this result lifts them up to 12^th in the table, their highest position of the season. They now face a tough trip to Bryntirion next week before welcoming Llanwern to The Park the following week, kick off 2.15 pm.

MATCH REPORT BY STEVE PEARCE 

SATURDAY 27 NOVEMBER 2004

AMMANFORD 2 - 3 ENTO ABERAMAN ATHLETIC 

ENTO Aberaman travelled to Rice Road in Ammanford for a real relegation six pointer with Ammanford being only three points above them in the table.

ENTO were without Lee Thomas, Marc Cahill, David Pinch and Gavin Fowler but handed a debut to Newport Academy player Matthew Saunders. 

ENTO had a terrible start to the game and found themselves 2-0 down after only 12 minutes, both goals almost carbon copies of each other with Paul Hughes causing chaos down the left hand side and finding players unmarked in the middle on both occasions.

They had a chance to get back into the game on 20 minutes when they were awarded a penalty which Leighton Price shot to the right but saw it saved by keeper Craig Morris but to everyone’s delight the assistant flagged and the kick was taken again, this time it was hit to the left of the keeper but again Morris was up to it and saved it again.

On the half hour mark though a through ball from Price found Saunders who hit an unstoppable strike that went in off the bar to make the score 2-1.

At the start of the second half Paul Hughes found space in the middle but put his header over the bar. Price then released Blackstock with a quickly taken free kick but Blackstock's shot was just wide.

On 56 minutes a superb run by Saunders past three defenders saw him release the ball to James Rowlands whose ball into the middle was deflected past the keeper by the unlucky Thomas to make it 2-2.

On the hour mark good play in midfield between Potterton and Ross Williams saw the ball find Rhys Whatley who played a neat ball into the middle that was cleared by Griffiths.

On 65 minutes a superb cross by Anton Potterton was flicked on by Saunders to Blackstock who made no mistake with a well taken volley to make the score 3-2.

This really brought the game into life and a series of rash challenges by Ammanford's players went un-punished by the ref.

On 70 minutes a corner was met by Ammanford's Paul Jones but he headed wide. A minute later Blackstock and Jenkins combined well and his cross was met by Rowlands who was unlucky to see his shot deflect out for a corner.

With 15 minutes left a strike from Mark Smolka was blocked by Chris Ridgeon wasn’t out for a corner, Lee Williams eventually clearing the danger. Sub Matthew Fisher went on a good run but his shot went over the bar.

ENTO held on well in the final stages and in the dying seconds a goalmouth scramble was cleared by Martin Edwards.

This win moves ENTO out of the relegation zone. Next Saturday they are at home to Tillery who are just above them in the league. A win would lift ENTO above them. Kick off is at 2.15pm.

STEVE PEARCE 

SATURDAY 20 NOVEMBER 2004

ENTO ABERAMAN ATHLETIC  0 - 1  GARDEN VILLAGE

ENTO welcomed fourth place Garden Village to The Park for this Motaquote Division Two game. ENTO handed a debut to new signing Lee Williams from first division Bettws at centre back but were without the services of James Rowlands and Lee Thomas due to work commitments. Anton Potterton and David Blackstock returned to the side after holidays and injuries respectively.

ENTO made a good start and after five minutes a neat ball from Blackstock released the charging Lee Williams who played a superb ball into the centre that was cleared by Phil John. Minutes later a cross from Rhys Whatley was cleared.

Steve Williams was looking dangerous for the Village and it was he who created the first chance following a good run he released Owen Williams whose cross was blocked by Potterton. On 16 minutes Lee Williams rose well to clear the danger under pressure from leading marksman Ben Brown.

Next it was Chris Ridgeon who put in a superb tackle on Brown as he stretched his long legs.

On 19 minutes Brown turned and shot well but his effort was blocked by Mounty. ENTO broke well and neat play between Ross Williams and Leighton Price saw Prices superb effort rebound of the post and away from danger.

Mark Lloyd was dangerous in midfield and only the attentions of Martin Edwards stopped the attack. Ross Williams broke into the area and was upended by David Evans but the ref waved play on to the amazement of all ENTOs players and the extremely vocal protests of manager David Morgan were ignored. Rhys Whatley was causing problems down the right hand side but was being dealt with by young Owen Williams.

On 24 minutes Whatley found a superb cross that was headed just over the bar by Blackstock. A dangerous looking run down the right by Chris Morgan was cleared by Chris Ridgeon on the half hour mark.

On 31 minutes a ball from Mark Lloyd caught all the ENTO defenders napping as they appealed for offside only for Steve Williams to carry on playing and slot the ball past a hapless Mounty. The Village upped the pace and Stewart Morgan released Owen Williams who saw his shot saved by Mounty. Then Brown and Williams combined with Brown seeing his shot saved.

On 35 minutes Lee Williams released Anthony Jenkins who was fouled on the edge of the area. A minute later as ENTO pressed for the equaliser Whatley again put in a telling cross that was flicked on by Jenkins to Ross Williams who saw his shot charged down and cleared. Leighton Price and Gavin Fowler combined well in midfield but the end ball was lacking.

On 40 minutes a free kick from Whatley was flicked back by Ross Williams to Price whose superb shot cannoned back off the cross bar. On the stroke of half time a cross from Mark Lloyd just eluded David Rimmer and the ball was put out for a corner by Whatley.

Village started the second half well and a great run by Chris Morgan was blocked by Potterton. Jenkins and Ross Williams combined well before David Evans cleared the danger. Potterton hadn’t recovered from the knock he took at the start of the second half and was replaced by Marc Cahill.

On 58 minutes a superb challenge by Lee Williams on Brown saw the ball go out for a corner. From the corner Whatley did superbly well to clear the ball off the line.

From the break Ridgeon went on a superb run past four defenders before releasing Price whose shot went over the bar. Whatley and Lee Williams combined well down the right and a shot by Ross Williams was cleared by Rimmer. Edwards then did well in defence to release Jenkins who combined well with Price who played a ball just a little in front of Cahill and it was collected by Village keeper Stuart Lloyd. Ross Williams hit an excellent shot that was saved, on the break it took an alert Edwards to thwart Brown.

With only five minutes remaining Blackstock released Jenkins who hit his shot across the goal but agonisingly wide. A minute later sub Craig Smith  released Brown whose shot was well saved by Mounty. In the dying seconds a great chase by Martin Edwards saw him clear the danger against Ben Brown.

Whilst this was a disappointing result manager David Morgan will be pleased with his sides performance after last weeks drubbing against Newport YMCA. Next game is at fellow strugglers Ammanford.

Bus will leave the Park at 11.45am.

STEVE PEARCE