A big match feel was in the air at Pontllanfraith 3G this evening, as the 1st Team looked to stifle the superiority of league leaders Ynysddu Welfare in a game where outcome really was everything.

The late evening kickoff heralded the second time the teams have met this season, with the first encounter seeing the Ddu’s pull a 0-1 win out of the bag in the 4th quarter. Much of the opening minutes of the game took place smack bang in the middle of the pitch, with both teams engaged in a game of cat and mouse that neither one could break free from.

The 1st Team would find themselves quickly on the offensive soon after, as Shaun Smith, Dafydd Phillips and Jamie Laurent all pressed hard to create opportunity and mount pressure on the hosts, who themselves were reliant on their defence holding firm. When several opportunities fell by the wayside for the Excelsiors, Ynysddu would flip momentum and begin pushing into enemy territory, rattling the defence of Abertillery on multiple attempts.

The end-to-end action continued into halftime, with Ynysddu holding their own with some degree of conviction and denying several attempts at goal from Dafydd Phillips, who’s pace and skill were on exhibition from whistle to whistle. The forward broke free from the pack at one point and fought off 3 players to deliver a sublime ball to Jamie Laurent, who himself only narrowly missed the goal that would have been a definite game-changer.

As the second half started at 0-0 on the scoreboard, the tensions began to flare as both teams now seemed desperate to grab that ever-elusive goal. With Ynysddu seemingly hellbent on gaining the precious points, goalkeeper Dan Parsons was called upon to be on point against the hosts, who began an attack with fervour and intent.

Just as fast as Ynysddu appeared to dictate the speed of the game, the lads rallied back and appeared to be on the cusp of scoring and finally breaking the deadlock. Never was this more evident than when a huge scuffle in front of the Ynysddu goal garnered a collection of ‘ooohs’ and ‘aaahs’ from the crowd on hand, most of which felt the disappointment of a near-miss that certainly would have put the home team to bed.

Shortly after, the referee blew up and the result after a tough, solid game for both teams was a point a-piece. Not an ideal result for either squad by any means but maybe a fair reflection of a game that although littered with chances, was also a battle of attrition for much of the game.

The 1st Team host Sudbrook CCFC this Saturday at home, with a 3PM kickoff and a big 3 points to play for.