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ABERYSTWYTH Town supporters who believed the Port Talbot Welsh Cup
exit was an isolated blip received a rude awakening as their
favourites plummeted to their first league defeat of the season, and
Porthmadog ended a run of six league and cup defeats.

An uninspiring and mistake-ridden afternoon all round saw the home
side, like many of Aber's opponents this season, pack their defence
and look to catch the Seasiders on the break.

They must have been surprised at the lack of pressure applied by
their visitors, the space they were given in midfield, and, when
they ventured forward, the problems they caused an unusually jittery
Aber rearguard.

Home fans who feel the tide may have turned should exercise caution.
Porth could and should have put the game well beyond Aber who were
not merely failing to fire on all cylinders, but hardly raising a
spark.

Leaders TNS's concurrent first league defeat of the season, will
provide little Aber consolation, particularly as it sees the
Llansantffraid club's conquerors, Rhyl, snapping ever closer to
Aber's heels in third place. With respect to Porthmadog, Aber should
have taken full advantage and leapfrogged TNS into pole position.

With defenders David Burrows and midfielder Andy Lee both absent for
the first time this season, Aber's uncharacteristic failings were
exposed from the kick-off. Craig Owen seemed almost embarrassed by
the space he was given in the Aber area and fired unforgivingly
wide. Indeed he troubled Aber throughout but was unable to find the
finishing touch.

Home fans, however, did not have long to wait, although their
celebrations were quickly momentarily silenced. Both goals were
scrappy in the extreme. Aber player-manager Gary Finley headed off
his line in the 15th minute, but Aber failed to clear and Richie
Owen managed the final touch in the resulting goalmouth scramble.

Three minutes later Porth failed to clear a corner, a similar melee
ensued from which Lee Spike applied a close range equalising finish.

Porth continued to overman their defence to deprive Aber further,
but seemingly lacked the initiative or confidence to achieve
anything more themselves.

The half-time whistle brought only hope that both sides might liven
up following refreshments. Porth at least displayed some
inspiration. Craig Owen forced a fine save from John Worsnop before
they regained the advantage, when centre back Lee Webber came
forward to head home a 53rd minute free-kick from wide on the right.

There was plenty of time for Aber to regroup and reply positively,
but they were inexplicably unable to shake themselves from their
malaise.

This time Porth had surprisingly little difficulty maintaining their
advantage, and should have increased Aber's pain. Craig Owen fired
wide in the 71st minute, when it seemed he should have squared the
ball to a better positioned Mark Williams. He then again broke
clear, only to shoot straight at a relieved John Worsnop.

The result, if not the overall performance, will do wonders for
Porth's confidence, and possibly covince them they can afford to be
more adventurous and still comfortably maintain their Premier
status.

Aber's self-belief cannot have slipped that much below the surface.
Although firm and wise words will be required from Gary Finley to
restore normal service, they should not need to be of Churchillian
proportions.

PORTHMADOG: McGuigan, Jones, Foster, Parry, Webber, E Williams,
Evans, Hughes, M Williams (T Williams, 79), C Owen (Pugh, 82), R
Owen. Unused sub: Caughter.

ABERYSTWYTH: Worsnop, Short, Jones (O'Sullivan, 70), Hennigan,
Finley, Baker, Lloyd-Williams, Morgan, Spike, Hughes, Lawless.
Unused subs: Spain (GK), Tappin, Davies.

Copyright Tindle Newspapers Ltd 19 November 03