Cwmbran Celtic vs Carmarthen Town

Match Report

Matchday Programme

We entertained Carmarthen Town in our first home game of the new season. Carmarthen were until recently regular members of the Cymru Premier League and were sure to provide stiff opposition. The early exchanges were fairly even but the first real chance fell to Celtic when, following a good driving run from Tom Meechan, the ball fell for Lewis Iles but his shot was comfortably blocked by the Carmarthen defenders. Soon after Dom Connor was in action down the left and created a chance for Tom Meachen but again the visitor’s defence was able to block his shot. Just after Tom scuffed a half volley following a corner and the ball went harmlessly wide of the goal. Carmarthen had their first real chance on the half hour when Dyson won a race with Harrison Lewis and hit his shot well but Iwan Hooper was able to save going low to his left. Just before half time a long ball foward caught the wind and deceived Iwan who had come off his line to collect it. Fortunately, he was able to scamper back and palm the ball away to safety, Iwan was again in action immediately after – saving a shot from Daley.

Half time: Celtic 0 Carmarthen Town 0

Carmarthen began the second half in a more determined manner and began to dominate the game. Their captain, Greg Walters, was becoming more influential and dominating midfield. After 70 minutes Iwan Hooper was again called into action when Langley just beat Harrison Lewis to a through ball and forced him into another crucial save. Kian Bodenham then broke through on goal but, yet again, his shot was blocked before bothering Idzi in the visitor’s goal.  Carmarthen continued to threaten and it took two great challenges by Dom Connor to stop them getting a shot on goal. it came as no surprise when the Visitors took the lead in the 72nd minute. Mason Jones-Thomas cut in from the left, dribbled past two defenders and hit a fierce low shot which went in off Hooper’s near post. Right on full time young Hooper was called on again. With Celtic pushing forward looking for an equaliser, Langley broke free to run at goal from the halfway line but Iwas was quick off his line and smothered the shot.

Full time: Celtic 0 Carmarthen Town 1

MOM for Celtic: Iwan Hooper

Substitutions: Alex McDowell for Elliot Jones (63 mins), Sam Powell for Josh Hinwood (78 mins),

Yellow cards: Elliot Jones, Shaun Moss, Kian Bodenham and James Kinsella (Manager)