FANTASTIC WEEKEND FOR YNYS
Saturday was a great day for the club as both sides celebrated vital victories. With the third team out of action, the firsts and seconds headed to Llandarcy to play home fixtures against Trefelin and Mond respectively.
The first team lying just four points ahead of the relagation zone before the game knew three points were a must but made the worst possible start as former Afan Lido and Goytre United midfielder Damon Thomas smashed home a low 30 yard drive to give the Port Talbot side the lead.
With just 2 points picked up in their last seven games Ynys had to respond quickly and did so just six minutes later. Alex Powell done well to bring down a high ball. His goalward shot was blocked and spun up to Neil Willis who smashed home a low volley from 15 yards to equalise for the home side.
But celebrations were only short lived as Trefelin went back in front just five minutes later. With desperate appeals for offside falling on deaf ears from the referee, the Trefelin striker kept his composure to slide the ball beneath the out rushing Richard Powell.
Trefelin could and should have gone 3-1 up when they twice broke down the left hand side, only for their right winger to miss from yards out.
Ynys were on the back foot but got an equaliser on 29 minutes. A quick free kick by Alex Powell found Joe Phillips on the right hand side, he laid the ball off to Powell who swung in a great cross and Carl Evans bundled the ball in from 5 yards out.
The remainder of the half was end to end with both sides creating and missing chances.
The second half started as the first half finished. Ynys having the best opportunity with Lloyd Jones heading over from 6 yards out from a Joshua Roberts corner.
Roberts' delivery caused the home side problems all afternoon and his next wicked cross should have brought the next goal of the afternoon but somehow Evans missed the ball with the goal gaping.
With the time running out both sides looked to win the game knowing 3 points would get them away from the relegation zone.
With Ynys on the attack Trefelin broke quickly and created a one on one chance for Thomas, but Powell foiled his effort with a fantastic save.
With 5 minutes remaining Trefelin thought they took the lead. Again Thomas picked up the ball in the centre of the field and passed the ball of to the left hand side. The Trefelin substitute swung in a fantastic ball for Thomas to angle a finish passed Powell, only for the goal to be chalked off for offside.
With the visitors furious with the decision Ynys rubbed salt into their wounds with 2 minutes remaining. Another Roberts corner was only half cleared and stand in captain Andrew Miller hit an unstoppable volley from the edge of the box.
Trefelin had a good opportunity just a minute later of a Thomas free kick flew wide of the post.
Then in the final minute of injury time Ynys got the chance to settle the game. Paul Sedgemore's free kick was flicked on by Ross Morgan and James Newell just beat the defender to the ball. Newell was upended and it was left to Roberts to smash the ball home from the spot to give Ynys a vital derby victory.
Due to heavy rain during the week the Reserves game was changed from the Cricket Club to Llandarcy 3G.
The Reserves, who currently sit top of the Neath & District Division 2, entertained Mond 1st team. Ynys were 0-1 winners away at Mond 3 weeks previous and knew it would be a difficult game. A game that would get harder as the visitors went 0-1 up in the first half.
Ynys equalised before going 2-1 in front but credit to Mond, they fought back and went 3-2 in front in the second half.
With Ynys looking like they would get knocked out of the cup they managed to fight back with 3 goals to run out 5-3 winners.
Alex Brown led the way with a hat trick, while Ben Bromham and a first senior goal for 16 year old Chris Anderson settled the tie.
With no first team game on Saturday, Ynysygerwn Reserves and Third team have major derby games. The Reserves host Seven Sisters at Ynysygerwn Cricket Club (Kick Off 2:00pm) while the 3rd XI travel a mile down the road to face Cilfrew Rovers Reserves (Kick Off 2:30pm). All support is welcomed so please try and get along to one of the games.