Last weekend saw us travel away again to another top side, Afan Lido.  The ongoing problems with injuries, work and player commitments and suspensions, were compounded with the call up to the 1^st team of Nicky Jones and Matthew James and the squad that travelled had an unfamiliar look to it.  With 15 players missing through work, illness or suspension etc. it was a severe strain on the squad.

Once again it was a test to put out a team to compete but it was also an opportunity for others to show what they can do against quality opposition.  Bulent Serdan made his 1^st full appearance of the season and we handed a debut to a member of our under 16’s squad, Scott Deakin, who had impressed during recent training sessions.

On a very warm day, the opening exchanges were positive and our defence comfortably dealt with any early threats whilst our new look midfield contested bravely.  Our shape was severally tested when 2 substitutions had to be made within the opening 20 minutes!!!!!.  This temporarily set us back as changes had to be made positionally and whilst we were settling Lido scored on the break.  A long ball from defence saw Tinker come to the edge of his box to clear but Lido claimed the ball in the challenge and the forward scored from 10 yards.  Morriston then began their fight back with the defence, being well marshalled by Nicky Hamlyn, repelling any further threat from Lido.  The midfield started to get to grips with the game and several openings were created before a strong case for a penalty was mysteriously turned down by the referee, who later said he would have given it but, the players didn’t appeal enough!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 

With young Scott Deakin receiving an injury just on the stroke of half time, the 2^nd period commenced with all 3 subs on the pitch.  After 15 minutes a tangle of legs on a chase for the ball, resulted in Lido being awarded and scoring a penalty.  The team continued to contain the Afan Lido advances and created a few openings with another penalty appeal being turned down and a shot blocked on the line in the dying minutes.

The game ended with victory for the hosts, who despite fielding several players with Welsh Premier league experience, failed to make Tinker produce a save, with both goals being gifted to them.  On a day when the whole effort of the squad must once again be commended, special mention must go to the defence of Nicky Hamlyn, Cai Williams, Andrew Jakeman and sub David Jelf , for their organisation and discipline.  

Despite the selection problems, there have been positives, with good all round team performances and excellent individual ones, which again belie our league position and which hopefully soon, with players returning and the arrival of new players, will permit continuity of selection and with that a change in fortune and an improvement on our recent results. 

Related Links:
Reserves v Ammanford
Res. Team Results 06/07
Res Div West