Llanrumney United 1-1 Port Talbot Town - Pre-Season Friendly Match Report

Manager Nicky Tucker named an experimental side for this opening pre-season friendly with a number of trialists and experienced new faces in the starting line-up. Kristian James and Jonathan Coates were two former Port Talbot players returning to the club while Layton Maxwell and Robbie Walters were also included. Port Talbot started the better of the two sides and dominated for long periods with Mark McGibbon and constant threat on the right while Kristian James showed his ability with a number of forward runs from deep positions. Despite their pressure Port Talbot were restricted to a number of long range efforts while goalkeeper Josh Payne was rarely troubled at the other end of the field. A more familiar looking Port Talbot side came out for the second half with Martin Rose and Scott Barrow joining youth team players Sam Baker and Rory Healey in the side for the second period. Port Talbot took a deserved lead on 65 minutes when Lee Phillips headed home a cross by Matthew Thompson and the side could have extended their lead as they forced a series of corners. Sam Baker injured himself with a challenge on the goalkeeper and was followed off the field shortly after by Scott Barrow as both players picked up injuries. With Port Talbot cruising to comfortable win, Josh Payne rolled the ball out to an unexpecting Leigh De-Vulgt and after failing to control the pass De-Vulgt was dispossessed by the Llanrumney forward to present him with a surprise equaliser. It would prove to be the last action of the match although the side will take a number of positives from the afternoon with a number of impressive individual performances over the ninety minutes.