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10th January 2008
Brace for Ben as Blues impress
Ben James scored a superb second half double as our Under-19 side claimed a second successive victory to maintain their improving form in the Welsh Football League Youth Division West. Neither side created many chances in the opening period of the game with the referee stopping the run of play for petty offences although Port Talbot forced the better of the possession with an Andrew Thomas header from a corner drifting narrowly over the bar. Port Talbot turned their possession into goals on 24 minutes when Sam Baker hit a fine strike past the advancing goalkeeper to hand his side a deserved lead. Haverfordwest were back on level terms a few minutes later however when Tommy Taylor hit a superb volley from 35-yards and home goalkeeper Lloyd Clement was helpless as the ball drifted over his reach and dipped under the bar for the equaliser. Port Talbot would regain the lead before the break however as Luke James found himself in space and made no mistake with another well taken effort from a tight angle on 41 minutes. Port Talbot kept up their momentum in the second half with both Sam Baker and Rory Healey having well struck efforts on goal but their vulnerability on the left hand side left them exposed on 69 minutes when Lewis John handed the visitors their second equaliser of the match. Injuries to Baker and Daniel Morgan made enforced changes for the home side but it was substitute Ben James that would have the biggest influence on the game. The striker replaced Baker early in the second half but made his mark on the match on 86 minutes when he scored to regain the lead for his side from close range. Lloyd Clement was called into action to make a couple of fine saves as Port Talbot held on for the result before Ben James grabbed his second goal of the game with a fine header on 90 minutes to make the points safe.
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