.png)
Druids secure their first win of the WPL Season
Barrow, Ruane & Eckersley
Druids had to work hard to secure maximum points against a well drilled Aberystwyth side on Friday night at The Rock to record their first win of the season.
Aberystwyth were the brighter of the two teams in the opening 10 mins and Jones had to save well from close range. Both teams found it difficult to retain possession but after absorbing early pressure it was Druids who settled into the game better and create good openings.
On 24 mins Druids pressure paid off when Buckley sped down the right and his first time cross was met by Pritchard at the far post who kept his composure and shot low through several defenders.
The goal enabled Druids to relax more and they grew in confidence exploiting gaps in the oppositions defence. Pritchard had another chance from long range on 40 mins, but his shot sailed harmlessly over the bar. On the stroke of half-time Ashton delivered a fantastic corner towards the front post and Eckersley glanced it home to double the lead.
Druids maintained their momentum in the early stages of the second-half but were reminded of their opponents threat when Phillips was left unmarked at the far post, who swivelled to volley over the bar.
Buckley grew into the game and showed his strength and awareness before playing a probing pass into the path of Davies but he was unable to hit the target.
Druids stayed solid in defence restricting Aberystwyth to long balls, breaking up play higher up the pitch, but surrendered possession too easily when going forward.
Aberystwyth pressed hard to get back into the game during the last 10 minutes, but Druids showed their concentration, strength and fitness to keep their opponents at bay and will be pleased with the result and their performance. FT: 2-0 (Pritchard 24, Eckersley 45+1)
Cefn Druids Jones, Eckersley, Peate, Ruane, Pritchard, Davies, Simpson, Hadjari, Buckley, Barrow, Ashton. Subs; Parle (Simpson) Thompson, Burrows, Gareth (Pritchard) Piskorski (Ruane)
Bookings: Simpson, Peate, Eckersley, Ruane and Ashton.
Aberystwyth Mullock, Davies, Walker, Spittle Wollacott, Kelloway, Marvin, Young, Carroll, McKenna, Phillips, Subs; Hobson, Culshaw, Rimmer, Horwood.
Bookings: Rimmer
Attendance: 303
