With Nicholls, Nicholas and Morris on the bench Aber started with the same line-up that began the Flint match, with the exception of Gari Lewis coming in for the injured Glyndwr Hughes. With Appy still in hospital Jock and Ryan were in charge of the team, giving Ryan even more reason to get animated and shout a lot whilst on the touchline!
The match settled quickly into a pattern it would follow throughout, Aber were playing well, working the ball forward persistently, but without any real pace to their attacks, Caernarfon would then wait until an Aber attack broke down and then counter-attack with pace. Thus the first goal was created. A good run and (attempted) cross by Leigh Vick down the left flank nearly brought a goal for Aber, but good defending by the Canaries led to a swift counter-attack down their right flank, with Leigh Vick stranded up field. Mark Aitken (I think) made it to the by-line and dragged the ball back for Robbie Tynan to slot cooly into the corner of the goal and past a despairing Kinninmonth (who was wearing a natty blue top instead of the usual yellow concoction lest it clash with Caernarfon) dive.
But, the Aber heads didn't drop, Dave Parry, todays designated midelfield, played very well, running, tackling, passing and beating players all in the same afternoon. Unfortunately the other two-thirds of Aber's midfield trio (Gair Lewis and Griff) did not distinguish themselves. Hayden Fleming had his best game in the Green and Black so far, getting forward and using his pace and skill to good effect. He even had a vicious shot pushed past the post by a surprised Caernarfon 'keeper.
However, it was down the left flank that Aber's equaliser came, five minutes before half-time. The ball started with Wyn and Hayden at the back on the right, it was then worked over to the left flank where Leigh Vick chipped a ball over the top of the defence for Andy Evans to run onto. The keeper stormed off his line and slid out towards Andy but missing the ball. Andy passed to Griff who was on the edge of the box, and who put the ball in the un-manned net. Griff appears to have replaced Gavin Allen in the "Don't-do'anything-all-game-but-score-a-goal" stakes!
At half-time Rhodri was replaced by Johnny Morris at the back and Caernarfon replaced Chris Pickering with Tommy Marsden. Perhaps these two defensive changes should have told me all I needed to know about the course of the half to come.
The match carried on in the same vein as it had left off, but with Aber now spending more and more time in the Caernarfon half. However, even though they reduced the home side to relying on ony a few swift counter-attacks as their attacking gambit Aber didn't create any clear cut chances. Andy Evans went close a couple of times and Gavin didn't really seem up for it. On 60 mins Ryan replaced Gari Lewis but didn't make any real impact up front, and looking at him he didn't look at all fit. Hopefully he is not being rushed back. However, the second half was memorable for the way the Aber away support (or at least eight of us!) 'took' one end f the ground. There was even some concerted chanting at one of the corners. The players seemed to alternate between looks of amazement and fear!
A point was a fair reflection on the match, Aber never really looked that insecure at the back, thanks largely to Jock having one of his better games, and Wyn playing looking increasingly comfortable at the back. Apparently he's now got some contact lenses so he can actualy see when he's on the pitch, which sould be a bonus. But, with Gavin Allen not having one of his better days Aber looked toothless up front with Evans' and Allen's only support coming from the wing backs, with no real support coming from midfield.
Aber should be happy with another league point, but they need to find their shooting boots in time for Tuesday if they are to progress any further in the League Cup.
