Football: Aberaman victory lifts their title hopes after Phillips and Ryan are on mark.

Byline: Mac Whirter Welsh League

JOHN Phillips and Richard Ryan led ENTOAberaman Athletic to victory in their MacWhirter Welsh Football League match against Afan Lido.

That win was earned while top two Goytre United and Bettws fought out a 1-1 draw.

Aberaman, pressing for promotion, can now rate themselves favourites to take the title, although it's extremely tight at the top.

Afan Lido's young team played attractive football, but they fell behind when Phillips scored after 23 minutes.

Aberman had to defend resolutely to hold on to their lead, but nerves were eased when Ryan chased through to make it 2-0.

Bridgend Townwon2-1 in their clash with neighbours Bryntirion Athletic, while Ton Pentre defeated Croesyceiliog 6-2.

Cardiff Corrieswon2-1 at Dinas Powys, who suffered a setback after their heartening win against Bridgend Town a week earlier.

Dinas had the first opportunity of the game when Richard Lane took a return pass inside the area, but his shot was parried by keeper Rhys Nadin.

Dinas goalkeeper Chris Golton saved well from a long-range free-kick, diving to push Sam Jacobson's header round a post.

Corries took the lead when what looked like a simple back-pass failed to reach the keeper and Jon Knight pounced to score.

In complete contrast to the previous match against Bridgend, the Dinas Powys defence looked indecisive and had another let-off when former Dinas player Robbie James headed over from a corner.

Right on half-time Nicky Hooper was left unmarked in the six-yard box to score with the simplest of headersfromacorner tomakeit 2-0.

Dinas hit back with a Sami Misbah free-kick palmed over by the keeper and then manager Danny Kinsey rang the changes bringing on three substitutes hoping theywould instil some life into a lacklustre performance.

It seemed to have worked when five minutes later a throwlevelwith the Corries penalty area gave Misbah the chance to cross and, whenadefensive clearance fell to Ashton Turner, he made no mistake, volleying in from 12 yards to pull a goal back.

This should have been the signal foraDinas fightback, but their only real chancecamewhenRichard Lane's header flew narrowly wide.

With the defence more and more stretched, it was the visitorswho could have increased their lead and again it was Robbie James who went closest to adding to their total.

CAPTION(S):

Penrhiwceiber Rangers' Garron Davies, left, and Treharris defender Daniel Howe battle for the ball in Treharris' 1-0 Division Two win