BODEDERN Athletic’s FAW Trophy journey ended at the semi-final stage with a 5-0 defeat against Pontardawe Town.

The Lock Stock Welsh Alliance Division One side were unable to book their place in the showcase after a disappointing day at the office, with goalkeeper Jordan Taylor sent off in the first period to make things even more difficult for Ricky Williams’ side.

Athletic remain in contention for the third tier crown after what has been a sensational first season back at this standard, and they are currently seven points behind Llandudno Albion with six games in hand and one behind Llangefni Town having played the same amount ahead of the run-in.

Williams, said: “Saturday didn’t go as planned, but I can’t fault my players one bit as they gave me everything once again.

“I’m m not one to moan at officials but I thought they got two crucial decisions wrong, but that’s football, sometimes you get them sometimes you don’t.

“I thought we started really brightly and were unlucky a couple of times before the sending off, and from then on it was a mountain to climb.

“Pontardawe used the ball very well and punished us when given the chance. They were a cracking side to be fair and I want to wish them luck in their final.”

Athletic got off to a positive start but failed to take any of the chances that came their way, and they were dealt a blow when Taylor was dismissed after bringing down Liam Griffiths in the box.

Tom Blizzard opened the scoring from the spot, and the same player was on hand to double their advantage just before the break.

After the interval saw Town extend their advantage further when Kurtis Reece delivered a powerful effort into the top corner on 53 minutes, and the tie was sealed when Reece prodded home his second of the contest from close range with 73 on the clock.

A miserable afternoon in the rain concluded when Griffiths rounded off the scoring after 79 minutes.