Aberystwyth Hammered in Latvia

Out of Europe
By Chris O'Brien
June 27 2004

Aberystwyth have kept up Wales' abysmal record in the Intertoto Cup, as the Seasiders crashed out of the much-belittled competition with a 4-0 second-leg defeat at the hands of FC Dinaburg at the Celtnieks Stadium. Gary Finley's side failed to build on their impressive performance from the home leg.

Things never looked good for Aberystwyth Town when one of their players nearly didn't make it out to Latvia for the second leg of their Intertoto Cup first round match against FC Dinaburg. Striker Iestyn Thomas took the wrong passport to the airport as the team flew out, and had to travel to Latvia separately and join up with the Seasiders camp the following day.

Bad luck continued for Gary Finley's side on the pitch as they crashed out of the Intertoto Cup with a 4-0 defeat in Latvia. The Welsh side put up an impressive display at Newtown's Latham Park and deserved more than the goalless draw they took abroad, but they were never in the game as visitors and the Welsh Premier has still never had a team win an Intertoto Cup match or advance to the next round.

Aberystwyth were under pressure from the start, as Dinaburg looked to get an early goal to calm any nerves at the Celtnieks Stadium in Daugavpils. The deadlock was broken after 17 minutes thanks to a powerful headed from Belarusian international Pavel Ryzhevski leaving Green & Blacks 'keeper Dean Williams with no chance.

It was the period prior to the half-time interval that saw Aberystwyth enjoy their best football of the game. Andy Lee went close with two opportunities as the visitors searched for an equaliser which could have changed the situation completely. However, the game was effectively beyond the Seasiders when Alexanders Mushed scored twice in quick succession after the break to secure Dinaburg's place in the second round of the much-belittled European competition.

Vadims Logins rubbed salt into the wounds of Aberystwyth and their travelling supporters with the fourth and final goal of the emphatic home victory fifteen minutes from time. The games will have acted as a great experience for the club, but sadly that's all they have been and Town must now pick themselves up and enjoy their pre-season preparations as they get ready for a push at the Welsh Premier league title next term.

Full Time - FC Dinaburg 4-0 Aberystwyth Town
(FC Dinaburg win 4-0 on aggregate)