Pontypridd FC’s first match since reformation ended with a 7-0 defeat to AFC Porth in the inaugural Kinsman-Hacker Cup fixture.
The Welsh Football League club’s domination reflected the vast difference in league status and experience between the respective clubs, but despite a heavy defeat it was a very worthwhile exercise for the young Pontypridd squad in terms of fitness and learning the small margins for error against such high-calibre opposition.
Starting in a 4-3-3 set-up, Ponty began the match well. There was an early scare when goalkeeper Piotr Tolak seemed to misjudge the flight of a corner from the right and it almost crept inside the near post, but at the other end Geraint Lewis and Joe Vellam combined before Lewis’ centre created an opportunity for Drew Caple; a smart stop from Porth keeper Morgan Davies denied the young forward an historic moment.
Porth’s authority began to show and it quickly emerged that Tolak would be in for a very busy night. In the early stages he denied Porth on a number of occasions and when he was beaten the crossbar came to his aid. However, in the 18th minute Pontypridd’s goal was breached. A smart free-kick routine caught out the Ponty defence, allowing a Porth attacker to score from close range.
The setback did not dampen Pontypridd’s enthuasiasm and they continued to compete well against their lofty opponents for much of the first half. It was only as bodies began to weary on a warm evening that bigger gaps began to appear and Porth’s effective counter-attacking bore fruit with the second goal ten minutes before half-time. A break down the right leading to a good finish.
At the other end Pontypridd tried to hit back immediately, a long free kick caused havoc as Morgan Davies spilled under pressure from Joe Vellam. Lewis Taylor had the chance eight yards out but he snatched at the effort and blazed over the bar. To rub salt in the wound, a couple of minutes later and another swift Porth counter-attack led to a third goal down the left flank this time.
Half-time presented a breather for the Ponty lads but after the interval a similar pattern emerged: the Welsh League side more incisive with their combination play, while Ponty very much looked like a new side still searching for chemistry among the players.
Five minutes into the second half Porth were awarded a penalty after Tolak was adjudged to have fouled an attacker in claret and blue. Although the Ponty number one guessed correctly the direction of the spot kick, it was low and hard into the corner. The onslaught continued and Tolak continued to perform admirably between the sticks, making a series of very good saves.
The young keeper probably didn’t deserve it on the night but his goal was breached three more times in the final stages as fatigue took its toll. Ponty continued their search for a consolation goal, but on the night found Porth too well organised. Liam Griffiths registered the best effort for Ponty in the second-half but his free kick strike was too high to trouble the goal.
So a defeat on debut for the new Pontypridd Football Club. Ultimately, the result was never what this night was about. It was all about the start of the journey. The players that represented the club tonight did so with pride and there is no shame losing to an established Welsh League outfit. We are sure our young players will have learned a great deal from this experience.
Pontypridd Starting XI
Piotr Tolak | Dan Outing | Ryan James (c) | Dan Perry | A. Triallist | Huw Morgan | Huw Ward | Joe Vellam | Drew Caple | Geraint Lewis | Lewis Taylor
Subs
George Archer | A. Triallist | Ioan Fletcher | Hywel Patterson | Liam Griffiths | Gareth Kear
Porth Starting XI
Morgan Davies | Alex Adshead | A. Triallist | Brad Williams | Gavin Morris (c) | Josh Davies | Jacob Whitfield | A. Triallist | Ieuan Gowen | Connor Berry | A. Triallist
Porth scorers: I. Gowen (3), C. Berry, G. Morris, A. Triallist (2)
Referee: Michael Harris (Hopkinstown)
Photos of the evening can be found here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/152333433@N06/albums/72157697308181291
