Geraint Lewis’ looping header in added time gave Pontypridd FC their first ever point in their opening league match – a local derby v Hopkinstown FC at the Maritime. Lewis guided a cross from the right over the Hopkinstown goalkeeper and ensure the spoils were shared in an entertaining, end to end, but often chaotic season opener.
Following a bruising pre-season schedule, Ponty went into the game short on confidence. After finishing second in this league under a different banner last season, there was hope a return to more familiar opponents would bring about a more rewarding performance. A fired up Ponty certainly started well, pressing high and as early as the second minute Geraint Lewis’ desire to harass the opposition keeper forced a mistake that could have resulted in a goal.
However, Ponty did not have to wait long for the breakthrough. A corner from the right in the third minute was headed home at the near post by a Hopkinstown player, giving the home side exactly the start they desired.
Having earned the lead what Ponty could have done with was a period to settle on the lead and build on that. However, Hopkinstown’s first attack from the restart saw Dan Outing deflect a cross from the right wing with his arm and referee Steve Waters pointed to the spot. Hopkinstown’s Gooch scored with a composed penalty.
Ponty picked themselves up from the setback to go again. Dan Perry headed over, while a couple of Ceri Williams free kicks caused havoc. The first was a poor effort, but it was deflected onto the Hopkinstown bar and presented Geraint Lewis with a gilt-edged chance but he headed over from close range. Another Williams delivery found Lewis Taylor, but his flick was straight at the keeper.
There were moments at the other end too, the best being a free back post header that Hopkinstown’s number 11 could not direct on target. Nevertheless, it came as a bit of sucker punch when the visitors took the lead in the 22nd minute, a corner from the right guided home at the near post by Thomas.
The blow led to a sustained period of uncertain play from the hosts and they could have been further behind at the break. Piotr Tolak was called into action making several saves and a direct effort from a free kick bounced off the top of the bar. Ponty did rally shortly before half-time and Lewis Taylor twice had good opportunities from direct play. The first he blazed over after Geraint Lewis squared to him, the second he couldn’t get enough purchase on to beat the keeper.
HALF-TIME: Pontypridd 1-2 Hopkinstown
At half-time there were two changes with Liam Griffiths and Huw Morgan introduced for Dan Outing and Ceri Williams with a change of system deployed. The substitutes quickly made their presence known. Morgan played in Lewis Taylor but he fired over, then roles reversed with Taylor setting up Morgan, who forced a good save out of the unorthodox Hopkinstown keeper.
The pressure eventually told eight minutes into the second-half. Huw Ward showed great determination to retrieve a loose ball and his run into the box forced a foul and won a penalty. Griffiths stepped and finished emphatically.
With Ponty’s tails up and Hopkinstown seeming to tire at this stage it looked like only one side would win it. Griffiths brought a good focal point up front, his strength setting up another chance for Taylor but again he couldn’t beat the keeper. Hywel Patterson also came close with an acrobatic effort with the Hopkinstown number one stranded, while Griffiths hit the bar direct from a corner.
Despite Ponty’s sustained pressure at the other end, Hopkinstown dug in well and had a few moments of their own. A deflected shot looked like it might drop under the bar but Tolak was on hand to tip it away safely. There was also a heart in mouth moment for Ryan James when his attempt to clear with his head went awry and Tolak had to push the ball away for a corner. It would have been an unjustified misfortune for the skipper who was otherwise excellent on the day.
You must score when you’re on top though and Ponty didn’t. So came another sucker punch five minutes from the end of regulation time. A loose ball deflected off a Ponty defender into the path of a Hopkinstown attacker Solly stood in what looked like an offside position. Play continued and he finished to give Hopkinstown what appeared to be a winning goal.
Ponty continued to press though and in injury time the very least they deserved – a point – was earned with Lewis’ strike. There was still one more flashpoint though, as Hopkinstown were reduced to ten men when violent conduct aimed at Lewis Taylor was duly punished with a red card.
FULL-TIME: Pontypridd 3-3 Hopkinstown
Pontypridd FC: Piotr Tolak; Ryan James [c] (Artur Cegielka 70), Daniel Perry, Daniel Outing (Huw Morgan 46); Gareth Kear, Joe Vellam; Hywel Patterson, Ceri Williams (Liam Griffiths 46), Huw Ward; Lewis Taylor, Geraint Lewis
Goals: Own Goal (3), L. Griffiths (53 pen), G. Lewis (90+1)
Man of the Match: Geraint Lewis
Referee: Steve Waters
