Kieron Cook’s last-gasp penalty gave Pontypridd a derby victory over Hopkinstown at Western Field Park. In a frantic, full-blooded, see-saw match, Pontypridd’s players produced their best performance of the season to overcome a Hopkinstown side that have started the season really well.
Cook’s penalty was added to an early free-kick strike, Lewis Roberts capped a good display with a well-taken goal and there was a fortuitous own goal to level the game at 3-3 in the final ten minutes. The dramatic nature of the win doesn’t quite reflect the domination by Pontypridd for long periods of the game and the host of chances that went begging. Nevertheless, this type of win should be the perfect tonic for the side to kick on after a run of poor results and performances.
Pontypridd came into the game on the back of three consecutive defeats, culminating with last week’s dreadful showing at Llantwit Fardre. There were changes to the side, notably the return of skipper Ryan James and Daniel Perry to the starting line-up; the latter moving into a defensive midfield position to provide more cover for the backline, as well as allowing Kieron Cook licence to play in more advanced positions.
After an uncertain start by Pontypridd, the advanced role for Cook started to show promise and the maestro had already made his presence felt before winning a free kick in the 9th minute. Cook stepped up to curl a precise effort around the wall and into the corner of the net to give Pontypridd the lead.
In the past Pontypridd have started games well, scoring early, only to allow the momentum to shift. There was a look of greater determination about the side here though and this was reflected in Pontypridd remaining on the front foot for most of the first half hour.
Ceri Williams’ set piece expertise forced a save out of the Hopkinstown keeper and another delicious delivery only evaded Daniel Perry’s stretch and a certain goal by a matter of inches. Geraint Lewis and Lewis Roberts were busy in attack, the former forcing one good save from the home stopper. At back there was a solidity and composure that has been missing in recent weeks.
It came as a surprise when Hopkinstown did equalise around the half hour, exposing a familiar flaw against long straight balls. For once the backline were caught under the flight of the goalkeeper’s long punt, Hopkinstown’s Christopher Solly ran into the space behind and, with Piotr Tolak charging off his line, was left with an obvious lob that he finished with aplomb.
In past weeks heads have dropped at such circumstances, but Pontypridd came again and quickly re-asserted their dominance. Dan Outing laced a lovely lofted through pass from the back, Lewis Roberts’ pace got him beyond his marker and he lifted the ball over the advancing keeper into the unguarded net.
There was a chance to extend the lead further five minutes before half-time. Dan Outing and Gareth Kear combined well on the left to create a chance for Huw Morgan, but he couldn’t reward the move and his excellent movement from midfield with the finish and dragged his shot wide.
With half-time looming and Pontypridd looking set to take a lead into the break, they undid themselves with more sloppiness. Switching off at a throw-in, Hopkinstown had the opportunity to cross into the box and when Tolak couldn’t gather the ball, it was bundled home from close range with the last meaningful kick of the half.
HALF-TIME | Hopkinstown 2-2 Pontypridd
Unruffled, Pontypridd started the second half strongly; Huw Morgan and Geraint Lewis forcing saves from the Hopkinstown number one. However, there was a moment of great fortune inside the first ten minutes of the second-half when Solly rounded Tolak and hit the post with his close range shot. A short-time after, Ceri Williams broke free for Pontypridd and saw his effort rebound off the woodwork.
Huw Ward and Joe Vellam were introduced from the bench to bring new energy and fresh impetus; both made an immediate impact. Ward, after a good run, dragged his shot wide from close range when he should have hit the target; Vellam’s vision laid on a chance for Lewis Roberts, but the forward couldn’t double his goal tally as he poked wide of the far post.
The chances kept coming for Pontypridd but none taken. Geraint Lewis, who has been luckless in front of goal this season, produced a stunning save out of the home goalkeeper with a rasping drive from 25 yards. However, as the cliche goes, you’ve got to take your chances when you’re on top.
There was a warning when Solly broke through and his second goal was denied by a superb clearance off the line by Adam Davies, who was outstanding on his return to the side at right back. A minute later a long-throw from the left and Hopkinstown player-manager Grant Blacker’s header squirmed through Tolak into the side of the net.
It felt like it might be one of those days when Pontypridd’s effort wouldn’t get its reward, but sometimes hard work and guts earn you a bit of a luck and a fortuitous own goal seven minutes from time – after a ricochet off a Hopkinstown defender beat the goalkeeper – brought the visitors level. Galvanised, the players went in search of a winner.
Huw Ward looked like he would bag a spectacular winner but his sweetly struck half volley inspired a world class save from Hopkinstown’s custodian, before Geraint Lewis blazed over in injury time what looked like the golden chance to win it. However, with the last attack of the game, referee Steve Waters spotted a foul off the ball inside the area and awarded Pontypridd a penalty. The red card for the Hopkinstown offender was largely irrelevant in the circumstances.
Kieron Cook stepped up and displayed the composure that comes with a player of his class to smash home the winning goal. There was no opportunity for a Hopkinstown comeback as referee Waters blew the final whistle immediately after the restart.
FULL-TIME | Hopkinstown 3-4 Pontypridd
Pontypridd FC: Piotr Tolak (GK), Ryan James (c), Dan Outing, Gareth Kear (Chris Salter 82), Adam Davies, Daniel Perry, Huw Morgan (Joe Vellam 60), Kieron Cook, Ceri Williams (Huw Ward 55), Lewis Roberts (Artur Cegielka 73), Geraint Lewis
Sub unused: Tom Slater
Goals: K. Cook (9, 90+4 pen), L. Roberts (31), Own goal (83)
Man of the Match: Kieron Cook
Referee: Steve Waters
