Another performance that gave evidence of the first team squad making progress in pre-season as they matched TERV premier divison side and Bernard Martin Cup holders Church Village for the full 90 minutes in the latest friendly at the Maritime.
After the shambolic performance and defeat to Talbot Green 3 weeks ago, improved performances followed in a 2-0 win over Red Valley and a last-minute 2-1 loss against a very good Pencoed Athletic reserves side, so this was another a chance to test the mettle of the boys against a side playing higher in the pyramid.
Church Village started the better side, showing more composure in possession and they had a couple of decent opportunities before the took the lead inside the first 20 minutes. The rest of the half was pretty even although Pontypridd struggled to create much. Kieron Cook had a couple of pot shots from distance but Matthew Bennett-Jones had the only effort on target with a rasping 20-yard drive the visiting keeper did well to push away. However, despite one or two lapses, Pontypridd were once again much more discplined and better organised at the back.
After some crucial words of encouragement and clarifiction at half-time, Ponty were a much better outfit in the second-half. Better service to the frontmen allowed for a better platform for the midfield and wingbacks to get into the game. Once again the bench served the team well as three substitutes helped turned the game around. Hywel Patterson’s physical presence made a big difference and he twice provided assists from the corners of substitute Artur Cegielka. The first for Dan Outing to fire home at the back post, the second for fellow substitute Liam Griffiths to bundle home his fourth goal in pre-season.
Having turned the game on its head Pontypridd had roughly 20 minutes to see out the match. Lewis Taylor was possibly unlucky to be called offside as he burst through for a chance to score a third and shortly after Church Village levelled when one of their attackers spotted Lewis Roberts off his line and lobbed the Ponty keeper from 40 yards.
There were chances to win it at both ends, although Liam Griffiths came closest, twice rattling the woodwork. In the end a draw was probably a fair result and positively for Pontypridd this was another step in the right direction as the team look to build some momentum ahead of the start of the league campaign later this month.
Pontypridd FC squad (v Church Village): Lewis Roberts, Adam Davies, Daniel Perry (c), Josh Husband, Dan Outing, Gareth Kear, Aled Evans, Kieron Cook, Huw Morgan, Matthew Bennett-Jones, Lewis Taylor, Bradley Harris, Artur Cegielka, Ryan Jones, Hywel Patterson, Tom Slater, Liam Griffiths, Piotr Tolak.
