A superb brace of goals from Kieron Cook helped Pontypridd secure their first win of the season in a pulsating derby against Treforest FC 2nds at the White Tips Stadium. Cook’s winner – a superb 25 yard free kick – was worthy of the points alone and just desserts for one of Pontypridd’s best performances away from the Maritime 3G.
In a display full of the grit, bravery, quality and character that has too often been lacking on grass pitches in the past, Ponty overcame having a two-goal lead dragged back late in the game before Cook’s top class intervention.
After an improved performance last Saturday at Rhydyfelin 2nds, there was just one change to the starting XI with Liam Griffiths replacing the unavailable Josh Husband. Kieron Cook continued up front with Lewis Taylor playing a slightly more withdrawn role behind the front two. That revision inspired a good performance from Taylor, able to receive the ball in pockets of space and use his balance and trickery to drive at the opposition.
The first meaningful chance of the game went Treforest’s way. A lapse at the back allowing an attacker the time and position to shoot but Lewis Watkins was on hand to make a good save. That seemed to snap Pontypridd into life and man of the match Owain Lewis continued his impressive start with the club. His combination with Bradley Harris on the right has been a big positive in the last two matches and they combined to give Liam Griffiths a chance to shoot but the forward’s touch let him down.
Taylor then produced a mazy run through midfield to set-up Cook but he fired over. Shortly after Huw Morgan found himself in a similar position and did well to conjure half a yard to shoot but likewise blazed over. Treforest were the first to put the ball in the net but referee Simon White was early to call offside. Although the first half remained competitive, the better quality of play came mostly from the visitors.
Both Lewis and Griffiths had further opportunities but couldn’t convert and as half-time was imminent Pontypridd finally put the ball in the net when Huw Morgan set-up Lewis Taylor for a tap-in. It looked a classy goal: quick and accurate interplay through midfield, Liam Griffiths with an incisive through ball, Morgan beat the offside trap but instead of opting for goal himself squared for Taylor but with only the goalkeeper between them and the goal referee White obviously felt Morgan’s pass was forward.
HALF-TIME | Treforest 2nds 0-0 Pontypridd
If Ponty had finished the first half the stronger side, they started the second-half on the back foot. Inside a minute they could have been behind after poor concentration at a set-play presented a good opportunity that was scuffed wide. Then followed a really ragged ten minutes when Ponty looked on the ropes. Treforest had numerous opportunities to score, some wasted, some denied by good goalkeeping from Watkins and there were one or two awkward desperation challenges that on another day may have seen a penalty awarded.
But Ponty escaped undamaged and in their first real attacking moment of the second half went ahead. Lewis’ free kick was only partially cleared, landing at the feet of Cook on the edge of the penalty area to crisply half volley past Treforest goalkeeper Ben Banks. Within five minutes the lead was doubled. Again an Owain Lewis dead ball delivery was the ammunition. Kieron Cook was first to the ball with a downward header, denied only by an outstanding low reflex save, but Dan Perry showed true poacher’s instinct to get ahead of his marker and stab home the rebound.
With a home fightback expected, Pontypridd handled the following period well. The central block of Dan Perry, Dan Outing and holding midfielder Aled Evans repelling most threats, while an increasingly assured Lewis Watkins was taking care of any business that came his way. Pontypridd were on course for a near-perfect away win but the introduction from the bench of Treforest first team regular Macauley Morgan changed the course of the game in the space of a minute. First he powered home a free kick from just outside the area with 13 minutes to play, then a minute later an error by Evans allowed him to drive home from 18 yards.
The momentum had now shifted and with a vociferous home crowd roaring them on, Treforest sensed a winner. Ponty had been in this position several times in the past, crumbling under the pressure, but not this time as they dug deep and rallied again. With five minutes remaining, Cook stepped up from 25 yards and delivered the match winning moment with a goal that will live long in the memory.
FULL-TIME | Treforest 2nds 2-3 Pontypridd
Pontypridd FC: Lewis Watkins [gk], Bradley Harris, Daniel Perry [c], Dan Outing (Hywel Patterson 78), Artur Cegielka, Aled Evans, Huw Morgan, Owain Lewis, Kieron Cook, Lewis Taylor, Liam Griffiths (Lewis Roberts 57)
Subs not used: Piotr Tolak, Gareth Kear, Tom Slater
Goals: K. Cook (59, 85), D. Perry (63)
Yellow card: L. Watkins
Man of the Match: Owain Lewis
Referee: Simon White
