Following the announcement by the Football Association of Wales on 19 May 2020, the 2019/20 season is now officially over. Our second season as a club was another of ups and downs and mixed performances on the field. Off the field the club continues to grow with a number of key partnerships developed and some positive community actions. When it is safe to do so the club will continue to provide a safe and inclusive environment for our players of all ages and look to take more action to be a positive force in our community.
With the COVID-19 pandemic causing the curtailment of the 19/20 season all league positions were decided on a points per game average based on completed games. This was good for our players as it did not totally wipe out their achievements. This was particularly pertinent to our under 14s boys team because they made significant progress on the field, doing the club proud in their first ever season playing on the Ynysangharad Park football ground.
In 10 completed league games the youngsters won 5 and lost 5 matches. This win rate of 50% far exceeds anything they have achieved in the past and having won three on the bounce before football was suspended in March, they would have fancied the opportunity to add to that win record. The was also a first ever cup win, which made their overall record 6 wins and 6 defeats in all competitions.
The biggest win of the campaign was 8-0 at home to Llanbradach and a 3-2 win away to Rhydyfelin in what turned out to be their final match of the season was notable. Mani Owen and Owain Capper both managed 5 goals each but with 9 different goal scorers this season it shows the improvement throughout the squad without the reliance on 1 or 2 individuals for inspiration.
The under 14s coaches commented: “the boys made huge strides last season and have come so far since this group started its journey 5 years ago under a different club’s name.”
“We have always stressed it is about year on year progression and the players have worked hard to achieve the realistic targets we set. Every year the bar has been raised a little more and every player has contributed to a fantastic season. To secure 6 wins in one season, more than this age group had achieved in all previous seasons combined, is outstanding and gives the boys an excellent platform to improve again next season.”
“Every player now knows what is expected of them.”
On behalf of the committee of Pontypridd FC, thank you to the players, coaches and parents of the under 14s for their commitment to the club.
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It was another transitional season for the first team with a big turnover of players and a change in the first team management as Paul Dennis left to take a role at Rhydyfelin AFC in September. The interest in the senior side was phenomenal with nearly 40 senior players registered at one point but over the course of the campaign a core group of committed players was established and will continue to take the club forward in senior football. Players recruited last summer made a big difference on the field and around the club, while a number of returning players such as Aron Barnes and Lewis Taylor added extra dimensions to the squad. With the bulk of this season’s squad retained, more returning from long term injury and the potential for new signings next season’s squad could be the club’s best ever.
A final position of 4th in TERV division one marks an improvement on our first campaign but while we are in division one promotion will always be the goal. It isn’t clear yet the make-up of the league next season but as division one champions Cefn Hengoed and Fochriw Village finished above us in the table we expect to remain a division one club next season.
A slow start to the campaign didn’t help as we managed just two wins in the first six games and a crucial home defeat to Fochriw in what turned out to be the final game of the season swung the points per game average in their favour. It was a campaign with many entertaining games, the best results being a 6-3 home win over Llantwit Fardre and a 5-2 win away to Fochriw. The SWFA Intermediate Cup game against Welfare Park will be long remembered with 13 goals scored on the day between the sides, although we eventually crashed out 7-6 after extra time.
One of the individual highlights of the season was the club providing 16 year olds Tom Sheppeard and Callum Roper with their first opportunities to play senior football. Sheppeard scored his first ever goal in senior football in the win at Fochriw in January.
Liam Griffiths’ 7 goals made him the top scorer in the league, although Lewis Taylor’s cup form meant his total of 9 goals in all competitions means he officially pips Griffiths total 8 goals.**
First team manager Ryan Wheeler: “Looking back at the season there are mixed feelings, which had a number of lows and highs along the way. I think we can say the club has continued to progress and although performances on the field have been inconsistent there is definitely growth within the group from where we were last season.”
“I would like to thank the players who have put in some great performances this season which we will certainly look to build upon. I am pleased we have retained nearly all of last season’s squad for the next one as they have been a fantastic group to coach. We are looking forward to getting back at it whenever the restart will be and there are some exciting announcements from the club to look out for in the near future.”
** Griffiths hit the back of the net 10 times in total but his two goals v Caerphilly Athletic 2nds in the league are expunged from the official record as they withdrew from the league before the season was curtailed.
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Other developments at the club included first steps into providing minis football, with children under 8 provided with weekly football sessions by the club. Both seniors and juniors continued to offer support to the community where possible. Food bank donations was a regularly part of the senior side’s weekly “dummy club”, while the under 14s teamed up with Pontypridd Town Juniors to donate easter eggs to local key workers. The senior side donated £600 to Cwm Taf Morgannwg NHS Board as part of the ongoing COVID-19 health emergency; the donation comprised on “fines” that usually go towards the costs of the end of season presentation night. Our senior side also joined AFC Porth in a 5K challenge in support of the NHS, with a £25 contribution made to Porth’s NHS fundraising pot. This season the club supported “Show Racism The Red Card” and “Football v Homophobia” campaigns with matchday actions, as well as contributing to Pontypridd’s Remembrance Day memorials with the presentation of a wreath to the Welsh Guards Association.
The club has enjoyed the support of Western Security Systems Limited and Prichard’s whose sponsorship has allowed the club to provide excellent kit for the players at all levels and ensures the smooth running of the club. On behalf of the committee our personal thanks go to Steve Outing and Tom Prichard for their incredible generosity. We have also enjoyed the hospitality on home match days at the Rose & Crown and thank Snowy Insole and his staff for that; as well as thanks to FJ’s Print Shop for their services in providing a new bespoke home kit for the both the first team and under 14s.
Thank you to Marie Ward who joined the matchday team this season as a club photographer and her images of the first team have added so much value to the experience and the club’s output online. Our thanks also to Huw Jones of AFC Porth for his continued moral support of the club and for his very generous gift of “Diolch NHS” training tops that will be enjoyed by the senior players and worn as part of the next “Kinsman-Hacker Cup” event ahead of the start of the next season.
That brings 2019/20 to a wrap. Planning for the next season continues and we look forward to the time when it is safe to start taking to the field again. Until then, please stay safe and from the club committee a thank you to every single person that supports and contributes to our football club.
