Ponty secure first Premier Division win

The first team secured their first win of the season with a hard-fought win at Cascade Youth Club. Ashley Moyle and Artur Cegielka scored the goals that earned Ponty the points alongside a disciplined and stoic defensive display.

The changes were rung after the midweek defeat to Rhydyfelin Non-Pol. Joe Thomas, Jamie Kendall and Darren Davies made first team league debuts; Aled Evans was restored to the starting line-up.

Demanding a reaction, the changes seemed to have a positive impact as Ponty started the game well, Thomas and Evans working well in midfield. Thomas was the first to get a sight of goal but he didn’t quite get hold of his third minute curler. At the opposite end, Cascade signalled the danger their dead ball plays held. A flurry of delivers tested the early concentration of the Ponty defence.

Despite defending deep, Ponty carried a threat on the counter attack, particularly through wingers Geraint Lewis and Ashley Moyle. Captain Kieron Cook sent Moyle away in the 17th minute with a sublime lofted pass. The winger had too much for the Cascade full-back but his effort was saved.

Moyle tormenting the opposing right back was a theme of the half and the former got his reward in the 25th minute. A break from deep sent Lewis away, the home keeper committed but Lewis got to the ball first and squared to Moyle, who took his time to finish low into the corner and register his first goal for the club.

This stirred the home side and a sustained period of pressure followed, again set plays the main feature. Krawcow had to be alert with several good saves; Perry and Kendall both rescued goal-bound efforts off the line. At the other end Moyle continued to carry the main threat and twice had opportunities to double the lead but Ponty were more than happy to take an advantage into the break.

HALF-TIME | Cascade YC 0-1 Pontypridd FC

Cascade came out of the blocks fast in the second-half and it wasn’t long before Ponty were hemmed in and defending. In spite of the pressure, there were not many clear cut opportunities and when one did arrive, Perry was on hand to make a superb block.

As the hour approached Kieron Cook had an opportunity to double the lead. Good work by Moyle again resulted in the ball dropping invitingly for a volley. Cook caught his shot well but it was just off target.

In the 62nd minute Cascade finally broke through. Joe Thomas made a rash tackle near the edge of the penalty area and referee Thomas awarded a penalty. The spot kick was finished with authority.

Now it was a question of whether Ponty could hang in there against the impending waves of pressure. They did stand firm though and even snatched the lead again. Ryan Jones picked out substitute Artur Cegielka and the utility man produced a stunning volleyed finish from 10 yards.

Now it was backs to the wall stuff as Cascade piled forward in search of an equaliser. Pontypridd dug their trench though and defended it like heroes, repelling wave after wave of assault. Even when a chance came late on, Kracow produced a sensational close-range double stop.

Artur Cegielka twice could have settled the game with individual breakaways but through three minutes of added time and a series of corner kicks, the visitors held out to secure a vital first win of the season.

FULL-TIME | Cascade YC 1-2 Pontypridd FC

Pontypridd FC Line-Up: Michal Krawcow [gk], Jamie Kendall, Ryan Jones, Darren Davies, Daniel Perry, Aled Evans, Joe Thomas, Geraint Lewis, Ashley Moyle (Ryan Mehenni 66), Kieron Cook [c] (Artur Cegielka 76), Hywel Patterson

Referee: A. Thomas