Pontypridd FC Reserves fell to defeat away to Rhydyfelin Reserves – a seventh consecutive defeat of the season – but there was disappointment with some of the decisions that went against them in this latest loss.
Jack Watkins gave the visitors the perfect start at the Dog Track, deflecting an attempted clearance by the home custodian back into his net. A freakish goal but one Watkins was definitely owed!
The home team hit back quickly through an eight minute strike and completed the turnaround in the 23rd minute. However, Ponty fired back and were level before half-time through a Gareth Kear penalty.
The second-half proved to be an even battle and the match looked to be heading for a draw until the closing stages when two controversial decisions went against Ponty.
The first, an onside call given for Rhydyfelin’s third goal of the match in the 80th minute. Then a penalty appeal turned down in the final minutes, when Hassaan Tariq was challenged by the home goalkeeper.
The luckless run continues for Pontypridd Reserves. Although seven straight defeats doesn’t make great reading, this was the fourth defeat by a single goal and that the team have not gained a single point over the last three matches especially highlights the cruelty of football at times.
FULL-TIME | Rhydyfelin AFC Reserves 3-2 Pontypridd FC Reserves
Pontypridd Reserves: Lewis Watkins [gk], Josh Jones, Rhydian Fitter (Brendan Payne 75), Dan Outing [c], Gareth Kear, Karwan Jawad, Ben Heathcote, Hassaan Tariq, Michael Raikes (Ciprian Sava 65), Connor Bickford, Jack Watkins (Rafael Gomes 69)
Goals: J. Watkins (1), G. Kear (35 pen)
Man of the Match: G. Kear
Referee: (Stand-in, appointed official absent)
