Pontypridd secured a hard-earned TERV Premier Division win at Rhydyfelin thanks to two second-half penalties from captain Kieron Cook.
In an even contest on a sticky pitch, the balance of fortune fell on Pontypridd’s side thanks two crazy challenges from Rhydyfelin’s Oluwatoyin Oluyeye.
For the seventh consecutive game Pontypridd conceded first, Rhys Brittain scoring from close range for the home side but Joe Thomas equalised before half time.
After riding out a spell of Rhydyfelin pressure, Ponty took the lead in the second half with Cook’s first penalty after Jack Watkins was fouled by Oluyeye. Daniel Hanson levelled for Rhydyfelin after Pontypridd failed to deal with a ball across goal before Cook scored the winner from 12 yards after Oluyeye’s wild lunge on Ashley Moyle.
The game brought a special moment for Riley Price. Replacing Cook with five minutes to play, the 16 year old became the first player to graduate from the club’s juniors into senior first team football.
FULL-TIME | Rhydyfelin AFC 2-3 Pontypridd FC
Pontypridd FC: Alex Mitchell-Charman [gk], Bradley Harris, Ryan Jones, Daniel Perry, Rhydian Fitter, Aled Evans, Kieron Cook [c] (Riley Price 85), Joe Thomas, Ashley Moyle (Elis Hughes 76), Geraint Lewis (Hywel Patterson 85), Cameron Curry (Jack Watkins 60)
Goals: J. Thomas (41), K. Cook (65 pen, 75 pen)
Man of the Match: A. Mitchell-Charman
Referee: A. Lloyd
