Pontypridd started their home league campaign with a defeat to Rhydyfelin at Ynysangharad Park.
A shambolic and disorganised performance from the hosts allowed Rhydyfelin to run riot in the sunshine, a stark contrast to the strong defensive display at Cascade in midweek.
After falling behind early on, captain Kieron Cook at least ensured parity at half-time, converting a penalty in first-half added time after he had been fouled.
But that was as good as it got as Rhydyfelin scored three unanswered second-half goals and but for some wayward finishing would have scored several more.
FULL-TIME | Pontypridd FC 1-4 Rhydyfelin AFC
Pontypridd FC: Alex Mitchell-Charman [gk], Piotr Tolak (Jonny Hughes 32), Ryan Jones, Liam Barter, Darren Davies (Charlie Hobby 74), Damien Lethbridge, Aled Evans, Joe Thomas, Huw Morgan, Tomas Johns (Brad Harris 59), Kieron Cook [c] (Liam Griffiths 74)
Goal: K. Cook (45+1 pen)
Referee: M. Follett