Pontypridd AFC lost a hard fought game against Cilfynydd AFC on their long awaited return to the TERV Premier Division
After a cagey start by both teams (proper first game of the season stuff) Cilfynydd opened the scoring with a great strike by Keane from outside the box, which was unstoppable. An evenly matched contest ensued where the visitors created chances but loose play in the final third meant that Ponty went in 1-0 down at half time.
Ponty started the second half playing on the break. Great combination play by Aled Evans and Geraint Lewis led to a cross for Michael Clare to score the equaliser. Huw Morgan came on off the bench and caused absolute chaos. Within 2 mins he got down the right and played the ball to Evans who slid it across for Lewis to give Ponty a 2-1 lead they looked good value for.
A free kick was then given away on the edge of the box and was scored by Gowen to level at 2-2. Ponty then gave away a sloppy goal as a ball over the top of the back four was put away by Hinksman for his first of the afternoon. This was followed two minutes later by more untidy defensive play, giving the ball away allowed Cilfynydd to score their 4th goal courtesy of Gowen again.
Introducing Joe Hathaway with his pace down the left made the Black Sheep a real threat and his great cross ball fell to Evans to tuck into the top corner and drag it back to 4-3. Ponty literally threw everything at the home side to find an equaliser, but Hinksman struck on the break to bag his second of the game to seal the game for Cilfynydd.
The Black Sheep have a quick turnaround and will look to bounce back on Monday at home against Graig.
MOTM – Huw Morgan with a superb performance coming off the bench
Special Mentions – Joe Hathaway for his debut for the club and Huw Morgan again for his first game back after 12 months.
Head Coach John Radnor’s Comments : Overall, really frustrating. Felt we could have got something from it, but sloppy defending from the whole team meant we conceded avoidable goals. Positives though as we have scored some excellent goals and played some good stuff at times. But need to cut mistakes out moving forwards.
