Ponty picked up their first win of the season in the last game against Hopkinstown, but knew an even better performance was needed against a Talbot Green side recently relegated from the league above. Starting line-up needed reshuffling due to availability on a Monday night, but Ponty still put out a strong squad and were optimistic if they played to the levels they can, they could get something from the game.
An even start to the game with both teams looking to get the ball down and play, but made difficult on a surface that was very long in places and bare patches in others. Ponty had an early chance with Geraint Lewis turning in the Talbot box, but couldn’t make it count. Talbot took the lead on the 10th minute with a well delivered corner, flicked on at the near post as the Ponty defenders were on their heels. A disappointing way to concede the opening goal. In a fairly even first half with both teams having chances, it was Talbot that scored the next goal, with a cross from the right not being fully cleared and Meredith scored his first of the evening. This seemed to knock the confidence of Ponty, and give a boost to the home side. Talbot started to win the 50/50 battles and became a threat to score more. While Ponty had chances on the break, but couldn’t find the final ball, it was Talbot that scored the next goal, when a long ball from the back found Meredith outpacing the defenders to score his second goal. 3-0 at half time, with Talbot showing their quality with some excellent finishing and Ponty feeling frustrated that they had made it all too easy for Talbot without taking their own chances.
The Black Sheep started the second half brightly, dominating possession with Charlie Hobby at the heart of the play. With Owen Kingsbury introduced up front, and Ross Thomas brought on at the back to allow Dylan Porter to play in his more natural position higher up the park, Ponty became a threat playing more direct. Talbot were pegged back in their half, and when they did get the chance to break, Liam Jones and Elis Hughes dealt with everything at the back. Kingsbury won countless flick on’s to get players in behind, but the first goal just wouldn’t fall for the away side. Tom Frowen was finding areas in the Ponty midfield to start working his magic, supported by Aled Evans winning everything in the middle and supplying the front three. Huw Morgan was again introduced on the wing and contributed to some excellent attacking football. It was only a matter of time before Ponty scored, but if they wanted to get anything out of the game it needed to happen sooner rather than later. It came with an excellent goal from Nathan Eratne when Kingsbury played the ball back to the full back who lobbed the keeper from 25 yards a great strike. This quietened the Talbot supporters who knew they were in a real battle for the final 20 mins. Ponty substitute Morgan thought he had scored the second, but for an excellent save by Talbot’s keeper, tipping his 20 yard strike onto the crossbar
Pontypridd pushed on looking for another goal, bringing captain Liam Ormson on up front to try to make it an entertaining finish, but again just couldn’t get the last pass to stick to take a chance. Some excellent deliveries from Hobby and Frowen were well dealt with and Talbot hung on to deservedly take all the points after a very good first half. Although Ponty will take confidence with the second half performance.
FULL-TIME Talbot Green 3-1 Pontypridd AFC
MOTM – Charlie Hobby. Excellent. Superb second half, showing confidence to get on the ball and make things happen. Most improved player last season, and this performance was one of the best we’ve seen.
Special Mentions – Liam Jones playing centre half with Liam Ormson not being able to make KO. Rock slide alongside Elis Hughes and stopper the score line being more first half.
Head Coach John Radnor’s comments – Disappointed as we made it a little too easy in the first half for them. The first goal was frustrating as we are better at defending set pieces than that and then they’ve taken their chances first half. Excellent second half which gives us confidence moving forwards. We won’t face many better sides this season and can be pleased with aspects, but still a lot to work on. We go again Saturday against a new side in Springfield. Glad Saturday – Monday games have finished for a while as very tough on the legs.
