The black sheep looking to bounce back following the disappointing defeat to Gelligaer faced an Ynysybwl side that had encountered a tough start to the season. The coaches gave an opportunity for the starting 11 from the week before to redeem themselves and put in a performance. The game started off well with good attacking intentions and possession. An early through ball by full back Nathan Eratne put in Huw Morgan with only the keeper to beat. However, the keeper came out quickly to smother the attempt from Morgan. Both sides looked dangerous on occasions, but defences were on top with centre backs Liam Ormson, and Elis Hughes dealing with the high ball well. The deadlock was broken in the 16th minute when great work from Geraint Lewis led to a chance for the ever-reliable Tom Frowen to slot the ball past the keeper. Ponty looked good and on top of possession looked to increase the lead but wary of the threat that Ynysybwl had when attacking. Ponty doubled their advantage when a somewhat controversial goal was scored by Morgan. Tenacious work from Dylan Porter let him win possession in a strong tackle with the ball bouncing up from the challenge and striking his hand. The ref waved play on, and Porter burst down the wing to produce a great cross for Morgan to coolly finish. 2-0 to the Black Sheep and looking in control. Ponty continued with good possession and kept on knocking on the door with Liam Jones calmly tidying up in front of the back 4 and distributing the ball to fellow midfielders Charlie Hobby and Frowen to start new phases of attacking play. 2-0 at half time and the team talk was for more of the same and a bit more composure on the ball.
The second half was similar to the first half; some good play in patches from both teams but not a game of many clear cut chances. With substitutions being made a few chances were created, following a great through ball Lewis Roberts spurned the opportunity by blasting over when put through on goal. A great save from the away keeper after a good move from Ponty with Frowen striking the ball well and the ball looking like it was going to nestle in the corner. Ynysybwl grew into the game pushing for something and with the Black Sheep not adding to the score line the last 15 minutes were always going to be interesting with such a dangerous score line. This proved to be the case when in the 86th minute the away side were awarded a penalty for handball even though it was deemed to be harsh by the home side. The penalty was almost saved by keeper Beer but squirmed into the net. This led to a tense final few minutes, but the Black Sheep held on to record a good win. Good response to the previous week’s defeat but work needed to be done to be more clinical to avoid late drama.
MOTM – Liam Jones with a calm performance defensively and decent distribution in midfield.
Special Mentions – Liam Beer for a solid performance between the sticks
Coach Nigel Wheelers Comments : The team start off quickly and dominated much of the first half and rightly went into half time with the lead. It was a really scrappy second half but we came away with a win which was far more important than the performance. but in fairness to the team they know there are quite a few levels they can still go up so hopefully that will come as the season progresses.
