The game started with good possession for the Black Sheep with some neat passing looking for an opening. An early strike from Geraint Lewis after a slick move involving Jones and Hobby tested out the home keeper, but he was up for the challenge pulling off a good save. It wasn’t long until the Black Sheep pressed home their possession advantage as a handball in the area led to a penalty. Lewis Roberts calmly despatched for his 5th goal of the season and a deserved lead.
More pressure from Ponty kept the home side on the back foot, with excellent football from Frowen and Hobby in midfield retaining possession. Another chance fell to Lewis Roberts in the box and his snapshot effort was well saved by the keeper.
The back four of Ponty were defensively sound with Ormson and Hughes as Centre Backs winning everything, they were rarely troubled by the Church Village attack. Despite being on top Ponty were unable to extend the lead at half time.
Second half became much of the same, with Nathan Eratne and Dylan Porter providing width and energy from full back, Ponty started to create chances. Aled Evans started to find space up front allowing him to feed Clare (who came on for the injured Lewis) and Roberts on the wings. Some good positions went begging and Ponty were left wondering if they were going to rue the missed chances.
Once again the subs bench came in to play and in the 60th minute two of the substitutes were involved in increasing the lead. Joe Hathaway with a good run and pass to Michael Clare who produced a superb finish into the top corner to make it 0-2 to Ponty. With Tom Frowen running the show in midfield Ponty always looked a threat, but once again couldn’t take advantage. It’s was the substitutes Clare and Hathaway who combined again for the third goal, but this time with Clare the provider for Hathaway to coolly finish another good move to make it 0-3. With just over ten to go the scoring was completed when a Frowen corner was finished off with a strong header by Hughes.
Final score: Church Village 0-4 Pontypridd AFC
MOTM – Tom Frowen
Special Mentions – Charlie Hobby who is growing every game and becoming the quality midfielder everyone knows he can be. His work rate off the ball has improved massively.
Jake Ormson with a very impressive debut in goal. Huge presence.
Coach John Radnor comments: never know what to expect after a couple of weekends off. First half was decent, but we should have taken a couple more chances. Sloppy at times with the ball, and needed to retain possession better. Second half we were excellent. Dominant for 45 mins and could have scored more. If we are being critical, we are still not good enough at taking chances, but I can’t moan too much this week!