Pontypridd AFC and Talbot Green shared the spoils and shared six first-half goals in an entertaining encounter at Taff Vale Park.
The Black Sheep got off to a flyer with the early pressure and that paid off when Callum Rendell converted Charlie Hobby’s dangerous free kick. The momentum didn’t take long to switch though, Talbot hit back immediately when a long ball over the top caught out the Ponty defence. Elis Hughes did his best to clear but Nicholas Guildford hit a top class volley into the top corner to level matters.
Talbot then completed the full turnaround five minutes later. Poor defending from a corner allowed Harry Evans to pounce for the visitors.
But this topsy turvy half wasn’t done yet. Nathan Eratne, making his 50th first team appearance, went on a mazy run down the left wing, playing a one-two with Rendell before crossing for Dylan Porter to score. Now it was the turn of the Black Sheep to complete a turnaround. Rendell profited from a goalkeeping error, spilling Hobby’s free kick into his path and he made no mistake for his second of the game.
Unfortunately, the home side couldn’t hold on until half-time. Talbot countered brilliantly as Ponty attacked and another good finish from Guildford ensured both sides went in level at the break.
It was much tighter in the second half. A Talbot Green player was sin-binned for dissent but the Black Sheep couldn’t take advantage of the extra man; struggling to keep hold of the ball. There were some chances late on though, including another opportunity from a free kick that wasn’t converted and substitute Lewis Roberts had a opportunity to win it but his effort came back off the crossbar.
Manager John Radnor said it was a good game and a positive performance. Fairly even, but it wouldn’t have been unjust had Ponty gone home with all three points. He noted strong performances from Tom Frowen, Charlie Hobby and man of the match Callum Rendell.
