April 15th: UWIC 1 v Ton Pentre 1
Even after this 0-0 draw with UWIC Inter Cardiff, Ton Pentre's fifth consecutive Welsh League Championship is still on course even though the Bulldogs missed their chance to go top. In a season, which has become more of a tennis match rather than football, the advantage now lies once again with Pontardawe, however, they are yet to play the battling students from Cyncoed.
UWIC proved to be a tough challenge for the Rhondda's premier side, who aim to gain promotion to the League of Wales next season with sponsor Griffin Windows. After about 4 minutes a Ton Pentre throw in was a result of pressure from the Bulldogs on the UWIC defence. From it Ceri Harding threw a looping ball into the oppositions area connecting with Carl Thomas' head, Ton forward Lee Brown, if he had connected with the ball properly, would have scored from the outside of his boot as UWIC 'keeper Robin Hallam was out of position. Two minutes later it was the Bulldogs who again came close after a breakthrough from midfield presented Ton captain Andrew Hughes with a chance to lob Hallam, but unfortunately Hughes was not on target.
Moments after the ten minute mark, Harding was booked by the referee for a challenge on a UWIC player. This presented the students with a good chance from a freekick 20 yards out. The ball was played out wide and then crossed into the Ton Pentre penalty area. Rob Chesters connected but Marty Ellacot was on hand with some fine goalkeeping denying UWIC with a real chance of going one nil up. Minute's later Lee Brown was substituted for Lee Randall after what looked to be a hamstring injury.
With 15 minutes gone UWIC defender, Blake Parnell, conceded a freekick a few yards outside his teams area. Harding's freekick nearly got the better of Hallam as he just managed to hold onto the ball. Six minutes later, Harding was again involved in a battling attacking move-providing Randall with a chance to sore.
Ten minutes from half time UWIC midfielder, Paul Cochlin, should have scored from a yard in front of goal. His powerful enough shot was struck straight into Ellacott's arms. After that danger had been dealt with, Ton suffered another injury blow with Nathan Prygodzicz replacing Mike Jones in defence after injuring his foot. With the referee blowing for half-time neither team had advantage.
After 60 minutes the young UWIC team showed good mobility when going forward putting the Ton Pentre defence under pressure. The 65th minute saw Wayne Evans break through for UWIC but unable to deal with Neil Davies' experience in one on one situations. Davies coolly played the ball away from trouble. The resulting counter attack saw Harding running up the wing and crossing the ball onto Lee Tapper's head 20 yards out, however, the ball went inches over the bar.
The 77th minute saw David Withers replace Randall up front. Withers extra strength saw Ton force a corner two minutes later. Prygodzicz's head made contact and the ball landed at the feet of Thomas, and a little more composure from the striker would have presented Ton with an excellent chance.
As full-time approached a Ton Pentre attack broke down, UWIC's Terry Adams ran with the ball towards the Bulldogs goal. The Ton defence broke the counter attack down at the final hurdle. And that was to be the last action of the game. Final score 0-0.
Ton Pentre: Marty Ellacott, Lee Tapper, Neil Davies, Mike Jones (Nathan Prygodzicz), Shaun Fackrell, Andrew Hughes (Captain), Jason Roberts, Dean Morris, Carl Thomas, Lee Brown (Lee Randall, David Withers) & Ceri Harding
Written by Robert William Dowling.
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