The Rhondda Bulldogs first match of the 2002/2003 Welsh League Season in Penrhiwceiber, was a very physical encounter. This Rhondda Cynon Taff derby is always a fixture that is guaranteed to provide a game full of incident and strong competition. And this meeting at the Glasbrook Field provided just that.

It was Ton Pentre who produced the first chance of a goal in perfect footballing weather after only six minutes. New signing Alex Lawless was fouled a few yards outside the Penrhiwceiber box. Ceri Harding's freekick was neatly hit for Mike Jones to attack the front post, only to see the Ton defenders headed chance go wide.

However, Penrhiwceiber are not a team who lies down easily. The home side's players were showing their physical strength by pushing the Ton players off the ball. Ton reacted to this in a positive manner. With nine minutes of the game played Mike Jones made it 1-0 to the Rhondda Bulldogs after making sure his second headed attempt hit the back of the net. It was neigh on a carbon copy of his previous attempt with Harding as the provider, but this time Jones heading in at the far post leaving Nicholas Thorne in the 'Ceiber goals with no chance.

Within five minutes the home team nearly found an equaliser after Nathan King's thundershot came reasonably close to endangering John Roberts in the Ton goals. Three minutes later Christian Pugh was denied a chance on goal, after his run into the box was dealt with by Lee Tapper's challenge and excellent control. However, Penrhiwceiber sustained the pressure on Ton Pentre and deserved the goal that striker Paul Parker scored, after it appeared the Rhondda Bulldogs defence had evaporated into the summer evening's air. A quick free kick by Pugh provided Parker with the chance after a foul on halfway.

As the twenty minute mark ticked up Carl Thomas had a chance to make it 2-1 to Ton when he connected to the crossed ball, however, King was on hand to clear the ball behind the 'Ceiber goal for a Ton corner.

Six minutes later Thomas was fouled by three Penrhiwceiber defenders who sandwiched him. Tapper took the freekick from a few yards outside the box, and passed it into Thomas, who's shot was saved and then fumbled by Thorne in goal into the path of another new Ton Pentre signing, Ali Kiyaga, who netted from close range. 2-1 Ton Pentre.

In the 32nd minute Jon Roberts escaped certain embarrassment after Parker tried to lob the Ton 'keeper to equalise, but Robert's made sure that was not going to be the case as he clawed it out of harms way. Therefore, the half-time score stood at 2-1.

An excellent save by Jon Roberts denied Parker once again after only one minute of the restart. The normally sturdy Ton defence once again disintegrating providing 'Ceiber with a chance. Ton's immediate reaction saw Davies running up the wing and passing inside to Harding who unleashed a breath stopping shot at the 'Ceiber goal, only to see his effort bravely denied by the right hand of Thorne in goals, who then had to receive treatment to his hand.

Harding once again haunted the 'Ceiber 'keeper after a lovely one-two with Tapper from a corner kick after 55 minutes. Ton were now beginning to control the game and showing much more strength than they did in the first half.

After a movement started by Tapper from the halfway line, the Penrhiwceiber midfield and defence was ripped apart by Ton Pentre's Under 18's Welsh International, Alex Lawless, who exhibitioned his mouth watering skills before providing Tapper with the Rhondda Bulldog's third goal of the game. The score now stood at a comfortable 3-1 after 65 minutes of play.

The 75th minute saw Nathan Prygodzicz substituted after injuring his foot and was replaced by Anthony Phillips who slotted into midfield with Davies dropping back into defence. After 82 minutes Kiyaga was replaced by Rhys Edwards, a recent addition to the Ton squad from Newport County. In the closing stages of the game Lawless and Edwards linked up to provide Ton with a few more chances, however, the scoreline finished 3-1 with a more convincing second half for Ton Pentre.

Penrhiwceiber Rangers: Thorne; Roberts; Boyce; O'Sullivan (Lowe, 74mins); James; Manley (O'Leary, 74 mins); King; Abbruzzesse; Parker; Stokes; Pugh. Subs Not Used: Bevan.

Ton Pentre A.F.C.: Jon Roberts; Tapper; Jason Roberts; Jones; Prygodzicz (Phillips, 75 mins); Morris; Lawless; Davies; Thomas; Kiyaga (Edwards, 82 mins); Harding. Subs Not Used: Richards.