Ton Pentre need a striker. The game at Ynys Park against Cardiff Civil Service highlighted this necessity. Even though Saturday's match finished 1-1 and the points were shared, Ton should have had many more goals on the scoresheet by half-time alone.

Within the first minute of play Ali Kiyaga had an opportunity to score with a left-footed chip, yet didn't. The third minute saw Kiyaga involved in another attack but was fouled in the process. Lee Tapper took the resulting free kick and the ball discovered its way to Mike Jones' downward header and into the path of Ian Shepherd who's shot was cleared from the goal line by a Civil Service defender.

Good demanding play from Dean Morris saw him pass to Carl Thomas who in turn laid the ball off for Tapper to strike on goal, but hitting wide with only seven minutes played. These opening stages saw the Rhondda Bulldogs attack with continuity and confidence. Alex Lawless got himself involved in much of the performance with Tapper and himself combining to create attractive football and chances to score, however, none of their efforts went in. In the 35th minute the two players linked once again after Tapper looped a ball over the top of the Civil Service defence for Lawless to run onto, but the ball didn't run for the player and another attempt had passed Ton by.

Two minutes before the halfway break a Ton Pentre corner, taken by Lawless, saw Jones head the ball down just as it should be done, however, he headed it with too much force and the ball bounced up and over the bar. The score at the interval stood at 0-0.

Cardiff Civil Service played the first half without having any real chance on goal. However, as most teams playing away from home to the league champions do, they sit on the ball and hope to pinch a goal after soaking up all the pressure. And this is exactly what Ton's visitors did as the Rhondda team conceded a free kick after a Bulldogs player fouled out on the wing in front of the home dug out. The sweeping free kick was sent in and Ton conceded a soft goal, 1-0 to Civil Service with 54 minutes passed.

Tapper was replaced by Adam Lewis a minute later as Ton were looking to grab a goal back. Ton manager Kevin Richards made another substitute moments later with Anthony Phillips coming on for Kiyaga.

The sleek movement of the first half by Ton had disappeared in the second period with the team looking disjointed and it wasn't until the 73rd minute that Ton created another real chance on goal. A run from Lawless into the Civil Service box nearly saw his shot beat the goalkeeper, however, he had to settle for a corner. The ball was played into the box and Morris met it with his head, but his attempt hit the cross bar and was cleared from danger.

Cardiff Civil Service should have put the game beyond doubt in the 76th minute when Chris Harry smashed the ball and missed an open goal. All the player had to do was tap the ball in. This was a turning point for the remainder of the game as Ton put much pressure on Civil Service defence. After both Morris and Roberts had missed chances to score it was down to the man of the match to equalise. A lovely cross from Morris was sent into the box for Lawless to head past the 'keeper a minute from time. The game finished with both teams taking a point apiece.

The next home match for the Rhondda Bulldogs is on Saturday 14th September as Llanwern travel to Ynys Park. But next Saturday (September 7th) Ton are away to Porthcawl in the League Cup with kick-off at 2.15pm. This information and more can be found on tonpentreafc.com.

Ton Pentre: Howe; Tapper (Lewis, 50 mins); Shepherd; Jones; Prygodzicz (Craig Thomas, 71 mins); Morris; Lawless; Kiyaga (Phillips, 63 minutes); Carl Thomas; Davies, Roberts.