Ton Pentre did not deserve to loose this match after what was arguably their best display of the season so far. In the encounter against the students of UWIC, Ton were certainly the tutors and must reward their opposition for doing their homework on time and delivering it in the form of a goal.

The Rhondda Bulldogs, sponsored by Futureglaze Windows, started confidently and produced the first attempt on goal when UWIC midfielder Richard Williams fouled Alex Lawless on the far side of the pitch in the home teams half. The free kick discovered its way to Ceri Harding who was unfortunate to see his effort shot over the top Robin Hallam in goals.

Some marvellous movement and footwork between Jamie Michaels and Lawless was the backbone to another Ton attack with the UWIC players snapping at the Bulldogs feet. Andrew Hughes, returning to Ton after a brief spell with Carmarthen Town, used his skill to put more pressure on the defence after 16 minutes, however, last gasp attempts by UWIC defenders foiled any chance of a goal. Jason Roberts and Neil Davies stood strong in the Ton defence to break down a UWIC advance after 20 minutes of play. This started a brief game of football Ping-Pong, when Lawless showed character and strength putting UWIC under pressure once again. Ton then lost possession and UWIC counter attacked straight away, but Davies was on hand to stop them getting past him to run on goal. All this happening within four minutes.

With the game approaching half-time John Howe in the Ton goals showed his worth. He plucked the ball from the air after various corners; stood solid to block shots and used his agility to palm balls away from danger.

Ton though were the team to finish the half on a high when Harding threw the ball to Lawless' feet. Using his skill he got a cross into the UWIC box and Hughes met it with his head, and saw his effort go just wide of the goal. 0-0 at the midway point.

Ton Pentre started the second half as they did the first. Hallam in the UWIC goals pulled off a magnificent save from Lee Tapper's shooting attempt after Jason Roberts had played him in with six minutes of the half gone. It really was a splendid save.

In the 57th minute Davies once again showed his pure class in defence when he broke down yet another UWIC attack. Moment's later Howe was forced to save at the near post when Blake Parnell attempted to score. The 'keeper then collected the ball from danger after the resulting corner kick.

An excellent attack from Ton resulted in a Harding shot. He wrong footed the goalie but his attempt trickled past the wrong side of the goal post in the 62nd minute.

The Rhondda Bulldogs made a substitution in the 69th minute with Carl Thomas being replaced by debutante Paul Parker. The former Penrhiwceiber Rangers player took his place up front alongside Michaels, who was pushed up from midfield as Ton manager Kevin Richards looked to bolster the attack.

However, five minutes later UWIC scored the only goal of the game. A minute before the goal, Ton had won a corner kick. The ball was sent into the box but cleared by a UWIC defender and fell at Craig Thomas' feet, five UWIC players then broke away after the player made what would be the most vital mistake of the game when he failed to clear the ball. Davies was unable to retrieve the ball as he was outnumbered and Howe had no chance of saving the shot as he was left stranded. 1-0 to the students of UWIC.

After this Ton had several chances but none were clear-cut. UWIC "shut up shop" and Ton were unable to find a way to the back of the net.

Even though Ton failed to win it was a good performance and as the UWIC matchday programme stated "form is temporary, class is permanent".

You can have your say on the match by logging on to tonpentreafc.com. The next game for the Rhondda Bulldogs is Saturday 28 September as Garden Village travel to Ynys Park with kick off at 3pm.

Ton Pentre: Howe; Tapper; Roberts; Davies; Prygodzicz; Hughes; Craig Thomas; Lawless; Carl Thomas (Parker, 69mins); Michaels; Harding. Subs not used: Jones & Lewis.