Welsh Challenge Cup Round Two
04/10/03: Grange Harlequins 0 - 1 Ton Pentre (after extra time)

A DRAMATIC last gasp goal in extra time provided Ton Pentre's route into the third round of the Welsh Cup. With the very last kick of the game Carl Thomas converted a sweetly hit free kick into the net after a dire game of football at the incredibly un-atmospheric Leckwith Stadium in Cardiff.

The first twenty-four seconds of the game suggested that this tie was going to be a rip-roaring cup match when Alyn Jones raced away past the Grange Quins defenders to pass into the box where Thomas was waiting. Unfortunately Thomas sent the ball over the cross bar.

The Rhondda Bulldogs attacked once again and had an appeal for handball in the box turned down by referee Steve Hames.

From here on the game lost spark, as both teams were just as bad as each other. Both sides were unable to string passes and movements together as all entertainment value was sucked dry.

However, Ton did manage to create a chance in the 18th minute when, from a corner, Mike Jones headed just over the bar after looking like he may had beaten Adrian Tucker in goals.

The next real chance on goal for either side didn't occur until the 58th minute when Alyn Jones's pace saw him run clear through on goal. Quins defender Gareth Morgan was unable to catch up with the player to challenge, but was close enough to clip his heels just outside the box. A yellow card was preferred to the red by the referee and the free kick had all its fizz taken out of it by the wall.

Grange Quins hit the crossbar in the 79th minute following a goalmouth scramble; nevertheless, the game inevitably went into extra time.

Both sides had half chances during the extra period but neither finding the net with the game looking a certainty to be resolved by penalties.

Then, however, Grange Quins looked as though they were to score but heroics from Jon Howe on the goal line denied the goal.

The ball was then taken up to the other end of the field where Kerry Harding took the ball around David Mcllory only to be sent crashing to the ground. The referee awarded a free kick to Ton several yards outside the box.

With the final kick off the game, dead on the 120-minute mark, Thomas sent the Rhondda Bulldogs into the third round of the Welsh Cup in melodramatic style. As the ball rippled the net the referee blew the full time whistle.

Ton Pentre, sponsored by Gus Windows, visit Ely Rangers in the League on October 18 with a kick off time to be confirmed. While Friday October 10 Swansea University are friendly opponents for the Bulldogs at Ynys Park for an evening kick off. Keep checking tonpentreafc.com for more details on both matches.

Ton Pentre: Jon Howe; Lee Tapper; Mike Jones (Tom Billings, 63mins); Neil Davies (Ian Shepherd, 59mins); Nathan Prygodzicz; Andrew Hughes; Dean Morris; Mark Evans (Kevin Richards, 85mins); Carl Thomas; Alyn Jones; Kerry Harding.

Match Report by Robert Dowling.