Motaquote Welsh League Division One
06/12/03: Bettws 2 - 1 Ton Pentre

TON PENTRE lost their fourth Welsh League Division One match of their 2003 - '04 campaign away to the current reigning champions Bettws. The Rhondda Bulldogs lost 2-1 in a match that was played in blustery and freezing conditions with Bettws bullying their way to collecting all three points.

Bettws threw their weight around right from the start of this match. Ex-Gwynfi United player Steve Conaty was shown the yellow card for a late reckless challenge on Dean Morris just three minutes into the match. The remaining 87 minutes would follow suit with Bettws players taking the Ton players out with a foul if they were unable to get the ball.

It was Ton that created all the first half chances on goal with their first effort occurring in the eighth minute. Carl Thomas and Andrew Hughes linked up well in a one-two movement, which saw the Ton captain square the ball inside the Bettws box for Thomas to shoot. Unfortunately for Ton the striker hit the excellent chance over the cross bar with the uneven surface not helping.

When Mark Evans didn't give up on a lost cause he found himself in an excellent position to cross the ball into the box. He found Alyn Jones with the ball into the area but Ton's pacey striker missed the target with his headed shot.

Jones did not have to wait long for his next chance. Dean Morris was able to get the ball into the box in 25th minute and found Jones who was lurking just off the back post. He took his chance well and smashed Ton into a 1-0 lead. The Bettws defence questioned the validity of the goal as they felt Jones was in an offside position. The goal stood nonetheless and Ton held the lead going into half time.

Bettws were awarded a dubious penalty in the opening minute of the second half when Evans was judged by the referee to handle the ball on the edge of the box. Although the ball appeared to hit the players chest Bettws scored from the spot and drew level.

A Bettws attack down the wing with Dai Jones saw the player cross into the Ton box with Neil Davies producing an excellent challenge to deny the Bettws player a shot soon after.

Karl Miller was shown the yellow card for Bettws in the 61st minute when the player made no attempt on heading the ball, but instead head butting Ton captain Hughes. Such foul play was what Ton had to expect as the game continued.

Ton were clearly the most creative side in the second half and looked the more likely to take the lead. Hughes outwitted the Bettws defence to beat the call of offside from the home team's defence. With Mark Stonehouse racing off his goal line Hughes attempted a chip that looked good for a goal but bounced wide of the right post.

Then came what would be the Bettws winner. Lee Tapper made a defensive error allowing Dai Jones to get in front of him and dispossess the ball from his possession. Running towards goal at an angle he was able to place the ball over John Howe and into the top right hand area of the goalmouth.

With two minutes left on the clock the Rhondda Bulldogs had a valid penalty appeal turned down when the ball was blatantly knocked from the line by a defenders arm. Had the player not hit the ball away with his arm Thomas was poised to head in a definite goal.

Ton will hope to banish the disappointment of this result in their next match against Cardiff Corries on Wednesday December 10 at Ynys Park for a League game kicking off at 7.30pm. The following Saturday will see the Bulldogs travelling to Maesteg Park for what will likely be a 2.15pm kick off.

For these forthcoming matches Ton Pentre will welcome back Wayne Savage from Port Talbot Town to strengthen their midfield.

Ton Pentre: John Howe; Lee Tapper; Neil Davies; Mike Jones; Jason Roberts; Andrew Hughes; Kerry Harding; Dean Morris; Carl Thomas; Alyn Jones (Richard Ryan, 76mins); Mark Evans. Substitutes Not Used: Ian Shepherd & Richard Haig.

Match Report by Robert Dowling.