Motaquote Welsh League Division One
17/02/04: Ton Pentre 3 - 0 Caerleon

THIS match marked the surprise return of Marty Ellacott to Ynys Park with the experienced goalkeeper completing a transfer from Welsh Premier outfit Cwmbran Town. He kept a clean sheet as Ton Pentre overcame the challenge of fellow Motaquote Welsh League Division One team, Caerleon with a three-goal deficit.

From kick-off this match was played at an incredibly entertaining speed but neither team created much in front of goal until the first 15 minutes had passed.

Caerleon came close from a corner when Dave Howden was left unmarked at the far side. The ball found him but the player lacked composure and hit over Ellacott's crossbar.

When Steve Arthur fouled Ton's Shaun Fackerel the referee awarded a freekick out on the left deep inside the Caerleon half. The ball was sent too close to Mark Evans in the Caerleon goal and was able to punch the ball away. However, it fell to Andrew Hughes, who under pressure attempted to chip Evans, but the 'keeper was once again able to make contact to tip over for a corner.

Although nothing came from the resulting corner it was not long until Ton threatened in front of goal once again when Fackerel got himself into the box maintaining possession of the ball with his skill. His shot was blocked with the ball spinning away for a corner kick.

From the corner the ball was sent to the far post where Bulldog's defender Nathan Prygodzicz headed the ball back across goal. This allowed Alyn Jones the chance to strike and when he did so he hit high into the net to give Ton a 1-0 lead.

The Rhondda Bulldogs dominated much of the second half and turned their possession into chances and goals.

Straight after the stretching right arm of the goalie denied Hughes, Caerleon carved out what would be a rare second half chance. Dave Griffiths cut inside from the right wing to look odds on to score an equaliser. His shot though was not hit with that much power and it turned out to be a simple dive to collect the ball for Ellacott.

Soon after Ton forced Caerleon into conceding a corner kick. Kerry Harding's corner found Prygodzicz at the far post who had made much ground after running from the edge of the box to smash the ball into the net with a powerful header. His first goal of the season gave Ton a 2-0 advantage.

Four minutes later in the 60th minute Ton put the game well beyond Caerleon. As Ian Shepherd was running up the wing to cut inside Arthur could only stop the player using foul play. Harding sent the ball into the box and with a little help from the 'keeper scored Ton's third goal as it went under his body and through his legs as he was diving to gather it.

Ton continued to play good football with passing movements starting from the back that prised Caerleon apart. Although they failed to score any more goals Ton certainly created the chances to increase the lead.

Harding was through on goal at one stage but was tripped on the edge of the area and Alyn Jones lined Dean Morris up for a well struck shot that forced the goalie to parry wide.

So with Ton winning the first of February's two League encounters with Caerleon, the visitors will hope to upset the Rhondda Bulldogs when they travel to Cold Bath Road on Saturday February 28.

First though it's home once again on Saturday February 21 when Ton and Ely Rangers will play for three League points with a 3pm kick-off.

Ton Pentre: Marty Ellacott; Ian Shepherd; Mike Jones (Lee Michaels, 76mins); Nathan Prygodzicz; Neil Davies; Andrew Hughes ; Shaun Fackerel (Jason Roberts, 68mins); Dean Morris; Carl Thomas (Kristian Orchard, 76mins); Alyn Jones; Kerry Harding.

Match Report by Robert Dowling.