CLEVEDON UNITED were the opposition as Ton Pentre kicked off their pre-season friendly’s at Ynys Park, ahead of their 2004/05 Welsh League Division One campaign.

For the Rhondda Bulldogs it was an unfamiliar line-up with new signings Andrew Seburn, Scott Hayward, Geraint Pitt and Daniel Lever amongst others, taking their place alongside established Ton Pentre players like Neil Davies and club captain Andrew Hughes. Ton also welcomed back Ian Davies, Lee Brown and Dai Jones who had played a few games for the club in its League of Wales days.

The mixture of youth and experience appeared to gel very quickly as Ton immediately pressurized their Screwfix Western League opponents’ defence. It was inevitable that Ton would score and when they did midway through the first half, it was a cracker.

Having just taken the ball over the half way line Scott Hayward looked to send a searching ball forward from his position wide on the right. Instead of finding Carl Thomas or Lee Brown the ball found its way over the Clevedon goalkeeper standing just off his line.

Following the half time interval Raith Plant was brought into the action and for his sharpness scored two goals to give Ton a 3-0 win.

Ton Pentre continue their preparations for the new season at Ynys Park on Saturday August 31 when Hellenic Premier Division side Pegasus Juniors provide the challenge with a 3pm kick off.

Match report by Rob Dowling