TON PENTRE’S pre-season just keeps getting better and better. Ton have now made it three wins in three matches as Welsh Premier side Carmarthen Town became the Rhondda Bulldog’s latest friendly victim after taking the lead through a second half penalty.

This match against Carmarthen was the first real opportunity in looking at just how good a squad Kevin Richards had compiled over the close season. After playing two unknown entities Carmarthen provided quite a test and the Ton youngsters passed it as excitement builds for the new season.

Neither team looked a league apart during the first half as Ton created several chances with both Scott Hayward and Kristian Orchard coming close.

After Carmarthen took the lead with a penalty in the 58th minute Ton drew themselves level with the second penalty of the match 10 minutes later. Following Eston Chiverton’s clumsy challenge on Carl Thomas, the fouled player stepped up to score from the spot.

Ton then took the game to their visitors and were rewarded when they took the lead during the 72nd minute of play. After a little good fortune, when a Carmarthen defender attempted to clear the ball but hit it against Ton midfielder Geraint Pitt instead, Lyndon Williams saw the ball fall directly into his path. With his quick reaction and pace he ran easily into the box to slot the ball into the net to make it 2-1.

Soon after Thomas nearly increased the lead when he stepped inside his man to strike but saw the effort go just wide.

Eight minutes from full-time the Rhondda Bulldogs scored their third through a brilliant strike from Williams after Pitt and Thomas had got themselves involved in the build up play.

It was a neat all round performance with Ton looking particularly attractive when going forward.

Match report by Rob Dowling