LEE TAPPER saved a point for Ton Pentre as the Bulldogs battled with Goytre United at Glenhafod Park Stadium.

The home team went a goal ahead in this Welsh League Division One match after five minutes when David Brown volleyed the ball past Jon Howe after meeting with a cross into the box.

Ton looked to put this early set back behind them as from a freekick Shaun Fackerel saw Ian Davies’s run in the box. The Ton defender threw himself at the ball but was unable to get enough power behind it to hit the target.

As the half progressed Alyn Jones spread the play to the wing where Andrew Hughes passed the ball forward around a defender to Scott Hayward. He sent a stunning cross into the box where Carl Thomas came close with a header.

After 18 minutes of play Alyn Jones was booked following his protest to the referee for turning down a penalty appeal by Ton. As the ball was crossed from the wing a Goytre defender halted its passage with his arm. Both the referee and his assistant shied away from flagging for the foul.

Four minutes before half time the Bulldogs missed a golden opportunity to pull level when Fackerel headed a great ball forward for Jones to send into the box. The ball fell to Hughes but Gareth Scantlebury saved his strike.

Scantlebury was called into action again in the 50th minute when Krisitan Orchard saw him save two of his shots at close range.

Ton used all of their substitutes in the second half as Orchard, Davies and Thomas made way for Lee Tapper, Scott Young and debutante Dwayne Mardenbrough.

All three players were quick to get into the action with Young opening up the play and Mardenbrough using his strength to hold possession. However, it was Tapper who scored the goal with a delightful finish.

As the ball was crossed from infield Tapper was allowed time to chip Scantlebury to score a picturesque goal.

Moments from the end Ton had another penalty decision fail to go their way after it appeared Mardenbrough was unfairly sent to ground in the Goytre box. The referee awarded a corner for Ton but the game finished a goal apiece.

AFC Llwydcoed visit Ynys Park on Saturday 11 December with this Motaquote Welsh League match kicking off at 2:15pm.

Ton Pentre Match Facts:

Line Up:

1. Jon HOWE
2. Scott HAYWARD
3. Neil DAVIES
4. Ian DAVIES
5. Nathan PRYGODZICZ
6. Andrew HUGHES (Capt)
7. Dale PRICE
8. Shaun FACKEREL
9. Carl THOMAS
10. Alyn JONES
11. Kristian ORCHARD

Substitutes:

12. Dwayne MARDENBROUGH on for Carl Thomas, 69 mins.
14. Scott YOUNG on for Ian Davies, 69 mins.
15. Lee TAPPER on for Kristian Orchard, 64 mins.

Goal: Lee Tapper, 76 mins.

Booking: Alyn Jones, 18 mins.

Match report by Rob Dowling