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The torrential rain in the few days before the game took its toll and the Ynys Park Pitch resembled a paddy field. However, against the advice of both clubs the referee started the game! No one thought the game would finish with the persistent rain and the forecast of the rain continuing.
The players safety should be paramount and within the first few minutes it was obvious that the conditions were dangerous, with the players sliding across the surface and their feet sticking in the mud.
Both sides tried their best to play football and it was Pontardawe who were quicker to settle to the conditions in the opening encounters, with Owen forcing Ton’s keeper Ellacott to make a good save. The Merlin Sports sponsored Rhondda Bulldogs were playing their normal passing game, and the ball was not travelling over the surface. Therefore, giving possession away and allowing Pontardawe to press the Bulldogs back.
On the half hour Pontardawe were awarded a controversial penalty, when Ellacott misjudged the ball and was deemed to have wrapped himself around Owen of Pontardawe. Steve Crabbe of Pontardawe converted the spot kick to put the visitors in front.
5 minutes later Ton drew level, when Jamie Bradford scored direct from a free kick 40 yards out. He hit the ball towards the goal it was missed by everyone and it went in.
A couple of minutes later Pontardawe appealed for another penalty when their striker was brought down in the area, the referee waved play on. This appeared to be more of a penalty than the one given.
The weather did not abate and with the rain continuing to fall the game was now becoming a farce, the players on both sides were doing their best and had chances to score. It was a relief when the half time whistle was blown.
During the half time the referee was asked to check the state of the field and at last common sense prevailed and he abandoned the game. The playing conditions were no worse than the start. Surely, the referee must take into account the safety of the players and advice of the two teams? Perhaps the FAW should consider changing the rule in these situations?
Ton’s next home game is the 13th January against UWIC 2:00 kick of this Saturday the 6th January they are away at Aberaman 2:00 kick off.
Match report by Gary Matuszczyk
Ton Pentre: 1. Marty Ellacott; 2. Mark Crutch; 3. Ian French; 4. Scott Hayward; 5. Jamie Bradford (1); 6. Jamie Michaels; 7. Ryan Shugars; 8. Steve Conaty; 9. Ryan Jenkins; 10. Dwayne Mardenborough; 11. Alyn Jones
Subs: 12. Tony Rees; 14. Raith Plant; 15. Phil Clarke
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