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A goal deep into injury time from Croesyceiliog levelled this Welsh Football League Division One match at Woodland Road, as Ton Pentre missed out on regaining third position in the league table from Goytre United who also drew their match a goal apiece at Taffs Well.
Ton Pentre took the lead after just 24 seconds of the second half but missed chances lead to fate intervening as the home team squirmed in an equaliser from close range in the dying moments of the match following a freak thunderstorm.
Woodland Road was wide open to the elements and a strong swirling wind saw both teams struggling to come to terms with the conditions.
Despite the performance being far from what is usually expected of the Rhondda Bulldogs, Ton did look the better team throughout this fixture but they failed on several occasions during the first half to put themselves in front.
On one occasion Andy Mainwaring was provided with an excellent chance to grab his first goal since joining Ton when a ball over the top of the defence landed kindly in front of him. As the expectant Ton fans waited for the net to ripple Mainwaring's shot was not strong enough to beat Pat O'Hagen in the Croesyceiliog goals.
The home team created a few chances themselves, the best of which saw the ball squared across the box for an easy finish but the superbly consistent Marty Ellacott dived to palm the ball away from goal for what was a truly exceptional save.
Ton couldn't have hoped for a better start to the second half as Jamie Bradford gave the Bulldogs the lead inside the first minute when he was able to run into the box and strike a low shot across the front of O'Hagen and into the goal.
The Rhondda Bulldogs looked likely to add to this but were unfortunate when they were forced to play into atrocious conditions as Woodland Road was engulfed by a thunderstorm. With the storm at their backs it allowed Croesyceiliog a chance to peg Ton back in their own half.
Deep into injury time Croesyceiliog forced Ton to concede several corners. Croesyceiliog overloaded the box with all their players including O'Hagen the goalkeeper. Following a huge scramble O'Hagen's effort deflected to a fellow team-mate who shot high into the net for a dramatic equaliser.
Ton Pentre currently lie fourth in the table and entertain Dinas Powys on Wednesday 4th April at Ynys Park (7.30pm) before Newport YMCA visit the Rhondda on Saturday 7th April for a 2.30pm kick off.
Please note that there will be an Extraordinary General Meeting in the Ton Pentre AFC Clubhouse on Thursday 5th April at 7.30pm to discuss the future of the club, following the announcement that Treasurer John Thomas and Secretary Paul Willoughby will be retiring from their positions at the end of the current season. All are welcome to attend.
Ton Pentre: 1. Marty Ellacott (Captain); 2. Mark Crutch; 3. Phil Clarke; 4. Paul Evans; 5. Scott Hayward; 6. Lee Matthews; 7. Jamie Bradford; 8. Alyn Jones; 9. Jamie Michaels; 10. Dale Price; 11. Andy Mainwaring
Subs: 12. Kristian Orchard (Jones, 64); 14. Gareth Picknell (Price, 41); 15. Dwayne Mardenborough (Mainwaring, 69)
Goals: Bradford 46mins
Cautions: Hayward, 36; Orchard, 42
Red Cards: Michaels, after final whistle.
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