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Ton Pentre 1 - 0 Bryntirion Athletic
MacWhirter Welsh Football League Division One
Wednesday 17th December 2008
Ton Pentre showed excellent bouncebackability from their disappointing defeat in their last match against Goytre United to out gun Bryntirion Athletic in a scrappy game played in cold damp conditions at Ynys Park, writes Chris Jones.
Bryntirion, sitting only three places below the Rhondda Bulldogs, started poorly and from several early trademark Lloyd Toghill long throws Ton were the first to exert pressure. This however, only led to a long range shot by wing back Shane Brewer which went harmlessly wide.
The next chance was also a result of a Toghill long throw, which Ryan Morgan headed powerfully but failed to direct the ball on target.
The Ynys Park pitch was heavy and Ton's usual crisp neat passing game failed to materialise on this surface, however the Ton Players failed to allow Bryntirion any time to settle on the ball.
On 42 minutes the game changed and from a position wide on the left, Ryan Shugar whipped in a lovely ball that beat everyone including Josh Payne in the Bryntirion goal to give Ton a fully deserved lead.
From the restart Bryntirion showed some urgency that had been lacking in their game up to this point, striker Nana Bah went on a run and was challenged by Mark Crutch just inside the Ton area, and fell to the ground. Referee Kevin Russell waved away the penalty protest much to the annoyance of the Bryntirion fans, management and players. To add insult to injury he then cautioned Baah for diving.
Ton Pentre manager Kevin Richards was forced to change things at half time as Andrew Pearson pulled a calf muscle and Ton Pentre favourite Alyn Jones replaced him having been injured for several weeks.
Jones made an instant impact and made several runs which caused problems for the away defence without creating that killer second goal.
Ton continued where they left off in the first half. Centre half Richard Stevens hit a wonderful free kick deep into the 6 yard box where Crutch was unable to beat the keeper with a well directed header.
Soon after Stevens was provided with another free kick and from it he caused a 6 yard box scramble with several shots being fired by Ton attackers all being blocked by courageous defenders.
On 67 minutes Baah almost scored an equaliser which Bryntirion did not deserve. He beat Crutch and hit a powerful shot which was wonderfully saved by Kieran Blackurn in the Ton goal.
As Bryntirion searched for the equaliser they dominated the last ten minutes without really threatening and Ton secured a vital home win.
The win will give Ton a confidence boost ahead of the Christmas Derby with Cambrian and Clydach Vale to be played on the 27th December at Ynys Park. Kick off 2pm. On be half of all at Ton Pentre may we wish all supporters a Merry Christmas and look forward to seeing you at the Rhondda Derby.
Match report © Ton Pentre AFC Press
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