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When reigning Welsh League Division One champions Aberaman Athletic visited Ynys Park they proved themselves more than capable of being able to hold onto their crown. After seeing Ton Pentre take the lead in the first half the Cynon Valley outfit remained patient and confident that their attacking style would find them a way back into the match.
The first half exchanges between these two teams were fairly even. Inside the first ten minutes former Rhondda Bulldogs front man Jonathan Kift hit the post with his shot and saw the ball rebound straight into Leighton James’ arms.
As the match entered its 18th minute hard working Chris Jones did well to take the ball forward and through the Aberaman defence. After one goal attempt was foiled by Aberaman’s panicking defence, Leon Young was able to get a vital touch on the ball to loop it into the back of the net.
Aberaman responded well and were looking dangerous in attack. After John Phillips had looked certain to equalise, but sent his shot over the bar in the 23rd minute, the same player made no mistake with his equaliser 12 minutes later.
When Aberaman counter-attacked in the 35th minute they outnumbered the Ton defence which left Phillips free at the far post to apply a finish following a cross from the right.
A strong start to the second half saw Aberaman dominate and were it not for an excellent tip over the bar by Leighton James from Barrie Gunstone’s strong shot, they could have found themselves in the lead on 48 minutes.
The visitors didn’t have to wait long to take the lead as a 58th minute corner kick was curled into the near post by Danny Hooper. Chris Ashley stooped low to flick his header into the net between the post and the goalkeeper.
During the second half Ton were never able to get any continuity in their play as Aberaman cleverly slowed down and disrupted the game.
The reigning champions made the win a certainty in the 82nd minute when some sublime passing tore the Bulldogs apart finishing with Gunstone supplying a pass for his strike partner Phillips to shoot home Aberaman’s third goal of the match.
Aberaman’s slight difference in class was the key factor in this game, however, Ton Pentre should not be too despondent as they certainly competed with their Rhondda Cynon Taff rivals.
Next for the Bulldogs is the visit of Caerleon to Ynys Park on Wednesday 21st October for a 7.30pm kick off. On Saturday 24th October Ton are in action at Caldicot Town. This away fixture will kick off at 2.30pm.
Ton Pentre: 1. Leighton James; 2. Jordan Branch; 3. Phil Clarke; 4. Adam Lewis; 5. Ryan Morgan (Captain); 6. Gavin Rodgers; 7. Andrew Hughes; 8. Leon Young; 9. Chris Jones; 10. Sam Baker; 11. Alyn Jones
Substitutes: 12. Jamie Thomas; 14. Caio Iwan; 15. Rhys Owen; 16. Dominic Broad
Goal: Young 18
Bookings: Clarke 90+3
Referee: Steve Richards (Caldicot)
Match report © Ton Pentre AFC Press
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