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Ton Pentre got the win their start to the season needed with this superb result at UWIC. Although the score line was very close the result should have been a bigger one for the Rhondda Bulldogs sponsored by Merlin Sports / LEGEA.
After losing their opening game against Aberaman, manager Richards made a number of changes. Starting with the return in goal of ex-Ton goalkeeper Marty Ellacott. His presence between the “sticks” gave the team and supporters a lift before a ball was kicked. Also included in the starting eleven were Mark Crutch returning after injury and Tony Rees starting up front.
Photo: Lee Mathews (Ton sub) breaking out with the ball on the Ton left
Ton dominated the first-half. They looked like a team with something to prove, their passing and movement was first class from the outset. And in the first 20 minutes there were chances for Alyn Jones, Tony Rees and Ryan Shugar. The only problem UWIC were giving Ton was their quick breaks and the Ton midfield were not picking up the runners.
The remainder of the half saw Ton carve out chance after chance without scoring. It was the same old story, having the possession and not converting it into goals. Alyn Jones hit the ball from 16 yards beating the keeper, he saw his shot hit the angle of the post and crossbar, going behind for a goal kick. This was another let off for the students. The best chance of the half was in the 43rd minute, Ton passed the ball down the left and got the ball into Dale Price on the left corner of the 6 yard box, he squared the ball to Alyn Jones in front of goal. Jones with his quick feet helped the ball onto Tony Rees on the right corner of the 6 yard area unmarked. Rees hit his shot wide of the upright. The Bulldogs needed to score, however it was not to be. The half ended with the game 0-0 and Ton should have been at least 3 up.
Ton started the second half as they had ended the first, going at the UWIC defence. Then came the inevitable, a goal for the students scored in the 50th minutes. Again it was self inflicted, the defence failed to clear the ball on the edge of the penalty area and the ball fell to the feet of UWIC’s John Jones, he looked up and fired the ball into the net from 16 yards. Ellacott had no chance. It was a sucker punch and you could see the heads of the Ton players drop.
Photo: Ton players in blue closing down the ball late in the 1st half
However, the Ton players did not give up and they continued to push forward and made a few more chances, without scoring. On the hour manager Richards made 2 changes, putting Lee Mathew and ex UWIC striker Rob Blatchford on. It was the turning point of the game. Within a minute of his entry into the game Blatchford made a great run on the right and got to the goal line, he then hit a low cross into the danger area. UWIC were unable to deal with it and the ball was put into the UWIC net by their defender. Making the game to 1-1. The Ton Players, management team and the supporters breathed a big sigh when the ball hit the net.
Then once again 2 minutes later UWIC broke into the Ton penalty area, a well struck shot was going into the bottom right hand corner just inside the post. Ellacott, got down and made a top class save, he was able to palm the ball around the post for a corner. Following the goal there were three 1on 1’s with the keeper, Blatchford, Jones and Rees all missing the opportunity.
Then in the 68th minute Ton’s second and winning goal was scored. Alyn Jones made a wonderful run, he picked the ball up 25 yards out and he ghosted past 3 defenders and struck a low shot to the keepers left just inside the post. This gave Ton a well deserved lead.
Photo: Mark Crutch heading clear
The GUS properties sponsored Ton Pentre were now a side growing with confidence, they continued to play good football and dominated the game. The students were launching long ball into the Ton half of the field, the Ton defence marshalled by Ellacott dealt with them comfortably. When the final whistle blew there was a celebration by the team, they had the 3 points they deserved. However, everyone knew it could have been so different. Ton have to take their chances and put the game out of sight, if Ton had won by 3 clear goals no one would have been surprised.
The good thing is, Ton are making chances and its only a matter of time before they turn the chances into goals.
Ton’s next game is on Wednesday 23rd August against Grange Quins at Ynys Park, 7:30 kick off.
Ton Pentre: Ellacott, Crutch, Phil Clarke, Hayward, Allen, Seburn, Shugar, Harding (Mathews), Tony Rees (Plant), Dale Price (Blatchford), Alyn Jones (1 scored 68th minute). Subs: Plant, Blatchford, Mathews.
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