Ton Pentre 0 - 0 Pontardawe Town
MacWhirter Welsh Football League Division One
Wednesday 28th January 2009
A depleted Ton Pentre team turned in another excellent performance as the Bulldogs won a point against an in-form Pontardawe Town.
Despite a lack of goals this was an entertaining Welsh League match as both teams got the ball down and looked to play attractive and skilful football.
Gareth Wharton got on the end of a corner kick inside the first ten minutes to provide Ton with their first chance of a goal. He connected well with his head but the shot went just wide of Mark Snell’s left hand post.
Ton were playing very well and won several more corners but the Bulldogs were unable to get the ball in the back of the net.
On 33 minutes Ryan Shugar was booked for a foul tackle and shortly after he was sent off for receiving his second caution in the game for what the Referee deemed to be a reckless tackle.
From the resulting free kick 25 yards out from goal, Pontardawe got a shot on target but Marty Ellacott, who had been called out of retirement due to Keiran Blackburn’s impending transfer to Newport County, saved well to deny the visitors.
Ton held out until half-time but soon after the break Pontardawe looked certain to score from close range but Ellacott pulled off a wonder save low to his left to refuse the strike from settling in the net.
Within the 53rd minute Pontardawe also found themselves down to 10-men when the Referee allegedly spotted Gary Taylor attempt to kick out at an opponent.
As the half progressed Ton remained on top of this game and Chris Jones came close to giving the Bulldogs the lead but he was denied by some excellent goalkeeping as Snell rushed from his line to beat his shot down.
In the 76th minute Pontardawe broke free on a counter attack and striker Vinney Wattleworth found himself completely clear with just Ellacott to beat. The Ton keeper showed his experience by narrowing the angle forcing Wattleworth into making an audacious attempt on goal. His lobbed effort was sent over the crossbar.
Alyn Jones nearly gave Ton a late winner when he wriggled his way through the defence to go into the box where he decided to shoot low but unfortunately for the Bulldogs Snell was able to gather the ball.
Credit must be given to both teams for making this goalless match such an entertaining encounter.
Match report © Ton Pentre AFC Press
