Ton Pentre ended January with a fantastic three goal win at Gwent based Caldicot Town. Debutante Ian Jones scored a second half brace for the Rhondda Bulldogs whose goals capped off an excellent second half performance.
There wasn’t much goalmouth action in the first half of this Welsh League Division One match as Caldicot and Ton exchanged most of their blows in midfield.
It was Ton however, who stepped up the pace five minutes before half time when Alyn Jones saw his strike blocked in the 6-yard box by a home team defender and it was the same outcome for Chris Jones’ follow up shot immediately after.
At half time Ton were forced to replace an injured Shane Brewer for recent signing Liam Hutchinson. The former Cambrian midfielder put in an excellent performance as his ability to spread the play helped supply the strikers with opportunities throughout the second half.
In the first few minutes of the half Ian Jones came close to opening his Ton goal scoring account when he received the ball from Alyn Jones’ cross. He brought the ball down inside the box, swivelled and shot, but his effort went over the bar.
He didn’t have to wait long before he did find the back of the net when he connected with a ball into the box from Adam Lewis. Having been judged onside Ian Jones finished well to give the Bulldogs the lead.
Ton continued to create chances and Hutchinson came close to increasing their lead. Chris Jones did well to work the ball forward for Steve Edwards who in turn set-up Hutchinson. His strike from outside the box was hit well and looked dangerous, but James Smallcombe was able to make a save.
Hutchinson was involved again soon after when his free kick from the right found Andrew Hughes running in at the far post. He made an excellent connection with his diving header but the ball hit Smallcombe at point blank and Caldicot were able to clear the ball.
Ton made it 2-0 ten minutes from time when Chris Jones beat a defender to the ball and sent an early cross into the box where Ian Jones headed in his second of the match.
The Rhondda Bulldogs wrapped up the win in the 90th minute when Hutchinson’s corner kick was headed towards the goal by Hughes. With the ball destined for the net having beaten the keeper, Steve Edwards cheekily popped up to snatch the goal on the line just in case a Caldicot defender was able to get a boot to it and deny the goal.
The Bulldogs travel to the University of Glamorgan Playing Fields in Treforest Industrial Estate on Saturday 7th February to play against Bridgend Town, who are using the venue as their temporary home. Kick off is at 2pm.
• Following the conclusion of the Bridgend Town match on Tuesday 20th January at Ynys Park, Bulldogs Chairman Bryan Bees pointed out that history had been made after recent signing Liam Hutchinson had been handed his Ton debut by Manager Kevin Richards in the 76th minute. Liam is the third generation of the Thomas family to have represented the Rhondda Bulldogs on the playing field. His father, Carl Thomas and uncle Mark Thomas along with grandfather Roy Thomas have all graced the Ynys Park pitch.
Match report © Ton Pentre AFC Press
