An absolutely stunning second half performance by Ton Pentre at Ynys Park saw the Rhondda Bulldogs beat Welsh Football League title chasers Goytre United for the first time in at least five seasons.
The result is even more remarkable as Ton looked as though they were completely out of this match after finding themselves 3-1 down at half time, but a terrific second half performance saw the Bulldogs power their way to victory.
Those who were present at Ynys Park for this match saw something truly special from Ton Pentre and are sure to talk about what they witnessed for season’s to come.
Goytre United took a third minute lead in this match when Steve Edwards failed to track Thomas Meiring inside the box as the ball was sent to the far post from a free kick on the right-hand side of the pitch. Meiring applied a solid finish giving keeper Richard Jeffries no chance of making a save.
With just 12 minutes of the match played the Bulldogs drew themselves level with the reigning champions from a free kick. From 35-yards Liam Hutchinson decided to have a pop at goal. Quite incredibly his low strike powered its way through those in front of it and completely outfoxed Chris Curtis in the Goytre goal beating him at his near post to make it 1-1.
Disappointing defending allowed Goytre to regain the lead in the 23rd minute as Phil Clarke’s sliding tackle saw Robbie Walters avoid his challenge allowing him space to cross into the box. Steve Conaty was on the end of that cross and side footed the ball into the goal scoring Goytre’s second.
Three minutes later the Goyts couldn’t believe their luck when an irrational tackle cut down a visiting attacker just inside the box. Referee Phil Thomas correctly awarded a penalty to Goytre and Walters made no mistake from the spot sending Jeffries the wrong way.
With the blow of the half time whistle Ton were destined for another Goytre United inflicted defeat, however, Manager Kevin Richards and Assistant Andrew Hughes began plotting Ton’s incredible comeback.
The pivotal moment in this match occurred in the 51st minute of play when Robbie Walters slipped away from his marker to run clean through into the box. He shot across the goal attempting to tuck the ball inside the post but the former Bryntirion Athletic hotshot missed the target sending his shot wide. Had this effort gone in the Goyt’s would have surely bagged a convincing victory. However, from this point forward the Rhondda Bulldogs never looked back.
To add extra fire power up front Chris Jones was introduced into the match replacing defender Gareth Jones, who looked to have a bothersome ankle injury. Little did Chris Jones know at this point how his entrance would make such an impact on the game.
On 55 minutes a long throw into the box by Steve Edwards was met by Gareth Wharton. His knock down landed at Phil Clarke’s feet whose sweet strike made up for earlier mistakes to make the score read 3-2 instilling belief into the Rhondda Bulldogs that they could get something from a match that they looked dead and buried in.
Just three minutes later Ton confidently drew level when Hutchinson had possession of the ball out on the left. He took a quick look at the Goytre box and with a pinpoint left foot cross picked out Chris Jones near the penalty spot. Jones connected with an outstanding header to loop the ball over Curtis on the edge of his six-yard box. As the ball dropped under the cross bar the Ynys Park faithful erupted into celebration as their team was beginning to take complete and utter control of a fixture that they looked certain to lose.
In the 74th minute Clarke provided a perfect cross for Ian Jones to run onto at the far side of the box. With his diving header he attempted to send the ball across the goal and out of Curtis’s reach but despite being unchallenged he was unable to get his shot on target as Ton hoped that they hadn’t missed their chance of taking the lead with this effort.
With the match entering the final ten minutes Ton were finally rewarded for their tireless second half endeavours when Ian Jones found himself in another good goal scoring position after latching onto a through ball from midfield. With just Curtis to beat he picked his spot well to send the home crowd into raptures with the score now at 4-3.
The atmosphere in Ynys Park went up another notch on 83 minutes when Chris Jones broke free to coolly shoot Ton’s fifth goal of the game and certify this momentous victory.
Ton Pentre’s terrific win against all odds certainly excited the fans who expressed their joy on the forums at www.tonpentreafc.com:
The Scribe writes: “What can I say? Brilliant second half performance by the boys. 3-1 down at half time I'd honestly written them off.”
Smevz writes: “Brilliant result… well done to all the lads”
Gaynor writes: “First half was causing a little concern, second half awesome. Those that came to saw an excellent game. Even the neutrals started cheering us on.”
TownGirl writes: “An excellent game and thought that Ton had blown it in the 1st half, but when Goytre's No9 missed an easy chance in the second half, Ton then came back into the game and scored some excellent goals.”
Paulyoung writes: “That was an awesome game and result last night. It is a long time since Ton beat Goytre and to do it so emphatically it gave the management, supporters and everyone connected with Ton a tremendous lift. It may be a little too early to say this, but there were glimmers last night of something special from this new look Ton side. Tremendous game and one of the best and most exciting games I have seen at Ton for a number of years.”
Ken writes: “A terrific advert for Welsh League football and credit to both sides. People can be so dismissive of this standard of football often without having sampled the product. The be all and end all seems to be a preoccupation with the English premiership to the exclusion of all else. In these troubled financial times it would perhaps make sense if some of these so called lovers of football gave the Welsh League a go, it may surprise them with its quality and passion and into the bargain standards could only improve further by virtue of any extra revenue received. These are just my thoughts as just a slight upturn in supporter base of say 25-30 people per gate per club would make such a difference to any club at this level.”
Tonvetran writes: “In all my years of watching Ton Pentre, the second half performance last night must rank up there with the best of them. After trailing 3-1 to a very strong Goytre side, the writing was on the wall at the start of the second half and with Ton playing up the slope. Credit to the entire team though for a battling second half perfomance with no shortage of skill to match the undoubted endeavour. Shows that with this group of players that have stayed loyal to the Club, "there's life in the old 'Dog yet!!".” – tonvetran
Markreynolds writes: “I still can't get my head round it, when we went 3-1 down I thought not again, and then when ton turned it around second half I thought marvellous, how the team pulled together it was like 2 different teams took to the pitch. Hopefully we can keep this winning run going as performances like that can only give the team confidence.”
Wales Internationals visit Ton Pentre
Former Welsh internationals from the world of football and rugby will be appearing at Ton Pentre AFC Social Club on Friday 27th March 2009. The sports dinner features radio and television pundits, Leighton James and Brynmor Williams, who’ll be talking about their time playing at the highest level and taking questions from the floor. The event is kindly sponsored by Alun Jones Family Law Solicitors (www.ajonesfamilylaw.com).
Match report © Ton Pentre AFC Press
