A well organised Cambrian & Clydach Vale proved themselves to be the dominant force in this Rhondda derby as they crushed Ton Pentre under the floodlights at Ynys Park with an excellent display.
The Rhondda Bulldogs were ineffective in the first half of this match and despite a rallying second half performance they were unable to deny Cambrian their first win over Ton.
Some may say that it was always going to be Cambrian’s night after they took an unanticipated lead within the first minute of the match when the ball somehow found its way into the back of the Bulldogs net when Richard Jeffries looked likely to gather it.
Throughout the first half Cambrian were looking useful and they came close to grabbing a second goal in the 17th minute of play when a cross from the left was met by Jason Bertorelli in the box. He connected well with the ball via a bicycle kick but his attempt went over the cross bar.
Dane Williams tried his luck from 30-yards out later in the half forcing Jeffries into producing a fine save by stopping the dipping shot high at the left hand corner of goal with his finger tips.
Cambrian finally made it 2-0 in the 41st minute when Bertorelli saw his effort denied by Jeffries but turned in by Williams in the six-yard box.
At half time Ton juggled their team around bringing on Andrew Hughes from the substitutes bench for Carl Thomas.
Hughes made an instant impact with his determination driving the Bulldogs forward and on 51 minutes he nearly scored a stunner when he took a first time shot from 25-yards that beat goalkeeper Jarred Howells but struck the right hand post instead of finding the net.
Nevertheless, this gave Ton hope and they got the goal that they were searching for in the 63rd minute. From a corner kick into the middle of the danger zone the ball was headed on to the far post where Steve Edwards sneaked the ball into the back of the net.
Ton’s hopes of a comeback were dashed four minutes later when Bertorelli restored some comfort space as Cambrian hit the Bulldogs on the break.
Ian Jones nearly provided Ton with a glimmer of hope when he connected to Scott Cook’s swivel and cross inside the 18-yard box. Jones got plenty of power on his header but the 76th minute effort went just wide of Howell’s goal.
Ton were dealt a huge blow during the 85th minute when Phil Clarke was red carded by the Referee on his Assistant’s advice. It would later be confirmed that Clarke was dismissed for allegedly stamping on his opponent, although it appeared as though Clarke had made a legitimate sliding tackle for the ball.
More misery was heaped on the home team when Cambrian rounded off their fine display with a fourth goal seven minutes from time.
Ton will look to put the disappointment of this derby loss behind them when they welcome Newport YMCA to Ynys Park on Saturday 21st March 2009 at 2.30pm.
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
