The Rhondda Bulldogs managed to salvage a point at Ynys Park against relegation candidates Newport YMCA. The Gwent outfit had taken the lead during the first half but an Andrew Hughes strike levelled the match heaping more doubt onto Newport’s Division One status.
Newport were arguably the better team in the first half of this match and certainly looked the more likely to score with a lively attack line.
Possession was stolen from Ryan Morgan in the Bulldogs midfield 15 minutes into the match setting up an excellent chance for Newport YMCA to take the lead. Captain Daniel Cueto found himself one-on-one with Ton keeper Richard Jeffries but just as he looked odds on to score he scuffed his shot high and wide.
Ton were not so lucky in the next significant first half chance as good build up play saw the ball sent into the box from the left. Cueto made no mistake with this effort as he directed a stunning header into the back of Jeffries goal.
It was clear that the Bulldogs would have to play a lot better in the second half if they wanted to get something from this match.
Ton nearly pulled level with their first attack of the second half when a cross from Chris Jones on the left was met by Ian Jones who headed his shot against a defender winning a corner kick. After the ball had been whipped into the goal area Gareth Wharton had his strike desperately cleared off the line.
Moments later Newport YMCA were again forced to make some last ditch defending when Ian Jones took on defender Cortez Belle to cross into the box. Andrew Hughes connected well with the ball but his effort was denied by a defender on the line.
Ton did eventually find the back of the net in the 67th minute after winning a corner kick. Steve Edwards curled the ball into the box for Wharton to head on allowing Hughes to strike past Scott Anderson to equalise.
Both teams had chances to take the lead throughout the rest of the half but neither were able to take them. One such opportunity fell to Joe O’Brien but his shot was excellently saved by Jeffries.
In the 73rd minute Ton got the ball in the back of the net when an Edwards through ball split the defence providing Ian Jones an opening to shoot. He applied a good finish but his strike was ruled out for offside.
There was quite an eventful final five minutes to this match as Cueto nearly re-established the lead for Newport YMCA but a superb pounce through the air by Jeffries saw the keeper get across his goalmouth to gather the ball out of the air.
In the final minute of the match the Bulldogs nearly snatched a victory when a long ball fell kindly for Ian Jones to run in one-on-one with Anderson. As the Ton striker readied himself for a shot he had his heels clipped by the defender but all of Ton’s penalty appeals were waved away by the Referee.
Ton are next in action on Saturday 4th April when they travel to Bettws for a 2.30pm kick off.
Sports Dinner
Comedian Dennis Lang has been added to the bill for the Sports Dinner event with former Welsh Internationals Leighton James and Brynmor Williams for an evening of football and rugby chat.
The Sports Dinner is being held in the Clubhouse on Friday 27th March 2009.
Footballer Leighton James was capped 54 times for Wales scoring 10 goals in the process. His professional club career saw him play for Burnley, Queens Park Rangers, Derby County, Sunderland and Swansea City amongst others.
Brynmor Williams was capped three times playing rugby for Wales. He was also capped three times for the British and Irish Lions. At club level he played for Cardiff, Newport and Swansea.
Tickets for the event are available to purchase and cost £25 each or £225 for a table of 9. If you’re interested in booking a place or table please contact Darren Jones on 0777 555 8548 or via email Darren@tonpentreafc.com.
Match report © Ton Pentre AFC Press
