Caerleon gave their hopes of Welsh League Division One survival a huge boost at Ynys Park with an industrious performance to see off a Ton Pentre that were reduced to ten men.
The Rhondda Bulldogs were the team in the ascendancy during the opening 15 minutes but they were unable to make it count.
With just over a minute of the match played Ian Jones was fouled 20 yards out from goal when a Caerleon defender took his legs from behind. Liam Hutchinson stepped up to take a lovely free kick that was on target, however, Nicky Church got across to the ball to tip it away for a corner kick.
Soon after the ball broke down the right for Caerleon and Ton were lucky not to concede when the winger sent a useful cross into the box. The striker connected well but directed the ball over Richard Jeffries’ crossbar.
In the 11th minute Andrew Hughes and Chris Jones battled for possession and linked well with each other in attack. Between them they got the ball forward to Ian Jones positioned on the edge of the 18-yard box. Jones turned into space where he unleashed a useful effort but unfortunately for the striker the ball edged over the bar.
Lacklustre defending in the 18th minute allowed Caerleon to take the lead. When a Ton move broke down the away team won the ball and played it through the centre. Ton’s Richard Jeffries was left stranded when he was lobbed as he attempted to narrow the angle.
Caerleon added a second goal in the 26th minute when a Caerleon striker managed to get one-on-one with Jeffries. The Ton goalkeeper did well to get to the player and make contact with the ball. However, the Referee felt Jeffries had not made contact with ball and he awarded a penalty to Caerleon. The visitors made the most of their luck and scored from the spot to make it 2-0.
Soon after Andrew Hughes was shown a yellow card as the frustration of the Referee’s decision spilled out.
Five minutes into the second half Hughes released Phil Clarke down the left side of the field. He sent a cross into the box that appeared to have been over hit but with the keeper beaten the ball hit the crossbar and fell to Ian Jones inside the 6-yard box. The Ton striker was unable to get the ball out from under his feet and a good goal scoring chance had passed Ton by.
In the 63rd minute a ball played low into the Caerleon box was handled by a defender on the ground stopping it from reaching its destination. Ton’s penalty appeals were turned down by the Referee and Hughes was cautioned for a second time for his protest and sent off. Adam Lewis was also booked for his protests.
Caerleon nearly grabbed a third goal in the 80th minute when Ton were caught out following an attack but the Caerleon striker missed a gaping goal when he hit the ball wide.
Gareth Wharton nearly scored a consolation goal from Steve Edwards’ 86th minute corner kick. The Ton defender rose well in the box to get a clean header which unfortunately went over.
Caerleon deserved their win although the penalty that provided the Gwent club with their second goal was a dubious decision that had a bearing on the game.
Next match: Tuesday 21st April away to Bridgend Town – Kick off 6.15pm.
Following match: Friday 24th April away at Bryntirion Athletic – Kick off 7.30pm.
Match report © Ton Pentre AFC Press
VACANCIES
At the end of this current season our Chairman, Bryan Bees and Secretary, Stuart Jones will be stepping down from their positions.
Therefore, Ton Pentre AFC are looking for an ambitious duo to fill these very important roles and to take the club forward.
We are looking for interested and capable individuals to come forward and fill the following vacancies:
Football Club Chairman
Football Club Secretary
If you are not interested in one of the above posts we also require people to step forward and offer their services to boost the Football Committee in order to make Ton Pentre AFC as strong as possible.
We need your skills, input and ideas to ensure the future of our club and build upon our already rich and distinguished history.
It doesn’t matter how small a job it is that you can do, Ton Pentre AFC needs you.
Contact via email
tonpentresec@aol.com
tonpentreafc@aol.com
bryanbees@aol.com
tonmatchmag@aol.com
Postal Addresses
Mr S Jones, 29 Lloyd Street, Gelli, Pentre, Rhondda Cynon Taf, CF41 7NQ
Ton Pentre AFC Clubhouse, Ynys Park, Llanfoist Road, Ton Pentre, Pentre, Rhondda Cynon Taf, CF41 7AF
Telephone
Bryan Bees: 01443 434860; Stuart Jones: 07772 313563; Clubhouse: 01443 432813
