Unless otherwise stated all match reports relate to Division One

Saturday 11 August 2007

Ton Pentre 3 - 1 Newport YMCA

from Ton Pentre FC

Jonathan Kift, Alyn Jones and Andrew Hughes provided the goals to lead Ton Pentre towards their first win of the 2007- 2008 MacWhirter Welsh Football League Division One Season on the opening day against Newport YMCA.

The Rhondda Bulldogs started the match in a confident fashion and could have found themselves two goals up in the first five minutes. Dale Price was provided the ball in the Newport box and following a crafty turn he snatched a shot that was on its way in until Gareth Yeoman stretched to punch the ball away.

Moments later Ton Pentre forced a corner and from it the ball crashed directly against the bar and headed towards Scott Hayward. The Bulldogs defender had a clear header but the ball came quickly towards him and he headed his effort over the bar.

Ton justly took the lead in the 20^th minute when they made their hard work and pressure count. Hayward started the move with a pass to Alyn Jones who crossed from the left to pick out a run from Andrew Hughes on the far side. Hughes cleverly headed the ball back to Kift who cleanly stroked the ball into the net.

Newport YMCA equalised eight minutes later when Daniel Heath scored a scorcher from just inside the Ton half. The defender struck the ball so sweetly that he outfoxed the experienced Marty Ellacott in the Ton goals who was left scrambling to try and reach the ball that was hurtling in towards the top right hand corner of the goal.

Ton were sluggish in the second half compared to their first half display with the possession ratio levelling itself out between the two teams. It wasn’t until the 74^th minute that the Rhondda Bulldogs began to stir.

While tracking back Alyn Jones snatched possession in midfield to go on the run up the left side. With Hughes making a forward run through the middle of the park, Jones sent a cross deep into the Newport box. Hughes jumped to head the ball after getting in front of his marker but painstakingly failed to connect.

Ton did take the lead five minutes later when from an under hit back pass Ton’s Jones was alert and ran onto the ball to take it around the goalkeeper for an easy finish.

Following this Newport put Ton under some substantial pressure but they refused to yield and went on to put the match beyond doubt in the 90^th minute when Kift knocked the ball over the top of the defence for Hughes’s tireless run. The Bulldogs midfielder beat the keeper to the ball and bravely scored Ton’s third goal of the match.

Ton Pentre travel to ENTO Aberaman Athletic on Wednesday 15^th August, who beat Garw 10-0 on the opening day of the season. The match kicks off at 6.30pm. The Bulldogs are on the road again the following Saturday, 18^th August, at Bryntirion Athletic. Kick off here is 2.30pm.

Team: 1.Marty Ellacott (Captain); 2.Ryan Shugar (12. Richard Carter, 69mins); 3.Christian Orchard (15.Nicky Hooper, 69mins); 4.Mark Crutch; 5.Scott Hayward; 6.Andrew Hughes; 7.Dale Price (17.Dane Williams, 86); 8.Lee Matthews; 9.Alyn Jones; 10.Ryan Morgan; 11.Jonathan Kift.

Subs not used: 14.Phil Clarke; 16.Phil Allen.

Goals: Kift 20mins; Jones 79mins; Hughes 90mins.

Booked: Hayward 40mins.

Saturday 4 August 2007

Ton Pentre 1 - 3 Merthyr Tydfil

Friendly Match

The Rhondda Bulldogs struggled in their encounter with a Merthyr Tydfil team managed by former Ton Pentre striker Garry Shephard. The Martyrs were dominant, well organised and looked the sharper team at Ynys Park.

This sharpness saw them take an early two goal lead within the first ten minutes of the match. Their first saw them score when Stephen Hall, deputising for the unavailable Marty Ellacott, was indecisively caught off his goal line by Craig Steins.

Merthyr’s second was the result of good team work when they easily dismantled the Ton Pentre defence for an easy score with player/manager Garry Shephard netting the goal.

It could and probably should have got worse for Ton Pentre when in the 21^st minute Merthyr were unlucky not to score. Hall made a superb initial save for Ton with a brave block but was unable to keep the ball in his hands. The Martyrs had several opportunities to hit the back of the net but each strike was denied by a Bulldogs player on the line in the right place at the right time. Merthyr eventually hit the ball high over the bar.

As the half progressed Ton were able to create a few goalscoring opportunities but were misfiring with their shots. In the 29^th minute Jamie Michaels was released on the left but unfortunately he struck his effort wide of the left hand post.

Merthyr started the second half like the first when after just four minutes of the re-start they forced Hall into making a double point blank save.

Moments later Ton’s visitors did find the back of the net again when the Merthyr attackers linked well with Mike Jones giving Hall no chance of making a save.

Ton Pentre did get on the scoresheet but had to wait until the 74^th minute to do so. Andy Mainwaring was bearing down on goal when a Merthyr defender clipped his legs for a cynical foul to deny the Ton forward an opportunity to score. From the resulting free kick outside the box, Jamie Michaels curled in a fantastic shot leaving the Merthyr goalkeeper to dive in vain.

The goal was to be nothing more than a consolation as Merthyr remained strong enough to curtail any ideas of a Ton Pentre comeback.

The Bulldogs play their final pre-season friendly on Tuesday 7^th August 2007 away to Pontyclun of Welsh Football League Division Two. The kick off for this match is 6.30pm.

Ton Pentre’s season starts with a tricky opener against Newport YMCA on Saturday 11^th August at Ynys Park. This game kicks off at 2.30pm. Following this the Bulldogs are away to hotly tipped ENTO Aberaman Athletic on Wednesday 15^th August at 6.30pm.

Season tickets are available for the 2007/08 Welsh Football League Campaign and are priced as follows: Adults - £50.00 (saving you £18.00); Juniors / Senior Citizens / Students (with a student union card) - £25.00 (saving you £9). Please visit www.tonpentreafc.com for more details or email bryanbees@aol.com to order yours.

Thursday 2 August 2007

Ton Pentre 8 - 1 Rhydyfelin

Friendly Match

This hastily arranged home match in place of the cancelled Ely Rangers friendly provided Ton Pentre with their first pre-season victory. The Rhondda Bulldogs were dominant throughout this match against South Wales Amateur League team Rhydyfelin. Despite the score line the amateur team were a credit to themselves by never giving up and attempting to play attractive football against their superior Welsh League hosts.

Rhydyfelin held out for 16 minutes before former Merthyr Tydfil player Dane Williams fired home following consistent Ton Pentre pressure.

The Bulldogs grabbed their second goal in the 28^th minute after Alyn Jones snatched possession from a Rhydyfelin midfielder to play the ball through for Dale Price. The Ton Pentre dynamo struck from outside the box for a sublime finish.

Goal scorers Williams and Price were involved in setting up the third goal when they beat the defence to square the ball to Jonathan Kift who was left with a simple finish past the visiting goalkeeper in the 41^st minute.

Ton increased their lead further in first half injury time when Lee Matthews ran on to a through pass from Price to thump the ball over the Rhydyfelin keeper who was positioned off his line while attempting to narrow the angle.

The Rhondda Bulldogs were quick to score in the second half when after four minutes Ryan Shugars finished well with a header after connecting to Alyn Jones’ cross.

Price made it 6-0 two minutes later after he shimmied his way through the defence to place the ball in the back of the net to complete an excellent individual effort.

Rhydyfelin had something to cheer about in the 64^th minute when they grabbed a consolation goal through big centre forward Jason Jones who smashed the ball past Marty Ellacott with real venom.

Ton Pentre added two more goals to their tally before the end of the game. The seventh of the match was scored by former TNS academy player Scott Jones, who came off the bench to put in a skilful display. He linked up with the impressive Richard Carter who crossed from the right for Jones to fire his shot high into the net.

Jamie Michaels scored Ton’s eighth when he persevered to create himself a goalscoring opportunity that he did not waste. This capped off a fine Ton Pentre display with some encouraging performances from both new and old players in the squad.

Tuesday 31 July 2007

Barry Town 2 -2 Ton Pentre

Friendly Match

Ton Pentre were left still searching for their first pre-season victory after a Phil Allen own goal within the last ten minutes of the match saw Barry Town draw level.

The Dragons had three former Ton Pentre players in their starting eleven with Gareth Picknell, Rob Blatchford and Jamie Bradford all taking part. If Barry Town can hold onto players of this calibre they may very well feel that they can challenge for promotion in the coming season to get themselves out of division two of the Welsh League.

Meanwhile the Rhondda Bulldogs welcomed back Alyn Jones and Ryan Shugars into the team after both players were unavailable for the defeat against Cinderford Town. Also taking part in the match for Ton was former QPR and Cardiff City professional Leon Jeanne, who impressed after being brought on as a second half substitute.

Ton Pentre were quite fluid in this match playing some lovely football. There was the odd blunder but Kevin Richards and his assistant Mark Evans will look to iron these mistakes out before the start of the 2007/08 campaign.

The Rhondda Bulldogs could have taken the lead in the 15^th minute when following a foul tackle in the box, the referee awarded Ton a penalty. Jonathan Kift stepped up to strike from the spot but sent his kick over the crossbar.

Following this Barry Town grew in confidence and Jamie Bradford rode three Ton challenges to set up a fellow team-mate who put the ball through Marty Ellacott’s legs and into the goal on 32 minutes.

The lead was short lived as Ton drew level five minutes later when Kift made up for his penalty miss by scoring a goal after some lovely build up play from Dane Williams and Alyn Jones.

Barry should have regained the lead almost immediately after this when Blatchford found himself in the box with just Ellacott to beat, however, he blazed his shot high over the bar.

Ton Pentre worked the ball down to the other end of the pitch and Kift scored his second goal of the match to give the Bulldogs the lead. His finish for this goal was sublime as from wide on the right of the box he neatly lobbed the Barry keeper.

Ton remained the more dominant team in the second half but Barry Town were given a 70^th minute chance to draw level when they were awarded a penalty after a mistimed tackle in the Ton box. Marty Ellacott dived to his left and pushed the ball away out to the edge of the box where it was cleared from danger.

From here it looked as though Ton would go on to win the match as they appeared reasonably comfortable, however, during the 81^st minute of play Phil Allen, while attempting to clear the ball up field from inside the box, sliced his clearance into the back of the net.

Despite not getting the win Ton Pentre should feel quite happy following this performance and will now look to their next pre-season friendly against Merthyr Tydfil on Saturday 4^th August 2007.

Saturday 28 July 2007

Ton Pentre 1 - 3 Cinderford Town

Friendly Match

Ton Pentre began their preparation for the new season at Ynys Park against British Gas Business Football League outfit, Cinderford Town. The visitors from Gloucestershire were sharper than the Rhondda Bulldogs, having already played several pre-season friendly matches.

This sharpness was evident in the opening exchanges between the two teams when after just three minutes of play Tim Haddock easily broke through the Ton Pentre defence to shoot across goal and into the inside of the far post.

Cinderford doubled their lead ten minutes later when Jimmy Cox breached the Bulldogs defence a little too easily to put the ball past the helpless Marty Ellacott in the Ton Pentre goals.

It took Ton Pentre 20 minutes before creating anything worthwhile in front of goal when after an initial shot the Cinderford goalkeeper made a fine save but parried the ball into the path of Andrew Mainwaring. His point blank shot unluckily for Ton hit the Cinderford keeper who was still on the ground following his initial save. A goal here could very well have seen Ton Pentre get themselves back in the match.

The Rhondda Bulldogs were made to pay for that missed effort when rusty defending allowed Cinderford a clear chance on goal for Richard Kear to make the score 3-0 at half time.

Ton manager Kevin Richards made several changes at half time to give his large squad a run out. One of the players brought onto the field of play was Steven Conaty who put in an impressive and dedicated display.

Within the first five minutes of the second half Conaty broke free into the opponents box but just as the busy midfielder was about to take a shot a defender managed to get a block in and clear his lines.

Cinderford created several more opportunities to score but were denied by the post, crossbar or Ellacott.

In the 66^th minute Conaty again found himself clear of the Cinderford defence but while running diagonally into the box at full pace he was unable to get any accuracy on his shot and sent it wide of the far post.

Ton Pentre did find the back of the net however, but when they did it was a little too late for any real chance of a comeback. The goal was scored in the 82^nd minute when Andrew Mainwaring was questionably ruled onside by the referee’s assistant to square a pass to Jonathan Kift who cleanly finished making it 3-1.

Despite the result Kevin Richards will be happy that Ton Pentre received a very useful workout against Cinderford Town while also providing him with an opportunity to take a look at the Rhondda Bulldogs potential new signings for the forthcoming Welsh League campaign.

Up next for Ton Pentre is an away friendly against Welsh League Division Two side Barry Town at the Llanrumney Playing Fields in Cardiff on Tuesday 31^st July 2007. This match kicks off at 6.00pm.

The Rhondda Bulldogs then travel to face Ely Rangers on Thursday 2^nd August with this game kicking off at 6.30pm.

On Saturday 4^th August Merthyr Tydfil visit Ynys Park for what should be a very interesting encounter at 2.30pm.

Saturday 24 March 2007

Ton Pentre 0 - 0 Pontypridd Town

FOR the second time this season Ton Pentre and Pontypridd Town fought out a goal-less stalemate with both teams’ quality cancelling each other out.

In front of a good crowd at Ynys Park both teams battled to find a break through but neither were able to find the back of the net despite some very good chances falling to both teams.

This was a must win game for Ton Pentre and the draw realistically rules the Bulldogs out of the title race. The result also saw Pontypridd slip into second place as Neath Athletic’s 7-0 win over Barry Town allowed them to regain the top spot.

The Rhondda Bulldogs had their chances to score in this game and one of the best opportunities arose in the 25th minute of play when following a good passage of football Ryan Shugar passed the ball through to Andy Mainwaring in space. The Ton forward twisted and took a quick shot at goal but the ball edged past the left-hand post.

Despite having a considerable amount of the possession in the first half Pontypridd were unable to create any clear-cut chances, however, the second half did provide a few scares for Ton Pentre.

Just six minutes of the second half had been played when a cross-field pass was sent to a Pontypridd player on the far side of the Ton box. The player connected with the ball but sent it over Marty Ellacott’s crossbar much to Ton’s relief.

A 63rd minute pass from Dale Price to Jamie Michaels allowed the latter to cross the ball for Mainwaring who, with the outside of his boot, guided the ball towards goal but saw it loop over the cross bar.

Ton Pentre survived another scare in the 72nd minute when Pontypridd crossed a low ball from the right but they didn’t have anyone positioned to connect with it at the far post and the ball rolled away for a goal kick.

Five minutes later Price was presented with the best chance of the game to score. The player was judged to be onside when the ball was played through into his path, despite the calls for offside from the Pontypridd defence. Price had two options open to him, either shoot or square the ball for Kristian Orchard who was making a run on the other side of the box. Price appeared to be caught in two minds and when he did shoot the ball deflected wide for a corner instead of ending up in the back of the net.

With time running out Price was involved in a move once again as he played a through ball for Dwayne Mardenborough who looked to place a shot past the Pontypridd goalkeeper but was thwarted by a brave save from which the goalkeeper was injured and had to receive treatment.

In injury time Chris Summers should have secured all three points for Pontypridd as he found himself unchallenged in the box with only Marty Ellacott to beat. However, Ellacott got just enough on the ball at Summers feet to send the striker wide and hit his shot into the side netting.

The Rhondda Bulldogs visit Croesyceiliog for their next match on Saturday 31 March at 2.30pm. Following that Ton play host to Dinas Powys on Wednesday 4 April at 7.30pm.

An Extraordinary General Meeting has been arranged for Thursday 5th April in the Ton Pentre AFC Clubhouse at 7.30pm where the future of Ton Pentre will be discussed in an open forum.

Ton Pentre Match Facts

Team: 1. Marty Ellacott (Captain), 2. Mark Crutch, 3. Alyn Jones, 4. Paul Evans, 5. Scott Hayward, 6. Lee Matthews, 7. Ryan Shugar, 8. Jamie Bradford, 9. Jamie Michaels, 10. Dale Price, 11. Andy Mainwaring.

Substitutes: 12. Ryan Jenkins (Mainwaring, 66), 14. Dwayne Mardenborough (Jones, 78), 15. Kristian Orchard (Bradford, 73)

Goals: None

Cautions: None

Red Cards: None

Wednesday 21February 2007

Ton Pentre 1 - 1 Goytre United

Despite the terrible conditions both Ton Pentre and Goytre United were credits to the MacWhirter Welsh Football League as they played excellent football with good skill and commitment on a difficult surface at Ynys Park for this mid-week clash.

The spoils were shared and the result accurately reflects both teams’ performances, although Ton Pentre may feel that they missed an excellent opportunity for three vital league points following a second half penalty miss.

In the first half-hour of this tantalizing encounter the action was shared evenly between the two title rivals. Reigning champions Goytre United forced Ton Pentre to frantically clear the ball from their own goal line and a sustained amount of pressure in the Goytre half culminated in good move between Dale Price and Ryan Jenkins.

Price had battled hard to win and maintain possession and with the help of fellow team-mate Jenkins forced Goytre into conceding a series of corners. Each ball into the box from the corners heaped tension on the visitor’s defence forcing two desperate clearances from danger.

The Rhondda Bulldogs made their pressure count in the 33^rd minute when Steven Conaty saw an opportunity to strike at the target from 25 yards. His shot deflected off a Goytre defender and Chris Curtis was unable to stop the ball from crossing his goal line.

Goytre lifted themselves from the disappointment of conceding by coming close a few minutes later from a free kick on the edge of the Ton box. The deftly hit strike was matched by Marty Ellacott’s splendid save to palm the ball around the post for a corner.

Ton were unable to effectively clear their lines from this corner and were punished by a goal scored by the prolific Welsh League goal scorer, Richard Ryan, who nestled the ball in the bottom left hand corner of the Ton net.

In first half injury time Ton Pentre should have reclaimed the lead when Jenkins offloaded the ball into Ryan Shugar’s path. He struck his effort straight at Curtis who could only parry the ball back to the midfielder’s feet but Shugar’s second attempt was booted away by defender in the six-yard box.

Ton Pentre were presented with another excellent chance of regaining the lead when early second half pressure resulted in a penalty being awarded by the referee when not one, but two defenders attempted to hack Dale Price down in the box with the second attempt making complete contact.

The referee had to pace out 12-yards from the goal line to find the penalty spot due to the bad conditions as Jenkins stepped up hoping to add a sixth goal to his season's tally. The Ton forward hit a poor penalty shot that was easily saved by Curtis much to Goytre’s relief.

The action continued to go end-to-end with the game looking very open.

Good work from Jamie Michaels on the wing saw him able to cross the ball into the Goytre penalty area. Kristian Orchard lightly headed the ball down into Price’s stride for a shot but the Ton favourite couldn’t get enough contact on the ball due to a defender’s challenge from behind.

The ball was sent down the other end of the pitch where Ellacott was once again called into action to produce a good save by diving low and smothering a shot from a Goytre striker.

The match ended in a draw which will certainly please fellow title challengers Neath Athletic and Pontypridd Town, however, there is a long way to go and both Ton and Goytre certainly feel they can still achieve this season.

Next match for Ton Pentre is a re-arranged home tie on Wednesday 28 February 2007 at 7.30pm against Pontardawe Town as the last time the two teams met the match was abandoned at half time due to a waterlogged pitch.

Following that Ton travel to Tudor Park for a tough test against Maesteg Park Athletic on Saturday 3 March 2007 at 2pm.

Ton Pentre Match Facts

Team: 1. Marty Ellacott (Captain), 2. Mark Crutch, 3. Kristian Orchard, 4. Scott Hayward, 5. Paul Evans, 6. Lee Matthews, 7. Ryan Shugar, 8. Steven Conaty, 9. Ryan Jenkins, 10. Dale Price, 11. Jamie Michaels. Subs: 12. Raith Plant (Jenkins, 72), 14. Dwayne Mardenborough (Shugar, 80), 15. Phil Clarke (Orchard, 72).

Goal: Conaty, 33.

Cautions: Evans, 15; Hayward, 83.

Saturday 17 February 2007

Ton Pentre 1 - 0 Bryntirion Athletic

The Bulldogs went to the “Orchard” to get a last minute goal that gave Ton Pentre the three points at Ynys Park. Substitute Kristian Orchard scored the winning goal in the 89^th minute, his eighth goal of the season.

It was a lack-luster performance by Ton Pentre in the first 75 minutes, with the visitors having the better of the first half, they worked not allowing Ton any time on the ball and could have taken the lead in the 26^th minute when their striker Jon Cuss got the ball into the net, the “goal” did not stand as he was adjudged to be offside. Bryntirion were denied again in the 35^th, when a shot went straight into the arms of the dependable Marty Ellacott in the Ton goal.

Ton did not have any decent shot at goal in the first session and in the 44^th created a good opportunity when a great run by Clarke down the Ton left found Raith Plant in the box, Plant was unable to get the ball from under his feet to get a shot in on goal. The half finished no score to the relief of the Ton supporters.

Within a minute of the restart the visitors nearly scored, when a shot from Lee Vick went just passed the Ton post. This was a let off for the Merlin Sports sponsored outfit. The home side did start to get into the game in the last half hour as Bryntirion started to tire. A Crutch header scrambled clear by the visitors and this started the Ton improvement.

With 25 minutes to go, Ton started to ring the changes, when defender Gareth Picknell was replaced by attacking midfielder Ryan Shugar. Four minutes later Kristian Orchard replaced the tricky wingback Phil Clarke and then a minute later the third change was made when top scorer Alyn Jones (11 goals) replaced Raith Plant. This signaled the Bulldogs intentions of going for the three points.

It was as though the last 20 minutes was the start of the game for Ton! They played better football and passed the ball around the field. As old Greavsy says “football is a funny old game”. Ton were getting in behind the Bryntirion defence with Price and Michaels prominent at this time. Then with five minutes to go the pressure mounted on the visitors when they were again forced to clear off their line from a shot by Dale Price. Conaty also forced Ross Nash in the Bryntirion goal to save a minute later.

Then with one minute to go of the 90 came a cruel blow to Bryntirion, when Orchard scored the winner. It came from a break down the Ton left, Michaels went outside the defender and put over a great cross to the far post, Nash in the Bryntirion goal palmed the ball backwards, it was sent back into the danger area and the ball was shot goalwards, where it was scrambled clear to Conaty at the edge of the area he got another shot on goal and the half clearance fell to Orchard who forced the ball home, much to the relief of the Ton Players and supporters.

The referee played an additional five minutes and Bryntirion tried to get the equaliser. However, Ton did not look like conceding. This was a game Ton won in the last 20 minutes, it was a cruel blow to Bryntirion who deserved something from the game, however it's Ton who got the points.

Although the Rhondda Bulldogs did not play too well they dug in and fought to get the points whilst keeping a clean sheet. This keeps them in third place with a lot of points to be played for.

This week Ton play Goytre at Ynys Park on Wednesday 21^st, 7:30 and then on the 28^th they entertain Pontardawe again a 7:30 kick off.

Ton Pentre: 1. Marty Ellacott, 2.Mark Crutch, 3. Gareth Picknell, 4.Paul Evans, 5. Scott Hayward, 6. Jamie Michael, 7. Raith Plant, 8. Steve Conaty, 9. Ryan Jenkins, 10. Dale Price, 11. Phil Clarke. Subs: 12. Kristian Orchard (89), 14. Ryan Shugar, 15. Alyn Jones.

Saturday 27 January 2007

Ton Pentre 4 - 1 Caerleon

Ton Pentre made eight changes from the 14 that played against Pontypridd mid week, resting key players for the Welsh Cup tie against Port Talbot the following week. It was a high risk strategy that paid off when the Rhondda Bulldogs sponsored by Merlin Sports of Pontypridd won the game and bagged all the points. The score line flattered Ton and the Caerleon side did not deserve to lose by such a big margin.

Caerleon opened up the scoring in the 16th minute against the run of play. Ton had dominated the first 15 minutes and on their first attack Caerleon scored a disputed goal. The ball was played into the Ton area and it was half cleared, when Crutch Ton’s defender headed back goalwards, Cearleon’s striker headed the ball over Ton keeper Ellacott, although in an offside position the referee deemed the ball had been headed back by a Ton player the goal would count.

This gave Caerleon a lift and they had more possession and attacked the home side, with Ton unable to get any momentum into their game. Then on the 36th minute Caerleon went down to 10 men.

Ton did not use the extra man to any effect as Caerleon were still battling and working to get people behind the ball. However the Ton equaliser came just before half time, when Ryan Jenkins scored from a retaken penalty. The half finished 1-1.

Pictured (left) Dwayne Mardenborough rounds the keeper to score Ton's fourth goal, and (right) Lee Mathews challenges in the air.

Whatever was said in the changing room at half time must have been what was required, as the Bulldogs started the brighter and used the extra man to good effect. The half was only seven minutes old when Ton took the lead. What a goal it was, tremendous build up play through midfield created the chance for Jamie Bradford, Conaty ran at the Caerleon defence and slid a pass into the path of Bradford who chipped the ball into the net over the onrushing keeper.

On the hour Blatchford was replaced by Plant. And five minutes later new singing Nicky Jones replaced Orchard. Ton were now in total control and were bossing the game. With a number of chances being created, with Jenkins and Rees unable to convert them. The third substitute was used with 15 minutes to go, Dwayne Mardenborough replaced Tony Rees up front.

With 10 minutes to go Ton lost concentration and allowed Caerleon to get back into the game. Caerleon had four good chances to equalise and squandered them all. If they had taken one of them it would have been a desperate end to the game for the home side. As we know football “is a funny old game”. When Ton against the run of play scored two goals in the dying minutes. Jenkins got onto the end of a keeper's error when he spilled a shot from Conaty, Jenkins reacted quickest and slotted the ball home to bag a brace for the day. Then in stoppage time super sub Mardenborough chased down what looked like a lost cause to get to the ball before the keeper, Mardenborough took the ball past him and slotted the ball home at the near post, giving Ton a 4-1 win.

The risk had paid off, the Merlin sponsored side achieved the win and rested a number of their players for their Welsh Cup tie against Port Talbot.

This cup game is going to be a tough game for the Bulldogs with Port Talbot a Welsh Premier side in fine form at the moment. If Ton can go there with a full squad and they play at their very best the Rhondda outfit may cause an upset, although all the good money is on the Welsh Premier outfit,

Next game Saturday 3 February 2007, Port Talbot away, Welsh Cup 2:30 kick off.

Ton Pentre: 1. Marty Ellacott, 2. Mark Crutch, 3. Kristian Orchard (64th Nicky Jones), 4. Paul Evans, 5. Gareth Picknell, 6. Lee Mathews, 7. Jamie Blatchford (60th Raith Plant), 8. Steve Conaty, 9. Ryan Jenkins (2), 10. Jamie Bradford (1), 11. Tony Rees (75th Mardenborough), Subs: 12. Dwayne Mardenborough (1), 14. Raith Plant, 15. Nicky Jones.

Saturday 9 December 2006

Newport YMCA 2 - 3 Ton Pentre

Ton Pentre won the points in a game to be forgotten. Newport were prepared to play a long ball game to their very tall striker and too may Ton players had an off day.

There were five changes in the Rhondda bulldogs 14 from the game against Ely, with the return of the very experienced Ian French included in the starting 11, he was played to counteract the threat of Sommers the 6 foot 7 inch Newport striker. From the kick off the game was very physical and Newport were intent on launching high balls forward from all aspects of play. The Ton defence on the whole coped well.

It took 20 minutes before Ton made the keeper save, Clarke broke out of defence and forced James in the Newport goal to save with his feet. Two minutes later Rees volleyed a shot goalwards, again the YMCA keeper was good enough to make a save.

Ton took the lead in the 26th minute, a free kick on the Ton right was headed on by Jamie Michaels, the ball fell to defender Scott Hayward who calmly side footed the ball home. Within five minutes Newport had two good shots at goal, with Sommers shooting across the goal.

Marty Ellacott kept the Merlin Sponsored Ton Pentre in the game five minutes before half time, a shot was hit fiercely low and to his right, Ellacott dived and got his hand to the ball and saved what looked like a certain goal. Three minutes later Ton extended their lead, it was the best move of the match that created the goal. The ball was played down the right to Dale Price, who with slide rule precision got the ball to Michaels, he beat two defenders and who hit his shot against the post, Tony Rees followed up and put the ball into the net. With half time only a couple of minutes away Ton could have gone further ahead, when top scorer Alyn Jones was one on one with the keeper, Jones’ shot was saved by the Newport James. This was the last real effort of the half, Ton going in 2-0 up.

Within twp minutes of the restart Ton had to make a change, injured Jones was replaced by Plant. The opening period saw the home side putting Ton under great pressure, with Newport having the better of the play, the Bulldogs were not able to play their normal passing game. Newport got their reward in the 73rd minute when Aaron Stewart scored, Ton failed to clear the ball and Stewart took his chance to make the game 1-2.

Ton made another change following the goal, Orchard replaced Mathews who had again covered every part of the pitch. Newport were now very much in the game and were chasing the equaliser. With 15 minutes to go the third substitute was used by Ton, Jamie Bradford replaced Rees.

In the 80th minute super sub, Orchard scored his seventh goal of the season, Michaels got in behind the Newport defence, Orchard was screaming for the ball across the area, Michaels delivered a great pass to Orchard who volleyed the ball home. This restored their two goal lead.

With six minutes to go Newport went down to 10 men, when their substitute was shown a red card after a fracas where about 10 players were involved. A couple of minutes later Sommers scored Newport’s second and final goal, again a mistake allowed Newport to get the ball to Sommers who took his chance.

The game ended 3-2 to Ton Pentre, this was another inept performance by Ton, too many players had off days. It is fortunate Marty Ellacott is in such good form, he certainly kept the Bulldogs in this game!

Every player will have to at their best for the next two games against Neath and Afan Lido, Neath are top of the league and are in superb form and will be looking to help knock the bulldogs back down the league. Then on the 19th, Ton entertain Afan Lido at Ynys Park, another side who are flying at the moment.

There have been a few changes to the Ton Fixture list over the next few weeks:-

Saturday 16th December, Neath Ath, Away, 2:00;

Tuesday 19th December, Afan Lido, Home, 7:30.

Ton Pentre: 1. Marty Ellacott, 2. Mark Crutch, 3. Phil Clarke, 4. Scott Hayward (1), 5. Ian French, 6. Lee Mathews (Jamie Bradford), 7. Jamie Michaels, 8. Steve Conaty, 9. Tony Rees (1) (Kristian Orchard), 10. Dale Price, 11. Alyn Jones (Raith Plant). Subs: 12. Kristian Orchard (1), 14. Raith Plant, 15. Jamie Bradford.

Saturday 2 December 2006

Ton Pentre 3 - 2 Ely Rangers

A tremendous second half fight back saw Ton Pentre snatch a win from the jaws of defeat. Ely went into half time with a 2-0 lead. Whatever was said at half time in the Merlin sponsored home sides dressing room did the trick.

The game was played in very difficult conditions, the field was very heavy and the game started with a torrential downpour followed by hail. However, the home side settled quickly and took the game to Ely. And it was Ton who had the ball in the net early on, when a ball from Alyn Jones was flicked into the Ely net by Dwayne Mardenborough, however Mardenborough was offside.

In the 21st minute the visitors made a quick break and they played their way into the Ton area, the move was only stopped when an Ely player was brought down by a Ton defender, the referee awarded a penalty. Ely’s Graham Cummings took the spot kick, he struck the ball low to his right, the ball went in off the post, giving Ely a 1-0 lead. Marty Ellacott had no chance in the Ton goal.

This goal gave the visitors a lift, a minute later Ellacott was called into action when Ely’s Matthew Trottman forced Ellacott to pull of a wonderful save. Then in the 26th minute Ely went 2-0 up. Ely were awarded a free kick 22 yards out to left of the Ton goal. Trottman took the kick and he struck a powerful shot to the right of Ellacott, the ball was in the net before the Ton keeper could move.

The Ely side were now brimming with confidence and were dominant for the rest of the half and in fairness they did not try and defend the lead, they played a high defensive line and tried to get another goal. However, the Rhondda Bulldogs kept the game to 2-0 at half time. Ely’s open play was possibly their down fall in the second half!

Pictured above are Ton's Dwayne Mardenborough (left) and Alyn Jones (right)

At half time Ton made two changes when Phil Clarke and Gareth Picknell replaced Rob Blatchford and Phil Allen, from the start of the half, Ton took the game to Ely and pressed them back into their half, Alyn Jones was unlucky when his shot hit the crossbar and went over, this was followed by a good effort by Dale Price.

The last throw of the dice took place in the 65th minute when Ton made their third substitution Raith Plant replaced the hard working Dwayne Mardenborough. The change had an immediate effect on the game and started an eight minute purple patch for the GUS properties sponsored outfit.

Plant was involved straightaway he took the ball in behind the Ely defence on the right and slipped the ball to Jones, he beat three players and squared the ball to Price who hit an unstoppable shot to score Ton’s opener. This gave the home side a lifeline and within two minutes Jones again hit the crossbar.

Plant was again involved in the 71st minute when he took the ball into the Ely penalty area and was brought down, the referee awarded a penalty to the home side. Ton’s top scorer Alyn Jones stepped up and converted the spot kick to make the game all square at 2-2. This was Jones’ 11th goal of the season, the same number as he scored last season to win the top goal scorer.

Within two minutes Ton took the lead, when a wonderful strike from Phil Clarke proved to be the winning goal, he cut into the penalty area on the corner a hit a curling strike around the Hart in the Ely goal. The Ton players surrounded Clarke and the relief could be felt around Ynys Park.

It could have been better a few minutes later when Plant side footed the ball towards the goal, it looked like a fourth for Ton, however Hart in the Ely goal made a great save diving low to his left.

Ely did not give in and they pushed forward to try and get the equaliser, from a corner Ellacott made a desperate save at his front post to maintain the 3-2 lead.

When the final whistle blew there was a big cheer of relief around the ground, Ton got the three points and stay in fourth place. The Rhondda Bulldogs are going to have to play a lot better in future games to get the points, other sides are not going to let slip two goal leads.

There have been a few changes to the Ton Fixture list over the next few weeks:-

Saturday 9th December, Newport YMCA, Away, 2:00;

Saturday 16th December, Neath Ath, Away, 2:00;

Tuesday 19th December, Afan Lido, Home, 7:30.

Ton Pentre: 1. Marty Ellacott, 2. Mark Crutch, 3. Phil Allen (Gareth Picknell), 4. Scott Hayward, 5. Jamie Michaels, 6. Lee Mathews, 7. Ryan Shugar, 8. Rob Blatchford (Phil Clarke), 9. Dwayne Mardenborough (Raith Plant), 10. Dale Price (1), 11. Alyn Jones (1). Subs: 12. Raith Plant, 14. Gareth Picknell, 15. Phil Clarke (1).

Saturday 18 November 2006

Ton Pentre 0 - 1 Croesyceiliog

Ton Pentre’s winning run came to an end when a first minute penalty was enough for the visitors to take all three points at a wet Ynys Park. A great display by O’Hagan in the Croesyceiliog goal helped keep a lacklustre Rhondda bulldogs scoreless.

The visitors opened the scoring in the first minute when Croesyceiliog made a break down the right, they crossed the ball into the penalty area where Ton’s Phil Allen handled the ball and the referee awarded a penalty. Only 45 seconds had been played. Chris Watkins stepped up and slotted the ball past Marty Ellacott in the Ton goal. This proved to be the winning goal.

Two minutes later Ton did get the ball into the net, the “goal” was ruled out for offside, this was the story of the game. Ton were caught offside more in this game than all the games played this season.

The first half saw Ton taking the game to the visitors, however there was no penetration and the Merlin Sports of Pontyprodd sponsored side were unable to break down a very well organised defence.

At half time Ton made a change when Dwayne Mardenborough replaced Kristian Orchard. Within two minutes of the restart Mardenborough was in on goal and O’Hagan pulled off the first of three great saves in the half.

Ton were dominating the possession and the game without any clear chances. The Bulldogs were being caught offside continually and this was frustrating the Ton faithful. The second Ton substitute was used on the hour when Lee Mathews was replaced by Jamie Bradford. And five minutes later Ton used their last substitute when striker Rob Blatchford replaced centre back Allen. Ton were now playing with four strikers and really pushing for the equalizer. The pressure was building on the visitors, with Ton winning a number of corners and free kicks but somehow the visitors were getting ball cleared.

Mardenborough was unlucky when he had a shot cleared off the line, Croesyceiliog scrambled a couple of goal bound shots away to safety. However, the visitors were still hitting the long ball into the Ton half and they had a number of free kicks and corners, outstanding in the heart of the Ton defence was Mark Crutch, he did everything he had to do. Croesyceiliog did get one shot on goal and Marty Ellacott was equal to it.

On 75 minutes Croesyceiliog went down to ten men when Chris Pritchard was shown his second yellow card for foul play, the visitors did not have to change their formation as they had played with ten men behind the ball for most of the game.

O’Hagan made two superb saves in the last 15 minutes, the first from Dale Price, who struck his shot to the left O’Hagan, he got a hand to it and parried it around for a corner. Then in the dieing minutes Crutch got on the end of a ball from a Ton Corner and again fired the ball goal wards, it looked a goal all the way and the equaliser Ton probably deserved, O’Hagan had other ideas and again pulled off another wonderful save. The game ended with Ton camped in the opposition half. When the referee finally blew up a delighted Croesyceiliog celebrated their hard win.

This was a game Ton needed to win to maintain their challenge at the top of the table, however it was not to be.

Next week they travel to an improving Newport YMCA 2:00 kick off, let’s hope they can get back to winning ways!

Ton Pentre: 1. Marty Ellacott, 2. Mark Crutch , 3. Kristian Orchard (Dwayne Mardenborough), 4. Scott Hayward, 5. Phil Allen (Rob Blatchford), 6. Lee Mathews (Jamie Bradford), 7. Ryan Shugar, 8. Steve Conaty, 9. Raith Plant, 10. Dale Price, 11. Alyn Jones. Subs: 12. Rob Blatchford, 14. Jamie Bradford, 15. Dwayne Mardenborough.

Saturday 11 November 2006

Barry Town 0 - 3 Ton Pentre

Ton Pentre continued their great run with an emphatic win against lowly Barry Town at Jenner Park, with goals from top scorer Alyn Jones, Kristian Orchard and substitute Dale Price. This win took Ton up to second in the league three points behind Aberaman with three games in hand.

The Rhondda Bulldogs should have gone ahead after two minutes when the prolific scorer Alyn Jones missed an easy chance by his standards. Ton dominated the opening encounters and in the 13th minute the referee was at the centre of controversy when Ton’s Dwayne Mardenborough was brought down in the Barry Penalty area, everyone thought it was a penalty, except the official who gave obstruction when Mardenborough had his legs taken from under him.

The Merlin Sports sponsored team didn’t let this unsettle them and they continued to take the play to Barry. In the 23rd minute came the strangest decision of many a day, a quick Ton break down the right saw the ball crossed to Alyn Jones, who made no mistake and put the ball into the net! However, the assistant and referee decided to wave play on? The assistant did not see the ball cross the line and the referee “thought it was a goal” but did not allow the goal to stand. The Ton players protested, however the game remained no score.

Barry were working hard however their best player was their young Dan Bradley, a keeper who looks a good prospect for the future.

The breakthrough came on the stroke of half time, when a flowing move starting with Ryan Shugar who linked with Mardenborough and Jamie Bradford to put Jones into the box, Jones made no mistake this time netting his 10th goal of the season and taking Ton into half time 1-0 up.

Alyn Jones (centre) controls the ball for Ton

Mark Crutch heads clear for Ton

At half time Ton’s Mark Crutch was replaced by Phil Allen due to an injury and the Bulldogs carried on in the second half as they ended the first taking the game to Barry. Then in the 55th minute Alyn Jones took a knock and had to be substituted with Jamie Blatchford replacing him. Ton then made their 3rd change in the 68th minute, when Dale Price replaced the hard working Mardenborough. The Bulldogs made a tactical change when Orchard went up front and Price slotted into the wingback role.

The change had its rewards seven minutes later when a long ball was headed on by Blatchford to Price who took the ball towards the slowing Barry defence, he returned to Blatchford who squared the ball to Orchard, he calmly slotted the ball home to make it 2-0 with Orchard’s sixth goal of the season.

Then Price made his mark on the game in the 89th minute, when he intercepted a clearance, he was able to break into the Barry area, he looked up and saw the Barry keeper off his line, Price chipped a sublime ball over Bradley to score the third and final goal.

This was another well deserved win by a confident GUS Properties sponsored team. Next week Ton Pentre entertain Croesyceiliog at Ynys Park, 18 November, 14:00 kick off.

Ton Pentre: 1. Marty Ellacott, 2. Mark Crutch, 3.Kristian Orchard (1), 4. Scott Hayward, 5. Gareth Picknell, 6. Lee Mathews, 7. Ryan Shugar, 8. Steve Conaty, 9. Dwayne Mardenborough, 10. Jamie Bradford, 11. Alyn Jones (1). Subs: 12. Dale Price (1), 14.Jamie Blatchford, 15. Phil Allen.

Saturday 4 November 2006

Ton Pentre 1 - 0 Rhyl

FAW Welsh Cup, Round Three

Ton's Alyn Jones is buried under team-mates celebrating his late winning goal which knocked FAW Welsh Cup holders, Rhyl, out of this season's competition

(Photo courtesy of www.imagevision.co.uk)

Saturday 28 October 2006

Bridgend 1 - 2 Ton Pentre

The Rhondda bulldogs made the short journey to play an improving Bridgend Town after three weeks without a league game. Ton had to make a number of changes from the last game, with Phil Allen, Dwayne Mardenborough and Kristian Orchard making the starting line up, due to injuries and suspension. The changes did not make any difference to Ton’s play and they won the game with more ease than the score line suggests. The referee was again at the centre of some controversial decisions, if red and yellow cards were shown to this referee he would not have finished the game! He was poor for both teams, no wonder players and club officials get frustrated.

The Coychurch Road pitch was in good condition considering the rain that had fallen, it was however slippery Ton adapted to the conditions very quickly and took the game to Bridgend from the start.

In he fifth minute a ball was crossed into the Bridgend area by Dwayne Mardenborough, Ton’s Tony Rees jumped to head the ball and was blatantly pushed, there was a “big” shout for a penalty by the players and the Bulldogs faithful around the ground. The referee was well positioned to see the incident, however he waved play on to the dismay of the Ton team.

Ton kept playing good football considering the very wet conditions, with Ton dominating the play with Conaty prominent. With a great break out of defence Ton’s Shugar shot over in the 15th minute. Alyn Jones was booked in the 18th for something he said. Then Bridgend’s first attempt was a weak shot by Huggins in the 19th minute. Another yellow card was shown to Mainwaring of Bridgend.

On the half hour Idzy in the Bridgend goal pulled of a superb save from Conaty, he hit the ball from 40 yards and it was going into the top right and corner of post and crossbar, Idzy got a hand to it pushed the ball around for a corner. It was a wonderful shot and save. Following this Ashley of Bridgend was shown a yellow card for a bad challenge.

The rest of the half was Ton’s and Bridgend offered very little offensive pressure. Jones, Mardenborough and Rees were prominent and got a number of shots towards the Bridgend goal. With the game scoreless at half time the Ton fans were wondering if this would be one of those games that Ton would dominate and not get the three points?

Pictured (left) Mark Crutch heads clear for Ton; and (right) Kristian Orchard challenges in midfield for Ton.

Then within two minutes of the restart the Merlin sponsored Ton Pentre went 1-0 up, a corner from the Ton right was not cleared by a static Bridgend defence, Tony Rees quickly got onto the ball and scored from two yards. This was a well deserved lead, what followed was controlled football by the visitors. Then in the 52nd minute Ton’s Lee Mathews was shown a Yellow card, for bad challenge.

Ton’s keeper and Captain Marty Ellacott was called into action for the first time in the 55th minute when a speculative shot from Bridgend’s Mainwaring was easily saved.

On 56 minute’s Healey of Bridgend was rightly shown a red card for striking Ton’s Mardenborough, the latter was also shown a yellow card for flicking his foot at Healey in retaliation. The Assistant referee saw the incident and helped the referee with his decision.

Ton were now in control of the game and were awarded a disputed penalty in the 68th minute when the referee saw Ton’s Orchard brought down in the area. He was the only one who saw it, Alyn Jones Ton’s top scorer stepped up and converted the spot kick, with his shot going into the net off the cross bar, 2-0 to Ton and they were cruising until in the 85th minute when a rare lapse at the back a allowed Bridgend to get a shot at Ellacott who made a wonderful save, the ball fell to Fahiya at the edge of the area, the Ton defence were slow to get to him, Fahiya hit the ball into the Ton net giving Ellacott no chance. This gave Bridgend some hope and they pressed forward, during which the not to be forgotten referee booked Ton’s Shugar.

The remaining eight minutes including stoppage time were a little nervy, however Ton defended their line resolutely and won the game. This was a game the Bulldogs deserved to win, and the win has moved them up to fifth place with games in hand over all the teams above them.

This Ton side seem to have shaken off the nightmare of last season and look like a side that can have a tremendous season. However, this week it’s back to cup action in the Welsh Cup with a game against Welsh Premier side Rhyl at Ynys Park, 2:30 kick off. Rhyl are the cup holders and are one of the top sides in Welsh football. For Ton to get anything out of the game they are going to have to be at their best in what has been reported to be the tie of the round, so much so S4C are televising their flagship programme Y Clwb Pel Droed from Ynys Park.

Ton Pentre: 1. Marty Ellacott, 2. Mark Crutch, 3. Kristian Orchard, 4. Scott Hayward, 5. Phil Allen, 6. Lee Mathews, 7. Ryan Shugar, 8. Steve Conaty, 9. Tony Rees (1) (Blatchford 68), 10. Dwayne Mardenborough (Clarke 88), 11. Alyn Jones 1 (Docherty 83). Subs: 12. Phil Clarke, 14. Jamie Blatchford, 15. Mathew Docherty.

Sunday 8 October 2006

Pontardawe 0 - 1 Ton Pentre

Ton Pentre went home to the Rhondda with the three points after wonderful performance by captain Marty Ellacott in the Ton goal. He made four crucial saves in the first half, one of which from a penalty, to keep Ton in the game.

The playing surface was in good condition and the home side had a strong wind at their backs in the first half. However it was the Rhondda side that started the stronger, with the opening shots from Price and Rees. Then in the 10th minute Pontardawe started to get better possession and the game was evenly balanced.

In the 22nd minute a flowing move by the Rhondda Bulldogs saw Pontardawe clear the ball off the goal line. The move started when Dale Price played in Lee Mathews, who in turn squared the ball to Tony Rees, he got around the keeper and hit a good shot towards the net, however there were enough Pontardawe cover on the line to clear the ball. two minutes later Tons’ Jamie Bradford fired wide of the upright.

In the 25th minute Marty Ellacott kept the Merlin Sponsored Rhondda Bulldogs in the game. A poor clearance from the Ton defence allowed Davies to get the ball and hit a powerful shot goal wards, Ellacott pulled off a wonderful save on the line and parried the ball out, the ball was played back in and Hayward handled the ball in the area trying to clear. The referee gave a penalty and showed Hayward a yellow card. Darren Griffiths placed the ball on the spot and hit a low drive just inside Ellacott’s right hand post, he was at full stretch and got both hands to the ball to save and push it away from the line, he then collected the ball at the second attempt with Griffiths following up his attempt. After this Ellacott pulled off another two great saves as the Ton defence was a unusually shaky.

It was not all Pontardawe Ton also had chances to score when Conaty broke through and Jones made Snell in the home side goal pull of a couple of good saves. The game could have been 3-3 at half time however good goal keeping from Ellacott and Snell kept the game 0-0 at half time.

The second half saw a different Ton side! The defence settled quickly and the visitors controlled the game in the second period. Prominent throughout was Jamie Bradford who with Shugar, Price and Conaty taking the game to Pontardawe. On the hour Ton’s manager Richards made two substitutions, Blatchford and last week’s cup hero Orchard replaced Rees and Jones up front. This change of tactic was the turning point with the two big substitutes pressurising the home defence in the air and their speed and endeavour closing down the home side, forcing them deeper into their half. This period had Shugar and Price going close.

The break through came in the 70th minute when Price and Blatchford combined to play in Bradford, he beat the defender and got his low shot on target, the keeper got down and half stopped the ball but there was enough power in the shot for the ball to go over his body and roll agonisingly over the line to give Ton the lead and the eventual winner.

From the goal it was then a professional display by an improving Rhondda side, in the 85th minute Doherty replaced Mathews. Ton defended from the front, keeping the ball in the home side’s final third with Orchard and Blatchford chasing everything down. Bradford was everywhere and had another half chance before the end. With five minutes of stoppage time played the referee blew his whistle to end the game.

This was a great team performance and a hard won three points for Ton, not many teams will go to Pontardawe and win. The performance in the second half demonstrated that the GUS sponsored side are capable of pushing hard for the title this year if they can play to their full potential.

The Welsh Cup third round draw has paired Ton with Rhyl the current cup holders at Ynys Park on the 4th November, many people are stating this is the tie of the round. S4C are going to be at the game televising the fourth round draw live from the Ton Pentre social club after the game on Pel Droed.

Ton are without a game this week.

Ton Pentre: 1 Marty Ellacott, 2 Mark Crutch, 3 Scott Hayward, 4 Dale Price, 5 Gareth Picknell, 6 Jamie Bradford (1), 7 Ryan Shugar, 8 Steve Conaty, 9 Tony Rees (Blatchford), 10 Lee Mathews (Mathew Doherty), 11 Alyn Jones (Orchard), Subs: 12 Mathew Doherty, 14 Jamie Blatchford, 15 Kristian Orchard

Saturday 23 September 2006

Dinas Powys 2 - 2 Ton Pentre

THE nine men of Ton Pentre gave a battling and gutsy performance to get a point at Dinas Powys. The game was expected to be difficult and that's how it turned out, with the Rhondda Bulldogs going down to nine men when they had two players sent off, one in each half. The Merlin Sports sponsored side took the lead and only got one point from a game they more than deserved to win. The game was spoiled by the inconsistency of the referee, something that is becoming a trend in the Welsh League again this season.

Ton welcomed back team captain Andrew Seburn from injury and new stand in keeper Andrew Koweleski. It took Ton only five minutes to create their first chance when Top scorer Alyn Jones got in behind the Dinas Powys defence. However, he could not keep is shot down and it flew over the bar.

The first blow to Ton came in the eighth minute when Seburn pulled up with a recurring injury and had to be replaced by Jamie Bradford. His loss made the Ton midfield a little lightweight. However, all the football was played throughout by the visitors. They forced Dinas back during the first quarter of the game and the home side were lucky to keep the game at 0-0 with Crutch and Jones going close, and Conaty hitting the post.

Dinas were becoming dangerous on the break, and in the 23rd minute Koweleski pulled off a great save when he dived bravely in front of the onrushing Dinas forwards to parry the ball away.

In the 24th minute Alyn Jones was shown a yellow card for dissent, a couple of minutes later he was on the score sheet. A mistake by Blackwell in the Dinas defence presented the ball to Jones just outside the area, Ton's player of the month for August chipped the ball over Cusheri in the Dinas goal to score his seventh goal in eight games.

Ton could only keep the lead for five minutes when Dinas' right-sided defender, Probis, a superb looping shot from 20 yards over a helpless Koweleski.

With game at 1-1, the referee started to make his mark. When Ton’s Lee Mathews was shown a yellow card for a dangerous tackle, Dinas' Cowan, who had been fouled, took the law into his own hands and hit out at Mathews. The referee, inexplicably showed Cowen a yellow.

A few minutes later Mathews made a rash challenge and was given his second yellow card followed by a red. Ton were down to ten men. The last seven minutes of the half was edgy but the Bulldogs got in at half time 1-1.

Six minutes into the second half the game took another bad turn for Ton, when Jones was shown his second yellow for dissent and was then asked to leave the field. So the visitors were down to nine men. Then there was another hotly contested decision, as big Dinas defender Kinsey brought down Blatchford it appeared to be at least two yards inside the penalty area. The referee gave the free kick outside the box, another decision going against the visitors.

The Ton players dug in and then out performed Dinas from this moment on, playing the better football and making the better of the chances with Ryan Shugar firing over.

Then midway through the half with Ton needing fresh legs, manager Richards used his last two substitutes. With Blatchford and Doherty replacing Rees and Bradford, it certainly did the trick. Blatchford was a thorn in the home side from the outset. He then went on and scored Ton’s second goal through pure endeavour. With five players around him in the penalty area, he somehow got the ball past them and then slotted the ball through legs off Cusheri in the Dinas goal.

Dinas tried to break Ton down, but the Bulldogs were not giving anything away with Hayward, Crutch and Picknell prominent at the back for Ton. Then Dinas were awarded a free kick to the left of the Ton area. Round of Dinas hit the ball goalwards and the flight deceived Koweleski, going into the top right-hand corner of the goal.

Ton still played some good football after this and could have gone on to won, but, unfortunately, it wasn't to be.

This was a disappointing draw for Ton Pentre, they deserved the three points, ill discipline costing them dearly. Although the Gus Properties sponsored side won a point, the two red cards will now come home to haunt the Bulldogs as both Jones and Mathews will miss the next game against Llangeinor (Sept. 30th at Ynys Park KO 2.30pm) in the Welsh Cup.

Ton Pentre: 1. Koweleski; 2. Crutch; 3. Mathews (sent off); 4. Hayward; 5. Picknell; 6. Seburn (Bradford) (Doherty); 7. Shugar; 8. Conaty; 9. Tony Rees (Blatchford); 10. Dale Price; 11. Alyn Jones 1 (Sent off); Subs: 12. Doherty; 14. Bradford; 15. Blatchford 1

Saturday 9 September 2006

Llangeinor 3 - 2 Ton Pentre

Shamrock Travel League Cup, Round One

LLANGEINOR pulled off a major upset in the first round of the Shamrock Travel League Cup when they overcame a two-goal deficit to dump Ton Pentre out of the competition.

Llangeinor were playing South Wales Amateur League football last season and won promotion to the MacWhirter Welsh League Division Three after being crowned champions and this win against Ton Pentre is probably the best result in the clubs history.

At half time the Division Three outfit looked out of the tie after the Rhondda Bulldogs scored two goals in the last ten minutes of the first half. However, Llangeinor battled hard and they turned the match around with three goals in seven minutes during the second half.

As expected Ton Pentre stamped their authority on this match from kick off and started to create chances early on. A well worked free kick between Dale Price and Ryan Shugar found its way to Alyn Jones who had space to launch a shot towards goal. Llangeinor’s Jodie Harris was alert and pulled off a fine save to deny the Ton striker goalscoring glory.

Moments later Rob Blatchford, who was making his first start of the season, attempted to lob Harris after seeing an opportunity to do so, but his 30 yard effort dropped wide of the right goal post.

With 35 minutes played Llangeinor ventured into the Ton Pentre penalty area and following some desperate Bulldogs defending Ton managed to counter-attack. As Blatchford burst into the Llangeinor box the ball appeared to get stuck under his feet allowing a defender to catch up with him and dispossess him, however, the referee’s assistant waved his flag and signalled for a penalty judging that the challenge was not fair. It was a harsh decision but Alyn Jones scored well from the penalty spot.

Ton added a second two minutes later when Steve Conaty was released by Price in the centre of the field. Conaty blasted a shot from the edge of the penalty area that gave Harris no chance of saving despite his best efforts.

The half time lead could have been bigger but Jones and Blatchford were unable to convert late chances.

Ton Pentre replaced Steve Conaty with Jamie Bradford after ten minutes of the second half and as a result the centre of midfield lacked bite and soon after Llangeinor found their way back into the match.

The home side were awarded a penalty in the 58th minute for what appeared to be climbing by a Ton Pentre defender. Marty Ellacott saved the penalty by pushing it on to the crossbar but a Llangeinor player following up headed into an unguarded net with the Ton goalkeeper still on the ground.

Following this Kristian Orchard was substituted for Jamie Hallet as the Ton manager looked to use some of his squad players.

Ton almost increased their lead soon after when Jones received the ball on the left and heard a call from Bradford who was steaming through the middle of the pitch. Jones picked him out with a perfect pass and Bradford hit the post.

In the 62nd minute Llangeinor equalised when they broke free of the Ton defence. Ellacott denied the first attempt with a great save but was unable to stop the player following up from scoring as the Bulldogs were punished for poor defending.

Llangeinor’s winner came three minutes later when Hallet conceded a clumsy free kick just inside the Ton half. The ball was sent into the box where a Llangeinor player headed into the net for an excellently worked goal.

In reply to this Ton introduced an extra forward into attack as they went in search for an equaliser with Shugar making way for Raith Plant.

In injury time the ball was played into Plant in the Llangeinor penalty area and as the forward looked to turn his marker he was pulled down to the ground but the referee waved away Ton Pentre’s penalty appeals. As a result an incensed Kevin Richards was shown a red card by the match referee for his protests.

At the final whistle the home team were overjoyed having claimed a huge scalp but for Ton Pentre this was an embarrassment being knocked out of the cup in the first round by lower league opposition.

The Rhondda Bulldogs, sponsored by Merlin Sports and Gus Properties, will look to avenge this defeat when they face Merthyr Saints from Welsh League Division Two in the First Round of the FAW Welsh Cup at Ynys Park on Saturday 16th September 2006. Kick off is at 2.30pm.

Ton Pentre: 1. Marty Ellacott 2. Mark Crutch 3. Kristian Orchard 4. Scott Hayward 5. Gareth Picknell 6. Lee Matthews 7. Ryan Shugar 8. Steve Conaty 9. Rob Blatchford 10. Dale Price (Captain) 11. Alyn Jones Subs: 12. Raith Plant (Shugar, 68); 14. Jamie Hallet (Orchard, 59); 15. Jamie Bradford (Conaty, 54).

Ton Goals: Jones (pen) 36; Conaty 38.

Yellow Card: Price 84

Red Card: Kevin Richards (Manager) 90+1

ANOTHER PRE-SEASON FRIENDLY

Ton Pentre have arranged a Friendly against Hardwicke United from Gloucester, to be played at Ynys Park on Saturday the 29th July, kick off: 3:00 pm. 28 June 2006

PRE-SEASON FRIENDLY

Ton Pentre have arranged a friendly with Cinderford Town away on the 5th August, kick off: 3.00 pm. They are members of the Southern Football League - Division One West. Here is a link to their website http://www.cinderfordtownfc.co.uk/. Further information on other friendlies will be posted at www.tonpentreafc.com. 19 June 2006

Ton Pentre AFC Youth Team

Manager wanted to run a new youth side in The Welsh Football League Youth Division. Please visit www.tonpentreafc.com for details

19 March 2006

Tuesday 9 May 2006

Ely Rangers 0 - 1 Ton Pentre

IT was billed by many as Ton Pentre’s biggest game in over 100 years of history because a defeat could well have resulted in the Bulldogs being relegated for the very first time in that period.

Both players and supporters were visibly nervous before the match kicked off at Ely Rangers, but Alyn Jones’ 60th minute winner ensured that the Rhondda Bulldogs held onto their Welsh League Division One status.

However, they were made to fight for it against an Ely Rangers side that were looking to upset the Rhondda Bulldogs survival hopes.

Ton Pentre started well in this match and had the majority of possession over their Division One rivals. Within the first 15 minutes Allan Clarke saw his cross-come-shot trouble Ely goalkeeper Ross Hooper-Nash into making a desperate stretch to claw the ball from under the crossbar.

As the half progressed Ton appeared to be edging closer and closer to scoring but were failing to make the final break through.

From a short free kick just inside the Ely half Mark Crutch had the space to stride on. As he looked up he could see several Ton players waiting for a cross into the box. Crutch responded by picking out Gareth Warton with an accurate pass onto the players’ head. Warton saw his header scooped from the goal line by Hooper-Nash.

Just before half time Ely Rangers broke through on goal twice that increased the tension for the Ton followers on the sideline. However, between good defending and goalkeeping Ely were denied.

Ton continued to battle in the second half as they looked for a goal to alleviate the mounting pressure and save themselves from relegation. It nearly came in the 54th minute when Wayne Savage headed through onto Matthews on the edge of the 18-yard box. His snap shot went wide of the left post.

Immediately after this chance Ton replaced Dwayne Mardenborough with Lyndon Williams to freshen the attack.

On the hour Ton got what they were looking for when Williams controlled the ball with his chest to play it through for Alyn Jones who was making his run into the left-hand side of the goal area. As Hooper-Nash rushed from his goal line to narrow the angle, Jones hit a perfect lob to send the large Ton contingent at the Station Road football ground into frenzy. Jones ran off down the sideline with his shirt over his head and was mobbed by his fellow team-mates who congratulated him on scoring one of Ton Pentre’s most important goals of all time.

Ton did not allow themselves to be side-tracked by the goal and were quick to regain their concentration on the task ahead of them.

The Bulldogs suffered a considerable blow three minutes later when Lee Matthews was shown a second yellow card that resulted in the midfielder being sent off by referee Ryan Thomas. The referee decided to dismiss the player after he judged that Matthews had gone to challenge for a header by leading with his arm. The decision seemed harsh but the Bulldogs remained resolute and worked hard.

A solo Lyndon Williams worked tirelessly up front for the rest of the game in an attempt to relieve some pressure on the Ton defence. Nevertheless Ely were able to carve open several chances with the Bulldogs down to ten men.

Their best chance that should have resulted in a goal was from a free kick in the 85th minute. The strike was perfect but was matched by a superb diving save from Ton goalkeeper Neil Thomas. The Ton goalie had to dive the entire length of his goal line to reach the ball and palm it away from danger.

The Bulldogs held onto their slender lead with the help of some magnificent teamwork and support from their fans. It was a fantastic achievement to avoid relegation as before this match Ton had lost seven consecutive games and had only picked up nine points since 10 December 2005.

Following the 1-0 win over Ely Rangers, Alyn Jones was awarded the 2005-06 Top Goalscorer Award by Rhondda Assembly Member and Ton Pentre fan Leighton Andrews.

Ton Pentre Match Facts

Team: Neil THOMAS, Dale PRICE, Allan CLARKE, Mark CRUTCH, Gareth WARTON, Andrew SEBURN (Captain), Ryan SHUGAR, Wayne SAVAGE, Dwayne MARDENBOROUGH, Alyn JONES, Lee MATTHEWS

Substitutes: Scott HAYWARD (A Clarke 71), Raith PLANT (A Jones 83), Lyndon WILLIAMS (D Mardenborough 54)

Goal: Jones 60

Yellow Cards: Shugar 35, Matthews 36

Red Cards: Matthews 63

Thursday 4 May 2006

Ton Pentre 0 - 1 Pontardawe Town

TON PENTRE went into their last home match of the season with Pontardawe Town knowing that a win would be enough to ensure that they would be playing Welsh League Division One football next season. The players gave it their all as Ton Pentre produced a battling display while dominating possession but were unable to break down a resolute Pontardawe defence.

The winning goal was scored in the sixth minute of play when Pontardawe were awarded a freekick on the edge of the Ton Pentre box. The ball was hit through the wall forcing Jon Howe to dive. The Ton goalkeeper was unable to catch the ball and a Pontardawe player was in the right place to toe poke it into the net.

Ton Pentre looked confident of overcoming this set back and spent the rest of the first period camped in Pontardawe’s half of the field.

Raith Plant was called into action in the 26th minute when he replaced an injured Kristian Orchard. Plant got himself straight to work and battled hard for the cause.

During first half injury time Ton Pentre were forced into making their second substitution of the match when Carl Thomas astonishingly left the field of play on his own accord after receiving some criticism from the Bulldogs dugout. The referee booked the player for leaving the field of play without his permission. The lively Lyndon Williams took his place on the pitch.

The second half played out very much like the first as Ton spent most of their time in Pontardawe’s half.

Williams sent a dangerous cross into the Pontardawe box early on in the half that saw their goalkeeper Chris Curtis almost fumble the ball into his own net.

Moments later a one-two with Dale Price saw Wayne Savage shimmy his way past Curtis but a Pontardawe defender was in the right place to block him from a clear shot at goal.

On the hour mark Kevin Richards came off the bench to replace Gareth Elliot and take up a holding midfield position as Ton began to throw everything they had at Pontardawe.

From a throw-in in the 63rd minute Savage found his way into the Pontardawe box once again. This time he was able to get a shot in but saw Curtis make a save at his near post.

Ten minutes later Richards picked out a lovely pass to Plant whose first time shot painstakingly went wide of the right-hand goalpost.

Soon after it looked as though Ton were going to get the equaliser they deserved when from a corner kick Gareth Warton jumped above everyone and directed a header towards goal. Just as it appeared as though it was going to end up in the net Curtis managed to get his hands to the ball for a firm enough grip.

It was not to be for Ton Pentre as they slumped to their seventh consecutive defeat and following Saturday’s 1-1 draw between Bettws and Taffs Well the Rhondda Bulldogs now know what they must do to survive the drop in their match against Ely Rangers on Tuesday evening. Ton Pentre must avoid defeat in the fixture to keep them outside the bottom three relegation places.

When the sides last met on 11 March at Ynys Park the Bulldogs ran out 6-1 winners. However, Ely have vastly improved since then and have pulled themselves safe of the relegation zone. The game on Tuesday 9 May kicks off at 6.15pm and will arguably be the most important match in Ton Pentre’s history as the Bulldogs have never been relegated.

Ton Pentre Match Facts

Team: Jon HOWE, Gareth ELLIOT, Kristian ORCHARD, Scott HAYWARD, Gareth WARTON, Andrew SEBURN (Captain), Ryan SHUGAR, Lee MATTHEWS, Carl THOMAS, Dale PRICE, Wayne SAVAGE

Substitutes: Raith PLANT (K Orchard 26), Kevin RICHARDS (G Elliot 61), Lyndon WILLIAMS (C Thomas 45+5)

Goals: None

Yellow Cards: Elliot 8, Thomas 45+4, Richards 65

Red Cards: None

Saturday 22 April 2006

Goytre United 4 - 0 Ton Pentre

TON PENTRE remain fearful of being relegated following this latest defeat at Glenhafod Park Stadium against second placed Goytre United.

While Ton languish in thirteenth place hovering above the Welsh League Division One relegation zone, Goytre United are looking to sneak in front of Neath Athletic at the top of the league. They look quite likely to do this following their victory over Ton who are of course the reigning league champions.

Fortunately for the Bulldogs results went their way over the weekend as Briton Ferry helped Ton out by beating Taffs Well and AFC Llwydcoed and Ely Rangers slipped up against Pontardawe Town and Newport YMCA respectively.

Three teams will definitely be relegated from Division One; however, it is likely that two teams could come down from the Welsh Premier League, which could complicate matters. The league may decide to relegate an extra team in order to maintain an even number of clubs competing in Division One.

It remains tight down the bottom with several clubs having games in hand over the Rhondda Bulldogs, who themselves have only two games left in which to save themselves or they’ll be relying on other teams results to keep them in the division.

The first 20 minutes of the match with Goytre United went well for the Bulldogs as they took the game to their opponents. However, Ton are a team down on their luck and conceded a goal from a Goytre corner kick. When the ball was hit into the box a Goytre player got his head to the ball to send it into the goal. Dale Price was on the line to kick the ball away but the assistant referee judged that it had gone in.

Things got worse in the 26th minute when Mark Crutch was show a red card after Kevin Bartley was making a run towards goal. As Crutch went to head the ball he slipped and fell to ground. Bartley tripped over him and the referee judged that Crutch had purposely fouled. As the Ton defender was the last line of defence the referee made no hesitation in sending him from the field of play and awarding a penalty to Goytre. Bartley scored from the spot.

It was a brave second half performance from the Bulldogs who had much of the possession and threatened Goytre’s goal on numerous occasions. Ryan Shugar played a great ball up the field to Carl Thomas in the 63rd minute for the Ton forward to take a strike at goal. His shot hit a defender but broke to Dwayne Mardenborough who looked odds on to score. Unfortunately, Mardenborough hit his effort over the bar.

Goytre put the match well beyond Ton in the 73rd minute when from a corner a Goytre player was allowed a free header leaving Jon Howe with absolutely no chance of stopping it from ending up in the net.

They further increased their lead five minutes later when Richard Ryan came off the bench to score having received a squared pass in the box from Bartley.

In the closing minutes of the match both Raith Plant and Mardenborough came close to scoring but even if they had it would have been little consolation as Goytre reduced Ton to their 17th league defeat of the season.

Ton will continue to battle bravely against relegation on Thursday 4 May at Ynys Park for their last home match of the season. Kick off for this fixture is 7.30pm.

Ton Pentre Match Facts

Team: Jon HOWE, Mark CRUTCH, Kristian ORCHARD, Eston CHIVERTON, Andrew SEBURN (Captain), Ryan SHUGAR, Lee MATTHEWS, Shaun MAINWARING, Carl THOMAS, Dale PRICE, Dwayne MARDENBOROUGH

Substitutes: Raith PLANT (L Matthews 70), Allan CLARKE (S Mainwaring 64), Scott HAYWARD (K Orchard 58)

Goals: None

Yellow Cards: Orchard 35

Red Card: Crutch 26

Tuesday 18 April 2006

Pontardawe Town 4 - 1 Ton Pentre

AFTER pulling themselves level in the second half of this match with Pontardawe Town, the Rhondda Bulldogs of Ton Pentre went on to self-destruct and concede three more times before the final whistle.

It started well for the Bulldogs as they created several good chances in the first 30 minutes but were unable to convert them. The best of which fell to Alyn Jones who saw his effort clawed away by the goalkeeper and Raith Plant who was unable to get enough height on the ball when he attempted to lob the ‘keeper when in a one-on-one situation.

Pontardawe produced a sucker punch on the 30-minute mark when they sliced Ton in half to score from a shot that was smashed across the face of Jon Howe’s goal. The ball nestled inside the far post giving Howe no chance of saving it.

Ton equalised through Alyn Jones after a bright start to the second half when Pontardawe failed to clear properly from a Bulldogs corner. Jones was played clean through and finished well past goalie Chris Curtis.

Soon after the home team regained the lead when they took advantage of a vacant Ton Pentre midfield. Pontardawe were allowed to freely run through the middle of the pitch for an easy score despite Allan Clarke’s efforts to clear from under the crossbar.

It got worse for Ton on the hour when Pontardawe created a breathing gap when a simple square pass in the Ton penalty area resulted in Darren Griffiths netting for his side’s third goal.

Pontardawe rounded the match off with an 89th minute goal when they hit Ton on the break with Sam Brown netting with a header that striked the underneath of the crossbar before going in.

Ton Pentre play Pontardawe Town at Ynys Park on Thursday 4 May at 7.30pm. The match is the re-arranged game between the two sides that was abandoned after 19 minutes back in March.

Ton Pentre Match Facts

Team: Jon HOWE, Ryan SHUGAR, Kristian ORCHARD, Mark CRUTCH, Gareth WARTON, Andrew SEBURN (Captain), Dale PRICE, Shaun MAINWARING, Carl THOMAS, Raith PLANT, Alyn JONES

Substitutes: Lee MATTHEWS (A Seburn 45), Allan CLARKE (R Plant 54)

Goal: Jones 57

Yellow Cards: Seburn 27, Orchard 58

Red Cards: None

Saturday 15 April 2006

Neath Athletic 4 - 0 Ton Pentre

TON PENTRE slumped to their fourth consecutive defeat against a Neath Athletic team gunning for promotion to the Welsh Premier League. This result leaves Ton without a win in six matches edging them ever so slightly closer to the Division One drop zone.

Results did not go Ton Pentre’s way on the weekend with fellow strugglers Bettws, Caerleon and Ely Rangers all winning their matches to heap pressure on the Rhondda Bulldogs as the bottom of the league table gets tighter and tighter.

Ton Pentre were looking to ease their worries with a surprise result at Llandarcy Park and they looked confident of upsetting the form book in this entertaining match. The 4-0 score line was a harsh result for Ton as it does not represent the team’s performance. However, Ton made too many defensive mistakes in the match and were made to pay by a solid Neath team.

Ton Pentre had the best of the opening ten minutes but squandered several well worked chances to take the lead. From a cross on the right Carl Thomas headed on for Lee Matthews in the Neath penalty area. His diving header was inches away from connecting with the ball that would have undoubtedly ended up in the goal had he done so.

Moments later Scott Hayward was taught a harsh lesson when he was caught in possession within the Ton Pentre goal area. Instead of booting the ball out for a throw in or corner he attempted to play himself out of trouble but lost out to a challenge by a Neath player. Following a straightforward pass Ryan Frankcom netted with ease to give the home team the lead.

Neath got a second goal after 27 minutes of play when Dale Gardiner finished well in a crowded Ton Pentre box. However, Ton goalkeeper Jon Howe looked as though he had been impeded when attempting to catch the ball and it appeared as though it was going to be ruled out when the referee’s assistant was waving his flag on the touchline. The goal stood and it became clear that the assistant was flagging for a penalty in the Ton area but the referee awarded the goal.

Two minutes later Neath made it 3-0 through Andrew Hill when the Ton defence opened up and allowed him through.

Soon after Ton nearly pulled a goal back through Dwayne Mardenborough when he connected with Alyn Jones’s cross with a header that forced goalkeeper Huw Liddell to pull off a wonderful reaction save to tip the ball over the bar.

On the brink of half time it was Jon Howe’s turn to pull off a good save when he came rushing off his line to smother the ball and stop Neath scoring a fourth goal.

Carl Thomas was presented with two golden opportunities to score early in the second half for the Bulldogs but on both occasions he sent his shots wide of the posts.

Ton continued to apply some considerable pressure on the Neath defence in the second half but were unable to make it count and the Rhondda Bulldogs conceded a fourth goal in the 76th minute. Andrew Hill rounded off the goalscoring when from a freekick the ball was sent to him around the wall. Despite Howe narrowing the angle Hill finished confidently.

Ton Pentre will look to pull themselves away from the relegation mire in their remaining matches that are as follows:

Pontardawe Town away on Tuesday 18 April, 6.15pm kick off.

Goytre United away on Saturday 22 April, 2.30pm kick off.

Pontardawe Town home on Thursday 4 May, 7.30pm kick off.

Ely Rangers away on Tuesday 9 May, kick off tba.

Ton Pentre Match Facts

Team: Jon HOWE, Scott HAYWARD, Mark CRUTCH, Kristian ORCHARD, Shaun MAINWARING, Alyn JONES, Ryan SHUGAR, Lee MATTHEWS, Carl THOMAS (Captain), Dale PRICE, Dwayne MARDENBOROUGH

Substitutes: Allan CLARKE (S Hayward 45), Andrew SEBURN, Raith PLANT (D Price 83)

Goals: None

Yellow Cards: None

Red Cards: None

Saturday 8 April 2006

Ton Pentre 2 - 3 Bryntirion Athletic

FOLLOWING their 3-2 defeat at Ynys Park to Bryntirion Athletic, Ton Pentre will now be keeping a very close eye on the relegation battle that is being fought below them in the Welsh League Division One table.

The Rhondda Bulldogs have five tough matches left to the 2005-06 season, four of which are away, and failure to get positive results in these remaining games could lead to Ton Pentre being dragged down to the relegation zone.

The three teams occupying the relegation places have all beaten Ton over the last few months and they may now feel that catching up with the Bulldogs could be a realistic aim. Briton Ferry got an unexpected win against leaders Neath on the weekend and Bettws beat fifth placed UWIC to stay in touch with the teams above them.

However, matters are still in Ton’s hands and if the Bulldogs can win one of their remaining matches it may be enough to lift some of the gloom that is hanging over Ynys Park at the moment.

Early on in the match against Bryntirion the Rhondda Bulldogs were looking good and took a 20^th minute lead. Ryan Shugar was in possession of the ball out wide on the right and although it looked as though he was stuck in a dead end he somehow conjured up an excellent lobbed pass to Dale Price. Bryntirion appealed for offside but it wasn’t given as Price ran in on goal to score past the keeper.

Four minutes later Alyn Jones connected to a cross deep inside the Bryntirion goal area and headed a shot on target. The keeper got a hand to the ball and pushed it onto the underside of the crossbar. The ball did not cross the goal line as it rebounded forward off the bar.

The action continued in the match as Bryntirion got an unexpected, but welcomed equaliser when they took advantage of Shaun Mainwaring’s under hit back pass to his keeper. There was no hesitation from the Bryntirion forward who finished with ease in the 26^th minute.

Within the first minute of the second half things got worse for Ton as Bryntirion put themselves in the lead when a square pass between Jonathon Cuss and Mark McKee took Jon Howe out of the equation in the Ton goals for an easy score following a defensive lapse.

Ton levelled in the 53^rd minute of play when Jones played a swift cross into the danger area and found Lee Matthews in a tight angle on the right. Matthews finished well from this acute position leaving the keeper with no chance.

Bryntirion were clearly full of belief that they could come out of this match with a win as each time they went forward they looked dangerous against a shaky Bulldogs’ defence. They made one of these chances count in the 64^th minute when a Bryntirion player was alert to a dropped ball by goalie Jon Howe.

Ton were perhaps a little fortunate not to concede again in the remaining 25 minutes as Bryntirion consigned Ton to a third consecutive defeat leaving the Bulldogs without a win in five matches.

Ton face a tough away trip to Neath Athletic on Saturday 15 April at 2.30pm and will be looking to upset their title ambitions.

Ton Pentre Match Facts

Team: Jon HOWE, Shaun MAINWARING, Scott HAYWARD, Mark CRUTCH, Kristian ORCHARD, Andrew SEBURN (Captain), Ryan SHUGAR, Lee MATTHEWS, Carl THOMAS, Dale PRICE, Alyn JONES

Substitutions: Allan CLARKE (S. Mainwaring 69), Dwayne MARDENBOROUGH (L. Matthews 85), Raith PLANT (A. Jones 69)

Goals: Price 20, Matthews 53

Yellow Card: Mainwaring 24

Red Card: None

Saturday 1 April 2006

Briton Ferry 2 - 1 Ton Pentre

TON PENTRE travelled to Briton Ferry in a confident mood after their very good performance against Goytre on Wednesday and were expected to take the three points, especially with “Ferry” rooted to the bottom of the table. Unfortunately, the result was a 2-1 reverse for the current League Champions. There was one change in Ton Team with manager Kevin Richards giving a debut to experienced keeper, Neil Thomas.

Ton Pentre started the game positively and took the game to the homes side. In the eighth minute Ton striker Raith Plant shot from an acute angle and hit the side netting. After this Ton faded away and allowed a young Briton Ferry side into the game. The home team were working hard and chasing everything down. They were a lot quicker to the ball and were not letting Ton settle.

A third of the way through the first half “Ferry” started to cause the Ton defence problems, on the 22nd minute only a desperate clearance by the Ton defence after a scramble in the Ton six yard box stopped the home side from going ahead. Ton didn’t learn their lesson form this and five minutes later, Ferry went ahead when Ton again failed to clear, the ball fell to Dave McGrath who side footed the ball into the goal giving the home side the lead 1-0.

A hard working Ferry team continued to frustrate the Ton players, with their hard working ethics. Although Ton did have a better spell just before half time, they still did not threaten the Ferry goal. The home side maintained their lead and perhaps were unlucky not to score again before the half time break.

Manager Richards rang the changes at half time when he replaced Chiverton and Plant with Dale Price and Shaun Mainwaring. This seemed to spark Ton into life. The second half started with an up tempo game for the visitors. That said after an hour Davies in the Ferry goal had not been called into action.

On the 62nd minute Ton striker Carl Thomas got on the end of a cross to head just wide. Then Alyn Jones went close. The Visitors kept pushing forward and it was only a matter of time before the equaliser came. It followed a miss-kick from Davies in the Ferry goal. He took a goal kick and only just cleared Ton box, the ball was passed to Alyn Jones who took it into the box and fired the ball into the net past the helpless Davies.

This settled the Ton side and they played a little better, this from a very low starting point. Although Ton kept pressing, they were still unable to get many shots on goal. A resolute Ferry team were still closing down and Ton were without any ideas on how to break down a very average side. Then a bizarre incident helped Ferry to win the game.

On the 89th minute Ferry wingback Scott Barron suffered a bad knee injury and went off the field for treatment. He returned to the field after a couple of minutes and stayed wide on the left “to make the numbers up”. A cleared ball fell to Barron who bravely hobbled to the ball and put over a cross. This was cleared by the Ton defence, the ball went back towards Barron. He again hobbled to the ball unchallenged and hit a low cross toward Ferry substitute Lee Parfitt. Parfitt hit the ball on the half volley and sent it low just inside Neil Thomas’ right hand post, Thomas pulled of a terrific save, palming the ball onto the foot of the post. The ball came off the post and hit the back of Thomas’ head and the ball went into the net. A delighted Ferry then sensed the victory they had worked so hard for..

Although Ton continued to attack, the referee ended the game four minutes into stoppage time with Ferry taking the three points. This result lifted Briton Ferry of the bottom of the table and left Ton languishing mid table. On paper the Ton Squad are far better than their current league position, however the games are not played on paper. Let’s hope the Ton team can bounce back from this poor performance and disappointing result.

Team: Neil THOMAS, Scott HAYWARD, Kristian ORCHARD, Mark CRUTCH, Eston CHIVERTON, Andrew SEBURN (Captain), Lee MATTHEWS, Ryan SHUGAR, Carl THOMAS, Raith PLANT, Alyn JONES

Substitutes: Allan CLARKE (R Shugar 85), Dale PRICE (E Chiverton 45), 15. Shaun MAINWARING (R. Plant 4)

Goals: Jones 76 mins

Yellow Cards: None

Red Cards: None

Wednesday 29 March 2006

Ton Pentre 1 - 2 Goytre United

GOYTRE UNITED needed a win at Ynys Park to keep the pressure on Welsh League leaders Neath Athletic as both teams hunt down the one and only promotion place to the Welsh Premier League. Ton Pentre made life difficult for the “Goyts” after taking a first half lead and the visitors were forced to dig deep for the win.

The Rhondda Bulldogs deserved something from this match but football can be a cruel game and after a dominant first half Goytre turned it around in the second period, but only after Ton lost captain Andrew Seburn through injury.

All the best chances in the first half fell to Ton Pentre and one of those was a 16th minute effort from Raith Plant. Alyn Jones used his chest to play the ball to Plant on the edge of the Goytre 18-yard box. Plant slipped but did well to regain his balance to fire a shot that looked as though it was going all the way. However, his shot was thwarted by Gareth Scantlebury who pulled off a super save to send the ball around the post.

The goalkeeper was forced back into action soon after when Ryan Shugar’s cutting through ball from the right into Jones who was running through the centre. He looked to place the ball in the goal but Scantlebury’s outstretched body collected it for another fine save.

Goytre’s best chance of the half fell to Darren Lyons when a clearance from the Ton defence saw the ball land straight at his feet deep in the Ton box. His shot was well saved by Jon Howe who dived to stop the ball from hitting the back of the net.

Ton took the lead in first half injury time after Plant was fouled outside the box and a free kick awarded by referee Andrew Batchelor. Warton was on the end of the ball sent into the box and after fending off a defenders challenge crossed low into the six-yard box where Carl Thomas thumped the ball into the goal for 1-0.

During the 51st minute of play Seburn battled well for the ball with an opponent and won possession to play Scott Hayward in on the Goytre goal. Once again Scantlebury did well to dive at the player’s feet and collect the ball.

Five minutes later Ton were forced into making a substitution when Seburn was injured in a tackle. Allan Clarke was brought on to replace him.

The injury opened up the Ton midfield to Goytre’s advantage as they began to get a foothold on the match.

In the 69th minute Mark Crutch pulled off an amazing tackle in defence for the Bulldogs when Lyons looked as though he was clean through on goal. Crutch came from nowhere to cleanly swipe the ball from his possession and deny an immediate threat.

However, just over a minute later the “Goyts” grabbed a fortunate equaliser when from a free kick on the right the ball was sent too long and into Howe’s arms. Unfortunately for Ton and their ‘keeper the ball slipped from his hands and right in front of Lyons who took his gift and scored to make it 1-1.

Goytre went on to win the match five minutes from time when substitute Davies saw a gap to Howe’s right for which to hit the ball through and score from 25 yards out.

It was a disappointing result for Ton Pentre after playing well enough to have got at least a point from the match but Goytre will feel elated with an important three points away from home as they look to win the league title.

Ton Pentre Match Facts

Team: Jon HOWE, Scott HAYWARD, Kristian ORCHARD, Mark CRUTCH, Gareth WARTON, Andrew SEBURN (Captain), Lee MATTHEWS, Ryan SHUGAR, Carl THOMAS, Alyn JONES, Raith PLANT

Substitutes: Allan CLARKE (A Seburn 56), Elnumazurc SILVA (C Thomas 83), Lyndon WILLIAMS (R Plant 75)

Goal: Thomas 45+1

Yellow Cards: Matthews 38, Jones 85

Red: None

Saturday 25 March 2006

Ton Pentre 1 - 2 Pontardawe Town

(Match abandoned due to waterlogged pitch – 19 minutes)

TON PENTRE’s match at Ynys Park against Pontardawe Town was one of four Welsh League Division One matches to be abandoned due to heavy rain.

The match should not have started but referee Hywel James gave the go ahead despite all the surface water on the Ynys Park field.

The Rhondda Bulldogs took the lead in the match after two minutes when Andrew Seburn, returning from a three match suspension, played a pass to Lee Matthews. The Ton midfielder took the ball around several Pontardawe defenders before striking it past goalkeeper Christopher Curtis.

Five minutes later an unorganised Ton defence led to Pontardawe’s equaliser when one of their players was allowed to freely connect with a cross from the right and score.

With just ten minutes of the match played Pontardawe took the lead when more shocking defending by the Bulldogs on a slippery surface allowed a simple square pass to reach the unmarked striker who was left with an easy finish.

Nine minutes later the referee blew his whistle to abandon the match after explaining his decision to the captains of both teams.

The match will now be replayed at a later date.

Manager wanted to run a new youth side in The Welsh Football League Youth Division. Please visit www.tonpentreafc.com for details

Ton Pentre Match Facts:

Team: Jon HOWE, Scott HAYWARD, Kristian ORCHARD, Mark CRUTCH, Eston CHIVERTON, Andrew SEBURN (Captain), Lee MATTHEWS, Ryan SHUGAR, Carl THOMAS, Alyn JONES, Shaun MAINWARING

Substitutes: Dwayne MARDENBOROUGH, Raith PLANT, Allan CLARKE

Goal: Matthews 2

Yellow Card: None

Red Card: None

Wednesday 22 March 2006

Ton Pentre 1-1 UWIC

TON PENTRE continued to improve with a draw against fourth placed UWIC Inter Cardiff under the floodlights at Ynys Park in an entertaining Welsh League match.

The Rhondda Bulldogs are now undefeated in four matches putting their five game losing streak well and truly behind them. In his programme notes Ton manager Kevin Richards stated “I hope we have now turned the corner from our poor run and that we can now finish the season with a flourish.”

For this midweek match Ton were without Dale Price and Captain Andrew Seburn due to suspension and Raith Plant was unavailable for selection. However, the Bulldogs welcomed back Gareth Wharton into their defence who was on loan for the match from Southern Premier outfit Merthyr Tydfil.

The Rhondda Bulldogs couldn’t have wished for a better start as they took a three-minute lead through Kristian Orchard. The goal was the result of a cracking ball sent out wide from midfield to Alyn Jones. With no marker in sight Jones had a clean run in on goal. Deep inside the box he squared the ball for Orchard to stab into the net.

Soon after Ryan Shugar almost increased the lead following some good Ton pressure. As the ball was cleared to the edge of the box it hung in the air where Shugar was waiting for it to drop. As it did he smashed it towards goal but the ball took a deflection and went inches wide of the post.

A 23rd minute free kick from Mark Crutch almost saw Ton score when Wharton headed on for Lee Matthews. The Ton midfielder didn’t connect as well as he would have wanted with the ball and hit it into Brendan Cropley’s hands in the UWIC goal.

From this the ball was booted down field where UWIC made Ton pay for their missed chances when former Nottingham Forest youth player Ryan Jenkins struck the ball under Jon Howe for the equaliser.

Before half time Ton had two opportunities to get themselves back in front, the first of which saw Shaun Mainwaring send a ball over the defence for Jones to run free on goal. He lobbed the goalkeeper but the ball painstakingly hit the crossbar. Their second chance saw Jones allowed to run clear of the defence yet again but Cropley cut out his squared pass to Matthews.

Ton looked the more likely to score early in the second half as they heaped pressure on a back peddling UWIC defence but could not find the killer touch.

In the latter stages of the half UWIC could have stolen all three of the league points on offer as Tomos Morris got a shot in on a cross from the right but the ball skimmed wide of Howe’s goalpost.

Ton Pentre play second placed Goytre United on Wednesday 29 March at 7.30pm then travel to relegation threatened Briton Ferry on Saturday 1 April for a match kicking off at 2.30pm.

Ton Pentre Match Facts

Team: Jon HOWE, Scott HAYWARD, Kristian ORCHARD, Gareth WHARTON, Eston CHIVERTON, Mark CRUTCH, Lee MATTHEWS, Ryan SHUGAR, Carl THOMAS (Captain), Alyn JONES, Shaun MAINWARING

Substitutes: Elnumazure SILVA, Dwayne MARDENBOROUGH, Allan CLARKE (C Thomas 80)

Goal: Orchard 3

Yellow Cards: Wharton 35

Red Cards: None

Saturday 18 March 2006

Caerleon 0 - 0 Ton Pentre

GOALS eluded both Caerleon and Ton Pentre in a Macron Welsh League Division One match that was blighted by a strong swirling wind at Cold Bath Road.

The wind spoiled a lot of efforts by both teams in a match that always looked like ending in stalemate.

Ton Pentre were playing into the wind in the first half and Caerleon looked to take advantage of this by taking several long shots the most likely of which came in the 15th minute but the wind carried the ball over the bar.

Over the next ten minutes the Rhondda Bulldogs began to take the upper hand with a reasonably creative spell in front of goal. The best of several chances was when Raith Plant sent a good cross into the heart of the Caerleon box. Lee Matthews shaped himself well for the header and forced Caerleon’s Fitzroy Hutchinson into making a low save on the goal line.

During the 33rd minute of play a Caerleon midfielder took a 30-yard shot that was out of Jon Howe’s reach. The ball crashed against the crossbar after getting caught up in the wind. The Ton defence were aware and cleared the ball away from danger.

Following the half time interval, and without having to battle against the wind, Eston Chiverton sent a through pass to Ryan Shugar’s feet. The player crossed the ball into the box where Carl Thomas was able to connect but headed over Hutchinson’s crossbar.

The second half played out with very little incident with the only real chances of a goal coming in the final ten minutes, the first of which fell to Ton.

From a corner both Chiverton and Thomas helped the ball on to Kristian Orchard at the far post. The Ton Pentre player headed just off target as Caerleon survived what would have been a harsh blow.

In the final minute of the game Caerleon really should have snatched all three points when their striker ran clean through on goal after Orchard slipped in defence. Jon Howe did exceptionally well by narrowing the angle and making a superb save on the edge of his 18-yard box to make sure the match ended 0-0.

Ton Pentre Match Facts:

Team: Jon HOWE, Scott HAYWARD, Shaun MAINWARING, Mark CRUTCH, Eston CHIVERTON, Ryan SHUGAR, Lee MATTHEWS, Raith PLANT, Carl THOMAS (Captain), Alyn JONES, Kristian ORCHARD

Substitutes: Allan CLARKE (S Mainwaring 86), Dwayne MARDENBOROUGH (C Thomas 82), Elnumazure SILVA (R Plant 64)

Goals: None

Yellow Cards: Jones 58, Orchard 61, Hayward 76

Red Cards: None

Saturday 11 March 2006

Ton Pentre 6 - 1 Ely Rangers

TON PENTRE finally put an end to their poor run of results with an entertaining performance at Ynys Park against relegation candidates Ely Rangers.

The Rhondda Bulldogs scored six goals in a match full of incident that saw the referee brandish three red cards, one of which was for key player Dale Price who is now likely to miss three games.

The match started well for Ton and in the opening ten minutes Carl Thomas forced the Ely Rangers goalkeeper to fingertip the ball around the left post as the Bulldogs began to stamp their authority on the fixture.

Alyn Jones started a great movement later in the half when his pass to Dale Price played the midfielder into the Ely box. He crossed for Raith Plant but a defender beat him to the ball and hit it out for a corner kick.

From the corner Ely counterattacked and had it not been for Lee Matthews well timed challenge to break up the play Ton Pentre could have found themselves a goal down.

In the 35th minute Price got the break of the ball and found himself through to a one-on-one situation with the Ely keeper. Before the Ton favourite could strike the ball a defender swiped his legs from under him deep in the box. Astonishingly neither the referee nor his assistant awarded a penalty.

Nevertheless five minutes later Ton got the goal that they had been threatening to score when Matthews was fouled 25 yards from goal. With Jones and Price standing over the ball the latter surprised the Ely defence with his quick and accurate ball into the six-yard box where Plant headed into the net at the front post.

In first half injury time Ton scored another two goals. From a Ton corner a defender headed the ball out to Scott Hayward who passed to Ryan Shugar. He chipped the ball back into the box for Eston Chiverton to use his strength to hold a defender off and score.

In the third minute of first half injury time the Ely goalkeeper brought Plant down in the box giving the referee no option but to award the penalty and yellow card the keeper. From the spot Price made it 3-0 with a well taken penalty.

As Price was celebrating the goal, Ely defender David Loosemore slapped him across the head for which he was red carded. Understandably Price reacted angrily to this and although he made no connection with an opponent the referee decided to send the Ton player off as well.

Plant was causing Ely all sorts of problems and when the Ton forward ran the ball into the box early in the second half, Jason Kavanagh was struggling to stay with him and so grabbed the player’s shirt and arm to slow him down. The referee made a brave decision in awarding the penalty and Carl Thomas stepped up to make it 4-0.

Moments later Ely pulled a goal back through Nicky Hooper but it was never going to be enough as Ton continued to look for more goals.

In the 84th minute Shugar was blazing his way towards goal and the goalkeeper made no attempt for the ball and crashed into the Ton player. He was shown a second yellow and was sent off. Shugar took the penalty but saw the shot saved by the outfield player in goals.

Three minutes later Kristian Orchard made a cracking run from defence to the edge of the Ely box where he stood there shouting for the ball. Dwayne Mardenborough finally got the ball to him and when he did Orchard confidently slotted the ball into the goal.

In the 90th minute Shugar made up for his penalty miss with a stunning lob from 30 yards out after seeing the keeper off his goal line.

This goal completed the 6-1 win for Ton Pentre who will be relieved to have ended their recent run of bad form.

They will now confidently look forward to their next match at Caerleon on Saturday 18th March at 2.30pm. Following that match the Bulldogs will entertain UWIC at Ynys Park on Wednesday 22nd March at 7.30 pm.

Ton Pentre Match Facts

Team: Jon HOWE, Mark CRUTCH, Mike REGAN, Eston CHIVERTON, Kristian ORCHARD, Ryan SHUGAR, Lee MATTHEWS, Raith PLANT, Carl THOMAS, Dale PRICE (Captain), Alyn JONES

Substitutes: Elnumazure SILVA (L Matthews 65), Dwayne MARDENBOROUGH, (C Thomas 73), Scott HAYWARD (M Regan 19)

Goals: Plant 41, Chiverton 45+1, Price (Pen) 45+5, Thomas (Pen) 52, Orchard 87, Shugar 90

Yellow Cards: Matthews 57

Red Cards: Price 45+5

Saturday 4 March 2006

Barry Town 1 - 1 Ton Pentre

TON PENTRE stopped the rot in their Welsh League encounter with Barry Town as a second half goal from Ryan Shugar cancelled out the Dragons lead from the first half. This was the first league point that the Rhondda Bulldogs had picked up since their 6-1 thrashing of Newport YMCA on January 21^st.

Shugar’s goal came in the 57^th minute and along with it confidence flooded back to the Ton Pentre players. The Bulldogs probably deserved to win this match, especially after finding the equaliser, as Barry were struggling to keep Ton under control until the 77^th minute sending off of Rhondda Bulldogs captain Andrew Seburn.

Barry took an early lead through direct play in the fourth minute of this match when their goalkeeper Adrian Tucker punted a long ball down field for Matthew Ramadan to cross into the box from the right wing. The ball was met with a header at the near post and rippled the net in what has become an all too familiar type of goal that Ton Pentre have been conceding of late.

Apart from this Ton Pentre were playing well and created several good chances. In the fifteenth minute Dale Price was fouled a couple of yards outside the Barry Town box and from the resulting free kick found Mark Crutch unmarked at the far post. Crutch had time to cue his shot but the defender unfortunately hit the side netting.

Price was getting himself involved in most moves and soon after his return ball to Shaun Mainwaring set the Ton midfielder on goal, his shot almost found its way into the top right hand corner of the goal.

Within the space of a minute Alyn Jones was presented with two good chances, both of which Price had a hand in. The first saw Price thread a lovely through ball into the box for Jones’ run but the player struck over, and the second saw him weigh a lovely chipped pass over the defence and into Jones’ path. The Ton striker came closer with this effort but sent the shot centimetres wide of the post.

Ton continued to dominate in the second half and when Crutch called for the ball from Mainwaring he dribbled around one player then unleashed a shot that forced Tucker to dive low to his right to make a good save.

An equaliser looked on the cards and it came in the 57^th minute when from just inside the penalty area Ryan Shugar scored against his former club after the ball took a deflection on the way into the goal beating Tucker high at the left post.

Following this Ton went up several gears and cracks began to appear in Barry’s flapping defence.

Unfortunately Ton’s chances of winning for only the second time this year were dealt a significant blow later in half when Andrew Seburn was shown a straight red for using threatening language towards an opponent.

Jon Howe’s goalkeeping heroics stopped Barry from taking the lead soon after when Ton were split open. Howe pulled off the impossible with a splendid one handed save in a one-on-one situation that greatly favoured the attacker.

The Bulldogs could have won it in the final five minutes but Jones saw his attempt cleared off the line after taking advantage of a poor back pass from a Barry defender to his goalie.

Ely Rangers, who are third from bottom in the league, visit Ynys Park for Ton’s next match on Saturday 11 March 2006 at 2.30pm.

Ton Pentre Match Facts

Team: Jon HOWE, Shaun MAINWARING, Scott HAYWARD, Mark CRUTCH, Ryan SHUGAR, Andrew SEBURN (Captain), Lee MATTHEWS, Eston CHIVERTON, Carl THOMAS, Dale PRICE, Alyn JONES

Substitutes: Mike REGAN (S Hayward 66), Raith PLANT, Dwayne MARDENBOROUGH (C Thomas 85)

Goals: Shugar 57

Yellow Cards: Jones 57, Mainwaring 57

Red Cards: Seburn 77

Saturday 25 February 2006

Ton Pentre 1- 2 Maesteg Park Athletic

AN improved performance from Ton Pentre was not enough to deny Maesteg Park Athletic all three points at Ynys Park in this Macron Welsh League Division One clash. Although mistakes did creep into their performance the Bulldogs will feel encouraged that they carved out numerous chances against one of the divisions in form teams.

In the week leading up to the match Ton manager Kevin Richards appointed former Bulldogs player Brian Gibson as his assistant manager to fill the void left by Scott Young when he moved to Newport County. Gibson’s appointment is a positive move for the club with both fans and officials welcoming the Ton favourite back to Ynys Park.

Maesteg Park kicked this match off and almost dealt Ton Pentre a major blow in the first minute when a defensive lapse allowed an attacker a clear route on goal. Jon Howe was alert and rushed out to meet the player to stand strong and block his advancements.

Ton got over this early scare and began to apply some pressure on the Maesteg defence. A great chance arose in the 18th minute when from a Ton corner Maesteg were forced to clear from their goal line.

Moments later Ton created another great chance to open the scoring when Shaun Mainwaring charged through midfield and into the box where he cut the ball back into the penalty area for the players in back-up. Unfortunately there was no player able to connect with Mainwaring’s cross.

It was the visitors turn to attack and a piercing ball into the Ton box forced Mark Crutch to put it out for a corner with a stretching header. Ian Shepherd crossed to the far post where he found a team-mate who headed Maesteg into the lead.

Robert Walters had a good opportunity to extend the lead for Maesteg soon after when he received a perfect pass from midfield. Walters would have felt that he should have done better with the chance as he struck the ball wide of the goalpost.

The Rhondda Bulldogs came close to an equaliser in the 38th minute when Eston Chiverton played the ball to Raith Plant who turned his defender exquisitely to present himself with a one-on-one with Maesteg goalkeeper Gary Wager. However, Plant was unable to lift the ball high enough over Wager’s dive and the goalkeeper pulled off a fine save to keep his team in the lead.

Ton started well in the second half and continued to probe for an equaliser replacing Alyn Jones and Raith Plant with Mike Regan and Dwayne Mardenbrough.

However, the Bulldogs task was made much harder when Maesteg found the back of the net for the second time in the match. Maesteg made it look easy with a square pass in the Ton box from a Maesteg player allowing Walters the time and space to shoot and score.

Soon after Dale Price made way for Kyle Morris who did well following his introduction into the game.

Morris popped up at the far post to meet a cross and scored for the Bulldogs to give Maesteg a nervy final ten minutes as Ton ploughed forward for an equaliser.

Maesteg maintained their concentration and held out for the win, which keeps them in third position in the league table.

Ton Pentre are faced with a short trip to the White Tips Stadium in Treforest on Saturday 4 March to play Barry Town. Please note that the kick off time is 2.30pm.

Ton Pentre Match Facts

Team: Jon HOWE, Shaun MAINWARING, Mark CRUTCH, Andrew SEBURN (Captain), Eston CHIVERTON, Scott HAYWARD, Lee MATTHEWS, Raith PLANT, Carl THOMAS, Dale PRICE, Alyn JONES

Substitutes: Kyle MORRIS (D Price 74), Dwayne MARDENBOUROUGH (R Plant 65), Mike REGAN (A Jones 65)

Goals: Morris 81

Yellow Cards: Mainwaring 30, Seburn 77

Red Cards: None

Saturday 18 February 2006

Bettws 4 - 1 Ton Pentre

CONFIDENCE is low in the Rhondda Bulldogs camp as Ton Pentre have now lost seven of their last eight games after Division One strugglers Bettws produced a fine display to comfortably beat the reigning champions.

For Bettws this was the perfect send-off for their home ground as for the remainder of the season the team will play their home fixtures at Bridgend Town and Maesteg Park. The reason for this is that the club has received grants totalling £450,000 to modernise their facilities that will include an all weather floodlit training area.

Bettws were clearly up for the match and were looking to take advantage of Ton Pentre’s recent bad form as they cut through the centre of midfield to open up their goalscoring account with chipped ball over Jon Howe in the second minute. The Ton goalkeeper was forced to rush from his line to close down the attacking player after the defence had been easily breached.

With 15 minutes of the match played Raith Plant came close for the Bulldogs after Lee Matthews started a movement in midfield that saw the ball played to Alyn Jones. The Ton striker played himself into the Bettws box where he picked out a pass to Plant but his shot edged over the bar.

Five minutes later Bettws delivered a sucker punch when they took advantage of a defensive mistake. Jon Wile was allowed the time and space to cross into the 18 yard box where a team mate met the ball with a diving header at the near post to double the home side’s lead.

A 25th minute corner looked as though it had opened up a path back into the match for Ton when Jones’s ball into the box ended up in the back of Leon Cosker’s goal following a powerful header from former Bettws player Andrew Seburn.

Ton began to have the upper hand following this goal and looked more assured in their play forcing Bettws to defend deeply.

However, they were unable to draw level before half time and this handed advantage back to Bettws as they returned for the second half well organised and ready to battle for the win.

Another defensive error early in the second half nearly allowed Bettws to score but Jon Howe did well to save the bicycle shot from a Bettws player.

Ryan Shugar came close soon after for Ton Pentre when he attempted to lob Cosker from around 30 yards. It was an ambitious effort that forced the Bettws ‘keeper to stretch to bring the ball into his possession.

On the hour mark though Bettws found the back of the net for the third time in the match with a goal that effectively knocked the stuffing out of Ton Pentre. From a freekick approximately 20 yards from goal the ball was bent around the defensive wall and past the outstretched arm of Howe.

Although they knew that they were beaten, to their credit Ton never gave up chasing the match but it seemed inevitable that Bettws would score again and this they did in the 72nd minute. Rob Hugglestone completed his side’s comprehensive win after slipping through the Ton defence.

Ton Pentre’s next match is at Ynys Park on Saturday 25 February against third placed Maesteg Park Athletic. Kick off 2pm.

Ton Pentre Match Facts

Team: Jon HOWE, Shaun MAINWARING, Kyle MORRIS, Matthew Turrell, Mark CRUTCH, Andrew SEBURN (Captain), Ryan SHUGAR, Lee MATTHEWS, Raith PLANT, Dale PRICE, Alyn JONES

Substitutions: Eston CHIVERTON (M.???? 45), Scott HAYWARD (L.Matthews 62), Dwayne MARDENBOROUGH (R.Plant 68)

Goals: Seburn 25

Yellow Cards: Price 59

Red Cards: None

Saturday 11 February 2006

Ton Pentre 0 - 4 Bridgend Town

BRIDGEND Town reduced Ton Pentre to their biggest defeat of the season and sending them into the lower half of the Welsh League Division One table in the process.

During several periods of the first half Ton Pentre put Bridgend under some considerable pressure but failed to make their chances count. Both Kristian Orchard and Carl Thomas hit their shots over the cross bar and wide of the post.

Then in the 39^th minute Bridgend hit Ton with some direct play down the field that resulted in a goal scored by Andy Mainwaring. Jon Howe tipped the player’s first effort onto the bar but Mainwaring cleaned-up by heading the ball into a gaping goal.

The same player should have scored an easy goal early on in the second half after breaking clean through on goal; however, Mainwaring sent his shot wide.

Ton Pentre lacked creativity and produced very little in front of goal and Bridgend Town made them pay in the last ten minutes of the match by scoring three more goals.

Mainwaring was allowed through on goal far too easily after Ton had lost possession cheaply in midfield during the 36^th minute of play. Mainwaring scored his second of the game by lobbing a hapless Jon Howe.

Less than a minute later the Bridgend forward completed his hat-trick when Ton miserably gave the ball away in midfield once again.

The horrific display of football was not over as Ton embarrassingly allowed Bridgend to score a fourth goal deep in injury time when the Ton keeper kicked the ball straight at an opponent, who took the ball around him to slot in an easy goal.

Ton Pentre will hope they can overcome this disappointing drop in form when they travel to Bettws for their next league match on Saturday February 18^th at 2pm. Their opponents are currently bottom of the table following a 2-1 loss at fellow strugglers Briton Ferry. The Bulldogs will have captain Andrew Seburn available for the encounter against his former club having completed a one-match suspension. When the sides last met Ton Pentre ran out 5-1 winners at Ynys Park.

Ton Pentre Match Facts

Team: Jon HOWE, Shaun MAINWARING, Kristian ORCHARD, Mark CRUTCH, Ryan SHUGAR, Kyle MORRIS, Lee MATTHEWS, Alyn JONES, Raith PLANT, Dale PRICE (Captain), Carl THOMAS

Substitutes: Dwayne MARDENBOROUGH (R Plant 60), Mike REGAN (K Morris 26), Scott HAYWARD (K Orchard 55)

Goals: None

Yellow Cards: Matthews 70

Red Cards: None

Saturday 4February 2006

Dinas Powys 1 - 0 Ton Pentre

DINAS Powys were the latest team to inflict a dose of misery on Ton Pentre as they defeated the Rhondda Bulldogs with a goal scored on the brink of half time.

Manager Kevin Richards welcomed back Lee Matthews and Shaun Mainwaring from suspension but was unable to select Ryan Shugar who was serving a one-match ban after picking up five cautions during the course of the season.

For Dinas Powys ex-Bulldog goalkeeper Richard Johnson returned to their starting line-up after a lengthy injury that had kept him sidelined for six matches.

From Ton Pentre’s point of view it was an uneventful first half with hardly a shot on target while Dinas Powys were playing counter attacking football trying to hit the Bulldogs on the break.

The best chance for Ton in the first half fell to Kristian Orchard. From Carl Thomas’ free kick Andrew Seburn headed on for Orchard to strike but the ball went wide of the left post.

In the 44^th minute Peter Lewis done remarkably well at the Ton Pentre by-line to take the entire defence out of play as they congregated in a group to try and get the ball from the player. He was then able to send a simple pass into the feet of Steve Provis, who was completely unmarked, and the player slotted the ball in the goal for an easy finish.

Eleven minutes into the second half Ton came the closest yet to scoring a goal, however, it was almost an own goal from Dale Price. He headed back to Jon Howe in the Ton goals forcing the keeper to pull off a good save to deny an embarrassing own goal.

During the second half Ton used all three of their substitutes with Eston Chiverton replacing Price, Dwayne Mardenborough coming on for Seburn and Orchard making way for Allan Clarke.

Mardenborough turned well to force a defender away from the ball and to get himself into the Dinas Powys box in the 79^th minute. He passed to Clarke who struck a useful looking shot at goal but Johnson was equal to it and made the save.

Even with ten minutes of injury time Ton Pentre were unable to find the back of the net with Alyn Jones blazing the ball over the bar in the final minute of added on time.

With this win Dinas Powys climb above Ton into seventh place leaving Ton Pentre languishing in ninth.

February Fixtures (All 2pm Kick Off):

Saturday 11^th - Bridgend Town (Home)

Saturday 18^th - Bettws (Away)

Saturday 25^th - Maesteg Park (Home)

Ton Pentre Match Facts

Team: Jon HOWE, Shaun MAINWARING, Scott HAYWARD, Kristian ORCHARD, Mark CRUTCH, Andrew SEBURN (Captain), Lee MATTHEWS, Raith PLANT, Carl THOMAS, Dale PRICE, Alyn JONES

Substitutions: Eston CHIVERTON (D Price 56), 14. Allan CLARKE (K Orchard 76), Dwayne MARDENBOROUGH (A Seburn 71)

Goals: None

Yellow Cards: None

Red Cards: None

Saturday 28 January 2006

Neath Athletic 3-1 Ton Pentre

Shamrock Travel Welsh League Cup, Round Three

NEATH Athletic dumped Ton Pentre out of the Shamrock Travel Welsh League Cup at the third round stage. The Rhondda Bulldogs were unable to break down the home team’s defence in a match that was dominated by their opponents.

For the second time this season Neath have beaten Ton Pentre by three goals to one and the latest victory began with Ryan Frankcom’s cross that was deflected into the net off Eston Chiverton in the 14^th minute.

The Neath defence were solid and Ton were limited to shots from outside the box. One such effort came from Alyn Jones who had done well in taking the ball around a defender’s challenge but could find no way through on goal.

The Bulldogs began to stamp some authority on the match as the first half progressed and their reward was a 31^st minute goal.

Jones did wonderfully well to bring the ball under control near the edge of the 18-yard box. He then laid the ball off for Raith Plant who applied the power needed to send the ball into the goal wrong footing goalkeeper Huw Liddell in the process.

Ton Pentre continued to heap pressure on their hosts and looked good for another goal until 37^th minute when the Bulldogs gifted Neath the lead.

Jon Howe came out of his box to head the ball away from a Neath striker. Unfortunately possession fell to Neath’s Andrew Hill who attempted to lob Howe. The Ton ‘keeper managed to get a hand to it on the goal line but Carl Shaw was poaching in the 6 yard box and applied an easy finish.

Neath Athletic kept Ton Pentre quiet during the second half and almost increased their lead in the 49^th minute when good play resulted in Hill latching onto a cross from the left to header the ball against the Ton cross bar.

Moments later it was a Ton Pentre player who saw his header go over the bar with Jones missing an excellent chance for an equaliser after Allan Clarke had done well to keep the ball in play, preventing a goal kick, in order to cross into the Ton forward.

A couple of minutes later Clarke was substituted with Kyle Morris taking to the field in his place. Morris looked dangerous when going forward up the wing and looked as though he may have held the key in opening up the Neath defence.

However, Ton suffered a blow in the 62^nd minute as Neath scored their third goal. Good play down the right saw David D’Auria get into a good position to cross into the box. The ball in was so good that it was impossible to defend against and Chiverton could do nothing except hit it into his own net.

Their lead could have been increased through Stephen Pockett soon after but his 25 yard strike hit the crossbar.

Although Ton never really looked like getting back into the match Morris was causing the Neath defence a few problems. On two occasions he made the goalkeeper scramble across his goal line but the player’s shots went wide on the left post and into the side netting.

Neath Athletic now advance into the League Cup Quarter Finals as the tournament’s favourites leaving Ton to play out the rest of the season with no hope of silverware.

Ton return to league action on Saturday 4 February when they take a trip to Dinas Powys for a 2 pm kick off.

Ton Pentre Match Facts:

Team: Jon HOWE, Alyn JONES, Allan CLARKE, Mark CRUTCH, Eston CHIVERTON, Andrew SEBURN (Captain), Ryan SHUGAR, Scott HAYWARD, Raith PLANT, Dale PRICE, Kristian ORCHARD

Substitutes: Kyle MORRIS (A Clarke 54), 14. Mike REGAN (S Hayward 63), 15. Carl THOMAS (R Shugar 72)

Goal: Plant 31

Yellow Cards: Shugar 54, Seburn 56

Red Cards: None

Saturday 21 January 2005

Newport YMCA 1 - 6 Ton Pentre

TON PENTRE brushed Newport YMCA aside with six goals in a fantastic display of football. The Rhondda Bulldogs were in control for the whole 90 minutes as Kevin Richards welcomed back Alyn Jones and Captain Andrew Seburn from suspension.

Newport YMCA went into the match full of confidence following a midweek victory over Division One leaders Neath Athletic through a second half penalty scored by Darren Porretta.

The home team had no such luck against Ton Pentre as the Bulldogs were quick out of the blocks at kick off by taking the game to Newport YMCA.

Allan Clarke looked as though he had given the Rhondda team the lead after two minutes of play when great attacking football had the Newport defence backtracking. His shot hit the goal post and Ton Pentre had to wait another 15 minutes before getting the ball into the net.

And when they did get the ball over the line, the spectators at Mendalgief Road saw the first of six wonderful movements of play in the match that ended in a goal being scored. Raith Plant used his pace to get behind a defender out on the right which created the space for a cross that Alyn Jones applied a quality finish to.

Against the run of play Newport came close to scoring an equaliser but the combined efforts of Jon Howe and Andrew Seburn saw the ball cleared from the line.

A minute later the Bulldogs grabbed their second goal when the trickery and skill of Alyn Jones opened the defence wide open for a pass to Ryan Shugar in the penalty area, whose shot was powerfully placed into the goal.

Dale Price scored Ton Pentre’s third goal that completed a swift move up the right wing that began with a pass from deep by Shugar to Plant. The Ton forward notched up his second assist of the game with another perfectly hit cross into the box that Newport were unable to deal with.

Ton made it 4-0 before half-time with Alyn Jones scoring his second following some excellent teamwork. Clarke’s creativity saw him get into a forward position where his pass helped create the goal. Price let the ball roll past him in the knowledge that Jones was well positioned behind him to apply the finish.

Alyn Jones found himself through on goal in the 63^rd minute for his hat-trick but was unable to get the flick on the ball that was needed to have sent it over the Newport goalkeeper. Craig Margetts had rushed from his line to meet the ball and when Jones missed it he handled the ball outside of his area. With the Bulldogs 4-0 up the officials failed to call it.

Moments later Ton did score again from another cross into the box by Seburn who found Plant at the far post. He headed high into the top right of the target to make it five goals without reply.

Following this the Ton manager decided to give his substitutes a run out that included Price being replaced for debutante striker Mike Ryan.

After Newport had scored a consolation goal in the 67^th minute Ryan was involved in helping his new team score their sixth goal of the game. Ryan had taken the ball around the goalkeeper and shot from a tight angle. With the ball starting to slow down as it approached the goal line, Jones managed to beat the defenders to it, in order to make sure that it ended up in the back of the net for him to complete his hat-trick in the 86^th minute.

Ton Pentre will take the confidence of this 6-1 win into their next match at Neath Athletic in the Shamrock Travel Welsh League Cup. The Bulldogs will be without Lee Matthews and Shaun Mainwaring for their trip to Llandarcy Park as the pair are both suspended. The Round Three match kicks off at 1.30pm.

Ton Pentre Match Facts:

Team: Jon HOWE, Mark CRUTCH, Allan CLARKE, Kristian ORCHARD, Eston CHIVERTON, Andrew SEBURN (Captain), Ryan SHUGAR, Lee MATTHEWS, Raith PLANT, Dale PRICE, Alyn JONES

Substitutes: Kyle MORRIS (A Clarke 64), Scott HAYWARD (L Matthews 60), Mike RYAN (D Price 64)

Goals: Jones 17, 37, 86; Shugar 24; Price 33; Plant 64

Yellow Card: Shugar

Red Card: None

Saturday 14 January 2006

Ton Pentre 2 - 3 Afan Lido

TON PENTRE are without a win in three matches following Afan Lido’s triumph at Ynys Park in yet another game full of controversy.

Afan Lido are one of five teams that have applied for promotion to the Welsh Premier League and for them a win against Ton Pentre was essential in order to catch up with Neath Athletic at the summit of the Welsh League.

The visitors almost took the lead as early as the third minute when an Afan Lido forward broke free from the Ton defence to run towards goal. His shot was met with a fine save from Jon Howe who diverted the direction of the ball out for a corner.

In the 15th minute both Shaun Mainwaring and an Afan Lido counterpart were both cautioned for a tangle in midfield. Mainwaring was perhaps a little unlucky to receive the caution as he defended himself from the players retaliation to his challenge.

Ten minutes later the Rhondda Bulldogs found themselves deservedly in the lead when Kyle Morris sent the ball over the top of the Afan Lido defence for Raith Plant to run on to. Plant scored a delightful goal when he lobbed the goalkeeper from about 20 yards out.

Ton Pentre took the lead into the half time break following a good first half of football.

The second half was just two minutes fresh when referee Kevin Morgan harshly produced a second yellow card for Shaun Mainwaring’s challenge on an Afan Lido defender. He was making a standing challenge to win the ball but clipped the player a little late after the ball had been moved on. The player did his best to pull out of the challenge but the referee was quick to go to his pocket.

This was Ton Pentre’s fifth red card in as many matches and Afan Lido began to take advantage of the space on the field. Both Jon Howe and Kyle Morris saved Ton on two occasions soon after. Howe did well to block a headed shot at close range and Morris done enough to pressurise an Afan Lido forward into sending his shot wide of the post.

Controversy struck again moments later when Afan Lido were awarded an equaliser. From a corner Morris cleared the ball from the goal line. Play proceeded and following several passes up the field the referee awarded a throw-in to Afan Lido. However, in the time it took for the assistant referee to run from the by-line to almost the halfway line he had decided to flag for the goal. To confirm what the linesman was flagging for the referee had to go over to his assistant for him to explain.

In the 63rd minute Ton Pentre clawed their way back in front when Lee Matthews got the ball into the net following Ryan Shugar’s shot from outside the box.

The lead lasted two minutes as from a corner Afan Lido headed in a goal at the far post that looped over Morris covering the keeper on the line.

During the 70th minute of play the referee completed Ton’s woes by awarding Afan Lido a penalty kick for a handball in the box. The decision caused uproar on the Ton bench from where they had a good view of the incident. The penalty was converted and Afan Lido were in the lead.

Ton Pentre finished the match strongly and looked good for an equaliser in the closing stages of the match but it never came and the Rhondda Bulldogs were reduced to defeat once again.

The Bulldogs next match is away to Newport YMCA on Saturday 21 January at 2pm.

Team: 1. Stephen HALL 2. Scott HAYWARD 3. Dean MORRIS 4. Mark CRUTCH 5. Eston CHIVERTON 6. Ryan SHUGAR 7. Lee MATTHEWS 8. Shaun MAINWARING 9. Raith PLANT 10. Dale PRICE (Captain) 11. Kristian ORCHARD

Substitutes: 12. Allan CLARKE (E Chiverton 63); 14. Dwayne MARDENBOROUGH (R Plant 63); 15. Elnumazure SILVA

Goals: Plant 25; Matthews 63

Yellow Cards: Hayward 13; Mainwaring 15; Matthews 58; Clarke 90+3

Red Card: Mainwaring 47

SATURDAY 7 JANUARY 2006

AFC LLWYDCOED 2 - 0 TON PENTRE

AFC Llwydcoed completed the double over Rhondda Cynon Taff rivals Ton Pentre with a 2-0 win at the Welfare Ground in Macron Welsh League Division One. The home team caught the Bulldogs out twice with counter attacks in the last ten minutes of the match.

With this result Ton Pentre have lost any slim chance of retaining their league crown with the Rhondda outfit dropping to seventh position in the table behind the likes of Neath Athletic, Afan Lido and Maesteg Park.

Ton Pentre were suffering from injuries and suspensions for this match against Llwydcoed with influential players such as Nathan Prygodzicz, Jon Howe, Alyn Jones and captain Andrew Seburn all missing from the Bulldogs line-up. Stephen Hall was recalled to the team to play in goal and veteran footballer Eston Chiverton returned to the club after playing for Ton in the League of Wales about ten years ago.

Ton Pentre were the dominant team in the first half of this match and could have taken the lead after four minutes when Dale Price broke away from a defender down the left to cut a ball back to Raith Plant in the Llwydcoed penalty area. Goalkeeper Lee Idsi was left in limbo by the pass but Plant’s shot was cleared from the line by a covering defender.

During Llwydcoed’s best period of the half they too had the ball cleared from the line when they were awarded a free kick 20 yards outside the Ton box. The kick from Christopher Davies saw Hall called into action pulling off two good saves before Allan Clarke headed the ball away from under the cross bar to deny the home team a goal.

Mark Crutch was allowed two opportunities to score before the half time break, both of which were headed chances. The first was from Clarke’s free kick where Crutch was allowed a free header on goal but the Ton defender was unable to head the ball down and it went wide of the post. The second, from another free kick, looked as though it was heading into the back of the net but Idsi, who appeared to be wrong footed by the header, managed to fingertip the ball into his arms.

In the second half Llwydcoed found themselves more in the game and opened up the Ton defence within the first few minutes of the half with some lovely passing and movement, however, Christopher Vardon’s shot ended up over the cross bar.

On the hour the Bulldogs had their two best chances of the match to score. Plant got himself away from the defence and rounded the goalkeeper but saw his shot cannon back off the upright much to Ton’s dismay. Then the ball broke to Price outside the box and with Idsi off his goal line he took a shot. Unfortunately for the player he watched his effort hit the cross bar.

It wasn’t to be for Ton and Llwydcoed hit them on the break with Vardon scoring Llwydcoed’s first.

Eston Chiverton almost headed in an equaliser but the ball failed to cross the line and Llwydcoed quickly got the ball up the other end of the field for Jonathan Mason to make certain of a home win a minute from time.

Ton Pentre play Afan Lido at Ynys Park on Saturday 14 January 2004 at 2pm.

Team: 1. Stephen HALL 2. Scott HAYWARD 3. Mark CRUTCH 4. Kristian ORCHARD 5. Shaun MAINWARING 6. Ryan SHUGAR 7. Lee MATTHEWS 8. Raith PLANT 9. Dwayne MARDENBOROUGH 10. Dale PRICE (Captain) 11. Allan CLARKE

Substitutes: 12. 12. Elnumazure SILVA (K Orchard 71); 14. Kyle MORRIS (S Hayward 56); 15. Eston CHIVERTON (D Mardenborough 61)

Goals: None

Yellow Cards: Shugar 87

Red Cards: None

Saturday 17 December 2005

Ton Pentre 1 - 3 Neath Athletic

NEATH Athletic continued their march towards the Macron Welsh League Division One title and promotion to the Vauxhall Masterfit Welsh Premier League by beating Ton Pentre at Ynys Park in a top of the table clash.

To begin with it was a highly entertaining match with both teams playing attacking football, however, the referee decided that he wanted to take centre stage instead of the football and spoilt the game as a spectacle with some shocking decisions that helped influence the match.

Up until the 39th minute Jon Howe was having a terrific match having pulled off some wonderful saves to keep the Rhondda Bulldogs in the game but when he came outside his box to clear the ball from danger the referee ludicrously decided to send the goalkeeper off for hand ball. The well positioned referee’s assistant had not seen a hand ball and did not flag. The ball had in fact hit the player high on his chest but the referee performed a huge blunder by showing him a red card.

The Ton Pentre players were incensed and the card happy referee reduced the Bulldogs to nine men when he showed Alyn Jones a red card for his protest.

Before the referee decided to wield his red card Ton Pentre had taken the lead through a lovely chip from Raith Plant in the 17th minute when Neath’s Stephen Evans poorly executed a header back to his goalkeeper. Plant latched onto it and goalie Huw Liddell was stranded.

Neath were skilful in attack and were constantly causing the Ton defence problems. Neath should have equalised in the 21st minute when a ball over the top of the Ton defence was met by Andrew Hill who headed over Jon Howe. The Ton Pentre goalkeeper though did magnificently well to get back to his line and scoop the ball away from the goalmouth.

Neath did find a goal five minutes later when they cut the Ton defence wide open. Ryan Francombe slipped in between the defence and slotted in the equaliser.

Two minutes later Neath were awarded a penalty kick when one of their players was fouled on the edge of the box. Andrew Hill took the penalty but Howe dived to his left and stopped the ball for a cracking save.

In the 32nd minute of play Dale Price won the Bulldogs a corner and from it Mark Crutch almost reclaimed the lead but his header was cleared from the goal line by a Neath defender.

It was soon after this that Ton Pentre were reduced to nine men with the referee effectively handing all three points to Neath Athletic. The Bulldogs reacted with taking striker Plant off and introducing Kyle Morris into a wingback position.

It was a proud second half performance from Ton Pentre who worked hard to make life difficult for Neath but it was inevitable that the table toppers would score with outfield player Shaun Mainwaring in the Ton goals.

Neath took the lead in the 61st minute when Hill scored a header from a free kick sent into the box from just outside the penalty area.

Three minutes later it looked as though Morris had found an equaliser when the nine men carved their way through the Neath defence but the player hit the side netting.

The match was put well beyond Ton when ex-Swansea City player Jonathan Keaveny scored from 25 yards out past Mainwaring in goal.

There could have been another Neath goal four minutes from time but Mainwaring made a fantastic double save by diving across the goal line to block the shots and keep Neath to 3-1.

Ton Pentre will look to get over this disappointment when they play Goytre United at Ynys Park on Wednesday 28th December 2005 at 7.30pm. However, their opponents are no pushovers as Goytre United have replaced Ton Pentre in second place in Division One.

Ton Pentre Match Facts

Team: Jon HOWE, Shaun MAINWARING, Kristian ORCHARD, Mark CRUTCH, Dwayne MARDENBOROUGH, Scott HAYWARD, Lee MATTHEWS, Ryan SHUGAR, Raith PLANT, Dale PRICE (Captain), Alyn JONES

Substitutes: Kyle MORRIS (R Plant 44), 14. Allan CLARKE (L Matthews 81), Elnumazure SILVA (D Mardenborough 73)

Goal: Plant 17

Red Cards: Howe 39, Jones 39

Yellow Cards: Matthews 57, Morris 59, Price 59, Orchard 69, Hayward 90

Saturday 10 December 2005

Bryntirion Athletic 1 - 2 Ton Pentre

DWAYNE MARDENBOROUGH was Ton Pentre’s saviour for the second time in seven days as his well-taken goal guided the Rhondda Bulldogs to victory at Bryntirion Athletic. His goal may very well prove to be the most important of the season as it keeps alive Ton Pentre’s hopes of holding onto the league trophy, as the Ynys Park team look to claw back some ground on leaders Neath Athletic.

The table toppers are in fact Ton Pentre’s next opponents at Ynys Park for what will be a must win match at all costs for the Rhondda Bulldogs as Neath Athletic currently sit 14 points clear of the reigning champions. At the moment Neath look unstoppable and continued their fine form at the weekend by beating Briton Ferry 3-1.

One player that will definitely be missing for the mammoth clash will be Ton Pentre captain Andrew Seburn who will be suspended following his sending off at Bryntirion. Bulldogs' manager Kevin Richards also has a defensive headache with Nathan Prygodzicz out injured.

However, Ton Pentre will take a lot of confidence into the match after turning around a one-goal deficit at Bryntirion with only ten men on the field after looking dead and buried.

Lacklustre defending lead to Bryntirion taking the lead through Brandon Walters in the 39^th minute of the match when the striker was allowed to jump freely in the box to head in an easy goal from a corner.

Ton continued their poor form into the second half and after just six minutes of it found themselves reduced to ten men. The referee blew for a foul after a hard sliding challenge from Andrew Seburn in which the Ton captain looked as though he had won the ball.

Several Bryntirion players surrounded Seburn, one of whom, Jon Wile, threw a punch at the Ton captain. His reaction was to grab Wile by his neck and for that the referee produced a red card and sent him off. Wile, however, remarkably escaped with just a yellow card.

Ton Pentre introduced Kristian Orchard and Carl Thomas into the game in place of Kyle Morris and Raith Plant. Thomas though was only able to last ten minutes as he picked up a dead leg in a challenge with the Bryntirion goalkeeper. Dwayne Mardenborough was his replacement.

Although Ton Pentre were a man short this seemed to galvanise the team as they dug deep to produce a dazzling comeback from what looked like certain defeat.

As Alyn Jones ran towards the Bryntirion goal a defender took him out on the edge of the box. Orchard took the free kick but saw the ball hit the wall of players. However, it broke to Ryan Shugar who’s sweet strike glided through the air and into the top left hand corner of the goal.

A comeback looked on the cards and Ton Pentre’s hard work was rewarded in the 82^nd minute when Dale Price threaded a perfect pass through the defence and into Mardenborough’s path. The Ton forward demonstrated impeccable composure to side foot the ball out of the reach of the sprawling goalkeeper and into the net for an important goal.

The significance of the goal was exemplified by the reaction of the Ton bench. Both manager Kevin Richards and his assistant Scott Young went running off down the touchline to join in with the players’ celebration of the goal.

This essential win sets up an incredibly exciting encounter with Neath Athletic on Saturday 17^th December at Ynys Park. This unmissable match kicks off at 2pm.

Ton Pentre Match Facts

Team: 1. Jon HOWE 2. Shaun MAINWARING 3. Kyle MORRIS 4. Mark CRUTCH 5. Mike MEYER 6. Andrew SEBURN (Captain) 7. Lee MATTHEWS 8. Ryan SHUGAR 9. Raith PLANT 10. Dale PRICE 11. Alyn JONES

Substitutes: 12. Carl THOMAS (R Plant 56), 14. Kristian ORCHARD (K Morris 56), 15. Dwayne MARDENBOROUGH (C Thomas 65)

Goals: Shugar 78, Mardenborough 82

Yellow Cards: Morris 22

Red Cards: Seburn 51

Saturday 3 December 2005

Ton Pentre 1 - 1 Briton Ferry

DWAYNE Maredenborough came off the bench to head in an equaliser for the Rhondda Bulldogs after visiting team Briton Ferry took the lead after Ton Pentre were reduced to ten men.

Although Ton Pentre were relieved to get the point, in hindsight they will look back on it as two points lost, as the Bulldogs had more than enough chances throughout the match to have won it comfortably.

In the 16th minute Ton were dealt a huge blow when defender Nathan Prygodzicz was substituted after injuring his shoulder. The same injury had kept the player out for six matches before this reoccurrence.

Ton manager Kevin Richards was forced to reorganise bringing on Carl Thomas up front with captain Andrew Seburn dropping back from midfield into defence.

This allowed Briton Ferry to create a few chances as Ton attempted to adapt to the changes. Sam Brown took a shot with a freekick that Briton Ferry had won but Jon Howe was equal to it and produced an excellent save by diving across his goal to tip the ball away.

Briton Ferry had several more chances before Ton Pentre were able to create an opening. Richard Gay was permitted to have a clear strike on goal but sent his golden opportunity wide of the right hand post.

The Bulldogs were also guilty of missing a prime chance to take the lead when in the 45th minute they found themselves in a three on two attack. Alyn Jones chose the right option to pass the ball to a clear Raith Plant in the Briton Ferry penalty area. Plant attempted to place the ball around Lee Williams but hit it straight at the goalkeeper.

Within the first ten minutes of the second half Scott Hayward found himself booked after a late foul tackle on a Briton Ferry player.

Ton Pentre looked as though they had taken the lead 67th minute when from a cross on the right Carl Thomas headed at goal with venom but the ball rebounded back off the goalpost much to the player's dismay.

Five minutes later Ton were on a useful looking attack with Hayward in possession on the left wing. However, the referees’ assistant incorrectly flagged the player offside. Hayward, who was at least a yard on side, was understandably aggrieved. In frustration the player kicked the ball away and the referee sent him off for a second cautionable offence.

This gave Briton Ferry some added belief and they took the lead through Keith Phillips in the 74th minute following building pressure on the Ton defence.

Ton reacted to the goal by bringing on Dwayne Mardenborough for Shaun Mainwaring.

This turned out to be an excellent decision as four minutes from time Mardenborough jumped above everyone in the box to connect with a freekick and glance a header into the back of the net.

The match finished one apiece which will certainly leave Neath Athletic rubbing their hands together as they sit 11 points clear of Ton Pentre at the top of the league.

Ton’s next match is away to Bryntirion Athletic on 10th December at 2pm then home to Neath Athletic on 17th December (2pm) for what will be a crunch tie.

Feeder team, Ton & Gelli Under 17’s, have unveiled Tonypandy Mobility Centre as their new training kit sponsors. Their next fixture is on 10th December at home to Treorchy.

Ton Pentre Match Facts

Team: 1. Jon HOWE, 2. Shaun MAINWARING, 3. Scott HAYWARD, 4. Mark CRUTCH, 5. Nathan PRYGODZICZ, 6. Andrew SEBURN (Captain), 7. Lee MATTHEWS, 8. Ryan SHUGAR, 9. Raith PLANT, 10.Dale PRICE, 11.Alyn JONES

Substitutes: 12. Carl THOMAS (N Prygodzicz 16), 14. Kyle Morris (R Plant 61), 15. Dwayne MARDENBOROUGH (S Mainwaring 74)

Goal: Mardenborough 86

Yellow Cards: Hayward 54, Seburn 60

Red Card: Hayward 72

Saturday 19 November 2005

Ton Pentre 4 - 1 Caerleon

TON PENTRE recovered from an early setback to totally outclass a Caerleon side that is struggling at the wrong end of the Macron Welsh League Division One. The Rhondda Bulldogs moved into second position after fellow high-flyers Bryntirion Athletic lost 1-0 away to UWIC.

At Ynys Park Caerleon got off to a dream start when Chris Pearce scored from 20 yards out on the right after gaining possession from an under hit clearance by Ton goalkeeper Jon Howe.

Their lead could have been increased soon after when Steve Arthur’s snapshot at goal was kept out by Howe at close range with a fantastic reaction save.

Caerleon were looking confident and created another opportunity to score in the 16^th minute. Pearce was given space in which to run and shoot. His attempt on goal failed to dip and skimmed over the crossbar.

Ton Pentre then began to play and drew the match level with a 23^rd minute goal. Ryan Shugar’s pass up the wing to Alyn Jones allowed the Bulldogs’ forward to run into the area where he picked out a delivery to Raith Plant on the edge of the six yard box. Plant connected and kicked the ball past Fitzroy Hutchison in the Caerleon goal.

Howe denied Caerleon from taking the lead for the second time in the game when he saved a shot from Jon Seymour by kicking the ball from the line.

From here the Bulldogs then took the lead in the second minute of first half injury time when Jones was supplier once again but this time to Lee Matthews. Jones had locked on to a poor kick by the goalkeeper. He took the ball into the box where he turned away from a defender to get a pass to Matthews who scored for the second time this season.

The lead was increased during the 57^th minute of play through Dale Price. It was Price who started the movement that led to the goal when his battling maintained possession for him to get a pass to Scott Hayward. He then played a ball to Jones on the left who crossed into the centre of the Caerleon penalty area for Price to send his shot into the net. It was Alyn Jones’s third assist of the game.

The visitors never gave up and were always looking to try and find a way back into match. In the 69^th minute they forced their way through on goal but good defending from Mark Crutch denied the first attempt when he did well to head the ball away from imminent danger when he recovered from slipping to make sure he connected with the ball. Then when the ball broke free to a Caerleon player on the edge of the box Jon Howe produced a terrific tip over the cross bar while diving backwards.

The match was put well beyond Caerleon in the 72^nd minute with Jones featuring in the build up play once again. His header on for Price saw the midfield dynamo thread the ball through for substitute Carl Thomas to slot into the goal.

Ton Pentre’s 4-1 win sends out a clear signal to the rest of the Welsh League that they intend on keeping hold of their title as they look to tighten the gap between top of the league team Neath Athletic and themselves.

Ton Pentre are away to Pontardawe Town on Saturday 26 November at 2pm. Their next home game will be against Briton Ferry on Saturday 3 December at 2pm.

Ton Pentre Match Facts

Team: Jon HOWE, Scott HAYWARD, Shaun MAINWARING, Mark CRUTCH, Gareth WHARTON, Andrew SEBURN (Captain), Lee MATTHEWS, Ryan SHUGAR, Raith PLANT, Dale PRICE, Alyn JONES

Substitutes: Carl THOMAS (R Plant 66), Kristian ORCHARD (R Shugar 74), Dwayne MARDENBOROUGH (D Price 74)

Goals: Plant 23, Matthews 45+2, Price 57, Thomas 72

Yellow Cards: Seburn 37, Matthews 61, Mardenborough 83

Red Card: None

Wednesday 16 November 2005

Ton Pentre 2 - 0 Dinas Powys

A DOMINANT first half display from Ton Pentre bagged all the points against Dinas Powys with goals from Gareth Wharton and Raith Plant securing the 2-0 score-line.

The Rhondda Bulldogs raced into a 1-0 lead after 11 minutes of the first half. When Frazer Williams won Ton a corner, Gareth Wharton jumped to head the ball into the net past visiting goalkeeper Richard Johnson.

Ten minutes later the referee was turning down a Ton Pentre penalty appeal when Raith Plant was tackled from behind in the Dinas Powys goal area. Referee Darren Adie was positioned well to make his decision and correctly awarded Ton a corner kick. As the ball was sent into the penalty area Wharton leaped above everyone again and headed into the goal. However, the goal was ruled out after the referee had spotted an infringement in the box.

Ton did double their lead four minutes later from a Williams cross on the left. Scott Hayward was unable to make a strong connection with the ball but Plant was lurking in the same area and confidently applied the finish for the 24th minute goal.

Jon Howe’s distribution throughout the half was excellent and kept the Dinas Powys defence turning and running towards their own goal. As half time approached his kick up field unleashed Alyn Jones into attack. His cut back was unfortunately intercepted by a defender who desperately booted the ball anywhere that he could.

Ton Pentre never replicated their first half performance in the second period and this allowed Dinas Powys back into the match.

They should have pulled a goal back on the hour when from the left the ball flashed past the Ton goal. All that was needed was a tap from a Dinas Powys player to send the ball over the line.

Ton continued to hold on with Howe called into action more times than manager Kevin Richards would have liked.

Howe denied Jason Cowans in the 69th minute with a one-on-one save that could have opened the door for a Dinas Powys comeback.

The Ton keeper was also called into action in the dying moments of the game to earn a clean sheet when Ricki Morgan saw his powerful strike saved at point blank range.

With this win the Rhondda Bulldogs move into third place in Macron Welsh League Division One with 19 points behind Afan Lido, also on 19, and Neath Athletic with 28 points.

Ton Pentre Match Facts:

Team: Jon HOWE, Scott HAYWARD, Frazer WILLIAMS, Mark CRUTCH, Gareth WHARTON, Andrew SEBURN (Captain), Shaun MAINWARING, Ryan SHUGAR, Raith PLANT, Dale PRICE, Alyn JONES

Substitutes: Carl THOMAS (R Plant 62), 14. Kristian ORCHARD (F Williams 77), 15. Dwayne MARDENBOROUGH (A Jones 82)

Goals: Wharton 11, Plant 24

Yellow Card: Mainwaring 59

Red Card: None

Saturday 5 November 2005

Ton Pentre 1 - 0 Barry Town

FORMER Welsh Premier champions Barry Town, provided a stern test for Ton Pentre at Ynys Park in difficult conditions with driving rain and a sticky pitch. Scott Hayward headed in the winner midway through the second half to continue the Rhondda Bulldogs recent good form and ascendancy up the league table.

Following wins over Bettws, Cwmamman United and Maesteg Park, Ton Pentre manager Kevin Richards was prompted to write “Over the last three games I can see we are starting to gel” in his pre-match programme notes. And the 1-0 victory over Barry Town was evidence of this as the Bulldogs adapted to the bad conditions to play some neat football.

An example of such play was in the 23^rd minute when Alyn Jones ran the ball forward on the left. Dale Price darted ahead of him dragging a Barry Town defender out of Jones’ path. This opened up room for a cross into the box where Raith Plant met the ball with a header. The strikers’ effort forced goalkeeper Adrian Tucker to tip over the cross bar.

The Rhondda Bulldogs didn’t get it all their own way in the first half as Barry created two cracking chances from which to score.

The first was a strike from 20 yards out by former Bridgend Town manager, now Barry’s player/assistant manager, Francis Ford. His shot ended up going just wide of the goal post and acted as a warning that this Barry team was capable of causing damage.

Barry’s second and best chance arose in the 42^nd minute. Following a defensive lapse Gareth Hemmens was allowed to break through on goal and take the ball around Jon Howe. However, the slippery surface and acute angle made it arduous for the player to control himself and he skewed the ball into the side netting.

Within the first ten minutes of the second half Ton Pentre decided to make a double substitution with Carl Thomas and Dwayne Mardenborough coming off the bench to replace Raith Plant and Alyn Jones.

Both players got themselves involved immediately when they linked up three minutes later. Thomas provided Mardenborough with a cross from the left but the latter’s low hard shot was collected by Tucker’s diving save.

Good battling by Andrew Seburn in midfield resulted in the ball reaching Scott Hayward on the left in the 65^th minute. He crossed into the danger area and Thomas headed wide as the Bulldogs notched up another opportunity to score.

Tree minutes later Ryan Shugar dropped a shoulder to send a Barry defender the wrong way on the edge of the box and sent a cross into a crowded penalty area. Hayward pounced for the ball and struck a header to Tucker’s right hand side and into the goal to give Ton the lead.

With the unpredictability of the conditions the Rhondda Bulldogs had to work hard to hold onto the 68^th minute lead and some dogged defending saw Ton hold onto all three points.

Elsewhere in the league top of the table teams Dinas Powys and Neath Athletic were both defeated helping Ton to make up some lost ground. Welsh League Division One looks set to have an exciting title race ahead.

Ton Pentre visit Ely Rangers on Saturday 12November (2pm) and Dinas Powys travel to Ynys Park for a midweek match on Wednesday 16 November for a 7.30pm kick off.

Ton Pentre Match Facts

Team

1. Jon HOWE

2. Shaun MAINWARING

3. Scott HAYWARD

4. Mark CRUTCH

5. Gareth WHARTON

6. Andrew SEBURN (Captain)

7. Lee MATTHEWS

8. Ryan SHUGAR

9. Raith PLANT

10. Dale PRICE

11. Alyn JONES

Substitutes

12. Dwayne MARDENBOROUGH (A Jones 53)

14. Carl THOMAS (R Plant 53)

15. Kristian ORCHARD (D Price)

Goal

Hayward 68

Yellow Cards

None

Red Cards

None

Saturday 29 October 2005

Maesteg Park 1 - 2 Ton Pentre

TON PENTRE climbed six places in the league with this fine win away at Maesteg Park. The home team took the lead in the first half but the Rhondda Bulldogs levelled themselves less than a minute later before a strong second half performance won Ton all three points and sixth position in Division One.

It was the Maesteg Park captain Steve Conaty who gave the Tudor Park club the lead in the 12th minute when he was allowed too much space on the edge of the Ton box. He hit a shot low and hard sending the ball to Jon Howe’s right and into the goal net.

Within seconds of the restart of play Lee Matthews sent a pass forward and the bounce of the ball beat a Maesteg defender. Dale Price was behind him and got himself into the home team’s box. With time to compose himself Price neatly struck the ball into the goal leaving ‘keeper Gary Wager with no chance of a save.

On the half hour mark Alyn Jones made a run up the left channel and laid a ball off for Scott Hayward to cross into the box. He found Ryan Shugar who was unlucky to see his shot crash back off the Maesteg cross bar.

At the start of the second half captain Andrew Seburn was substituted for Dwayne Mardenborough after being unable to carry on due to an injury.

The Bulldogs looked the better team in the second half and they were beginning to grind Maesteg down.

Alyn Jones continued to cause the defenders problems when his quick footwork saw him take on several players before cutting in field and shooting just wide.

A fantastic chance to give Ton the lead fell to Raith Plant in the 62nd minute of the match when Matthews played Jones through on the left to cross deep into the Maesteg penalty area. Plant was presented with a clear header but his shot somehow went wide of the post.

Two minutes later Plant was clattered by a late challenge after crossing the ball into the box. As Mardenborough went in search of the ball he was brought down in the box but the referee failed to deem either of the challenges foul play.

Plant was unable to carry on and was replaced by Carl Thomas.

Ton didn’t have to wait long for what would be the eventual winner. During the 68th minute Mardenborough took a defender on and passed the ball to Thomas who used his mastery to keep possession of the ball after several challenges. The ball then broke free to Ryan Shugar who scored the winning goal after going around Wager and slotting into the back of the net.

Controversially the referee blew for full-time after less than a minute of injury time. This sent the Maesteg bench into hysteria believing that there were several minutes remaining following various second half stoppages. Ton Pentre didn’t complain and were happy to take all three points from Maesteg.

Barry Town are visitors to Ynys Park on Saturday 5 November for a Macron Welsh League Division One match that has a 2pm kick off.

Ton Pentre Match Facts

Team: 1. Jon HOWE 2. Shaun MAINWARING 3. Scott HAYWARD 4. Mark CRUTCH 5. Gareth WHARTON 6. Andrew SEBURN (Captain) 7. Lee MATTHEWS 8. Ryan SHUGAR 9. Raith PLANT 10. Dale PRICE 11. Alyn JONES

Substitutes: 12. Dwayne MARDENBOROUGH (A Seburn 46); 14. Carl THOMAS (R Plant 65); 15. Kristian ORCHARD

Goals: Price 12; Shugar 68

Yellow Cards: None

Red Cards: None

Saturday 22 October 2005

Cwmamman United 0 - 5 Ton Pentre

Shamrock Travel Welsh League Cup Round Two

THE Rhondda Bulldogs of Ton Pentre quickly showed the gulf in class between Welsh League Division Three and Division One with another five goal display away at Grenig Park in Glanamman.

Ton Pentre have now scored ten goals in two matches and the current rout started in the first minute when Dwayne Mardenborough supplied a cracking cross into the Cwmamman box for Scott Hayward to finish with a strong header.

When Cwmamman cleared the ball from a Ton corner during the 15th minute of play it found its way to Dale Price. From approximately 30 yards out Price cleanly struck the ball and it skidded its way across the turf beating Steve Williams in the home team goal.

From a free kick five minutes later the Bulldogs scored again. As Dale Price and Allan Clarke stood over the ball they confused Cwmamman with dummy runs. This caught the Cwmamman defence out and when Clarke quickly floated the ball into the box Mark Crutch finished with a confident header to give Ton a three-goal lead.

Before the half time break Cwmamman conceded again. After another Ton corner was cleared the ball dropped at Clarke’s feet. He picked his spot and struck a stunning goal from 30 yards out on the left giving Williams no chance of a save.

With the job done Ton Pentre eased off their opponents in the second half and although they never looked like letting Cwmamman back into the match the home team were able to create the odd chance.

Their best chance came in the 68th minute but a mixture of stout defending and a little luck saw Crutch thwart a Cwmamman strike to send it behind for corner that was dealt with by Jon Howe.

Ton Pentre scored their fifth and final goal of the match a minute from time. It looked as though Price had found his way clear past the Cwmamman defence but was brought down by a defender who escaped a red card with the referee electing to show a yellow instead.

Clarke decided to shoot from the resulting free kick and bent a super strike low and hard around the defensive wall and into the goal to complete the win.

Ton Pentre can now look forward to the next round of the League Cup. The draw will appear on welshleague.org.uk and tonpentreafc.com when it is made.

The Rhondda Bulldogs have another away trip on Saturday 29 October at Maesteg Park for what will be a tough league clash. Playing for Maesteg will be former Ton Pentre legend Lee Tapper who transferred to the Tudor Park club earlier in the season. Kick off will be at 2.30pm.

Ton Pentre Match Facts

Team

Jon HOWE, Scott HAYWARD, Allan CLARKE, Gareth WHARTON, Mark CRUTCH, Shaun MAINWARING, Kristian ORCHARD, Ryan SHUGAR, Dwayne MARDENBOROUGH, Dale PRICE (Captain), Raith PLANT

Substitutes

Fraser WILLIAMS (D Mardenborough 45), Alyn JONES (R Plant 45), Andrew SEBURN

Goals

Hayward 1, Price 15, Crutch 20, Clarke 41, 89

Yellow Cards

Shugar 45, Orchard 66

Red Cards

None

Saturday 15 October 2005

Ton Pentre 5-1 Bettws

Ton Pentre’s five goal performance caused internal arguing amongst the Bettws team that lead to experienced defender Jon Wile being sent off for punching a fellow team mate in the face.

After the Rhondda Bulldogs had taken a 3-0 lead just before the half time interval, Wile and Bettws goalkeeper Leon Cosker were screaming at each other before tempers frayed and punches thrown. Wile was red carded and left on his own in the changing rooms at half time while Bettws stayed out on the pitch. Cosker was bleeding from his mouth and was substituted during the interval.

It all started to go wrong for Bettws after eight minutes when Wile brought Ryan Shugar down in the box after the player had rounded two defenders with his skill to get into the goal area. Dale Price scored for the Bulldogs from the penalty spot to give Ton the lead.

Ton Pentre’s second goal 20 minutes later was the result of some exquisite football. Alyn Jones held the ball up on the right wing following Shugar’s call telling him to wait for his run on the outside. Jones threaded a perfect pass into Shugar’s path that allowed him the time and space to cross into the Bettws box. His cross was met by Lee Matthews who volleyed his shot into the net for a sweet goal.

The Rhondda Bulldogs made it 3-0 in the 45^th minute with Jones notching up another assist when he played Raith Plant into a one on one with Cosker. Plant lifted the ball over the goalkeeper and into the net to put the match well beyond Bettws.

The third goal led to the red card incident leaving Bettws with ten men and an outfield player in goal for the rest of the match as the Ton Pentre players looked on in amazement.

Dale Price was unlucky not to score his second goal of the game when he lobbed the Bettws goalkeeper from around 25 yards out. The ball rattled the cross bar and looked as though it had crossed the line before Shugar had raced into the six yard box to make sure that it was goal, as it looked unlikely that the referee or his assistant was going to award it to Price.

Ten men Bettws did get themselves on the score sheet before Ton netted their fifth goal, when Gavin Thomas powered his way from midfield and through the Ton defence to score a consolation goal in the 76^th minute.

The Rhondda Bulldogs replied to this with goal themselves less than a minute later. Dwayne Mardenborough came off the bench to score his first goal since December 2004 using his strength to power his way through the Bettws defence and finish confidently.

Ton Pentre will now hope that this team performance will see them climb the table and back into the title challenge.

The Bulldogs play Welsh League Division Three side Cwmamman United on Saturday 22 October in the Shamrock Travel Welsh League Cup Round Two. Kick off at Grenig Park in Ammanford is at 2.30pm.

Ton Pentre Match Facts:

Team:

1. Jon HOWE

2. Gareth WHARTON

3. Allan CLARKE

4. Mark CRUTCH

5. Shaun MAINWARING

6. Ryan SHUGAR

7. Lee MATTHEWS

8. Andrew SEBURN (Captain)

9. Raith PLANT

10. Dale PRICE

11. Alyn JONES

Substitutes:

12. Dwayne MARDENBOROUGH (R Plant 71)

14. Scott HAYWARD (A Seburn 57)

15. Kristian ORCHARD (L Matthews 71)

Goals:

Price 8 (Pen)

Matthews 27

Plant 45

Shugar 67

Mardenborough 77

Booked:

None

Saturday 8 October 2005

Bridgend Town 1 - 0 Ton Pentre

THE RHONDDA BULLDOGS sponsored by Cardiff Doors continued their poor start to the season with a 1-0 defeat. Bridgend Town appointed new manager Nicky Tucker the former Llanelli and Taffs Well “boss” a few weeks ago, he has brought in a number of key players to Bridgend from his former clubs and on this showing they will be a force in the division this year. It was a performance that Ton Pentre deserved something from the game. However, the rollercoaster ride for the Ton supporters goes on. Many people go to theme parks for their thrills. The Ton supporters get ups and downs watching their team.

The game started with both sides unable to get any rhythm; however Ton settled the quicker of the two and started to take the game to Bridgend for the first 10 minutes. With the Bulldogs getting a number of free kicks just inside the home sides half, however, the execution of the kicks was poor. Ton were unable maintain any pressure the Bridgend side.

Then in the 15^th minute the lively Bridgend number 9, Peter Cheeseman went down the Ton right and put a cross across the six yard box that everyone missed. The ball was then put back into the danger area where the alert Cheeseman was there to toe poke the ball into the net from four yards. The gaol came as a result of the Ton defence not clearing the ball. It was against the run of play and sadly it proved to be the winning goal.

Ton continued to take the game to Bridgend, Allan Clarke the Ton left wingback did get in a number of telling crosses however, former Ton keeper Ellacott was a match to them. On the 32^nd minute Alyn Jones forced Ellacott to make a fine save. Lee Mathews put the ball into the box just behind Jones, who instinctively volleyed the ball over his shoulder towards the Bridgend goal. If the ball had found the net it would have been a contender for goal of the season.

Then in the 40^th a minute Ton made an enforced substitution when Mark Crutch was replaced by Scott Hayward an injury Crutch received earlier in the game. Seburn dropped back into the defence and Hayward played out wide. He played with confidence and made a positive contribution for the rest of the game. The half time whistle came with Ton still trying to breakdown a resolute Bridgend defence, 1-0 the home side at half time.

On the restart Ton made a change with Raith Plant replacing Clarke, an additional striker was thrust into the game. This showed the intention of Ton to go forward from the start. And they did so, Bridgend were happy to attack Ton on the break, however in the 60^th minute a Bridgend free kick was sent into the Ton box, it was helped on towards the Ton goal and looked a certain goal. However, Ton midfielder Lee Mathews was on the goal line, he instinctively stopped the ball crossing the line with his hand. The referee had no option but to award a penalty. Mathews got away with a yellow card.

Cheeseman went to take kick, he struck a firm shot to the left of Jon Howe in the Ton goal, Howe pulled of a superb save and parried the ball out to the onrushing Bridgend forwards, they immediately hit the ball goal wards; however Howe managed to get up and save again. It was a wonderful double save that kept Ton in the game.

Ton used their third substitute in the 65^th minute when Mardenborough replaced Thomas. He made an immediate impact by getting behind the Bridgend defence and crossed the ball into the danger area. Ellacott was alert to the danger and parried the ball away. Then Dale Price looked like scoring when the ball was heading for the net, however the ball was cleared off the line. Ton’s luck was out again.

The game ended with Ton still pushing forward, with Bridgend hanging on to their 1-0 lead and the three points.

Although Ton Pentre are playing well the results are not going for them. They are playing far better than their league position shows. Hopefully they will return to winning ways this week when they entertain Bettws at Ynys Park 2:30 kick off 15^th October.

Saturday 1 October 2005

Pontypridd Town 2 - 2 Ton Pentre

Pontypridd win 7 - 6 on penalties, aet

FAW Welsh Cup, Round Two

THE match between Pontypridd and Ton Pentre was one of the stand out ties of the FAW Welsh Challenge Cup second round. The match paired two local rivals against each other with the added spice of four former Ton Pentre players in the Pontypridd line-up.

Dean Morris, Kerry Harding, Mike Jones and Andrew Hughes were provided with their first opportunity to play against their former club with whom they won several honours.

Six minutes after the Bulldogs had kicked off they found themselves 1-0 down to an incredibly bizarre goal scored by Ponty’s Danny Street. From the wing Street played a weak cross into the box that somehow outwitted both the Ton defence and goalkeeper to find its trickling way into the goal.

Two minutes later the goal was cancelled out and the game level once again after Mike Jones fouled Shaun Mainwaring on the edge of the Ponty box. The free kick strike from Carl Thomas was spilled by Ponty keeper Mark Poole and netted by Ryan Shugar who was quick to react.

Ton Pentre were forced to defend stoutly for the remainder of the half as Ponty pressed forward trying to use their home advantage. On one occasion Danny Street played Kerry Harding through on goal but was denied any further advancement by the sliding challenge of Nathan Prygodzicz who knocked the ball out for a corner that was headed wide by Morris.

Before half time Mike Jones was yellow carded for persistent fouling after testing the patience of the referee.

After the break Carl Thomas and Allan Clarke were substituted with Lyndon Williams and Kristian Orchard taking to the field.

Ton Pentre appeared to find their footing early in the second half of this Welsh Cup tie, as a flick on from Raith Plant unleashed Alyn Jones into a one-on-one with Poole and coolly slotted the ball to the keeper’s left to give Ton Pentre a 2-1 lead.

However, soon after it was Ponty’s turn to pull themselves even when they capitalised on a defensive error after a misplaced pass by Mark Crutch. This allowed Ponty to play Harding through into the Ton box to strike his second goal of the season and make it 2-2.

Raith Plant was substituted for Ton Pentre in the 70^th minute with what appeared to be a knock picked up earlier in the match. With Plant off the field Ton had lost a target man up front and the remainder of the 90 minutes ended in a stalemate.

As the first half of extra time came to an end both Andrew Seburn and Mark Crutch missed chances in the box after Poole dropped his catch from the corner. As both players attempted to apply a finish they repeatedly found Ponty bodies in the way of the goal.

During the second half of extra time a short Ton corner to Lee Matthews was laid off for Alyn Jones to strike. Although it was a neatly hit shot the ball was at a comfortable height for Poole to save.

Ponty’s Mike Jones was sent off for a second bookable offence five minutes from the end of extra time after leaving his foot in on a challenge with Lee Matthews.

Ton never really had enough time to capitalise on the extra man as the Welsh Cup tie was destined for a penalty shoot-out.

Kristian Orchard stepped up first for Ton Pentre and netted well. First for Ponty was Danny Street and he saw his kick saved by Jon Howe. Paul Evans was the second Ton penalty taker and the Ponty keeper saved his shot and Andrew Hughes levelled the shoot out for the home side. The shoot out score went to 6-6 before Ton captain Andrew Seburn placed the ball on the spot. The Ton midfielder scuffed his penalty wide and Ponty scored theirs to win the match 7-6 on penalties and secure a third round place in the Welsh Cup.

The match between Pontypridd and Ton Pentre was a fantastic occasion and the clubs will hope to meet each other next season in Welsh League Division One if Ponty are able to realise their ambition and win promotion from Division Two.

Ton must now get over their early exit from the Welsh Cup and improve their league form starting at Bridgend Town on Saturday 8 October. Kick off at Coychurch Road is at 2.30pm.

Bridgend will be a tough test for the Rhondda Bulldogs after announcing former Llanelli boss Nick Tucker as their new manager along with several squad additions that include striker Peter Cheeseman, also from Llanelli.

Ton Pentre Match Facts

Line-up

1. Jon HOWE

2. Paul EVANS

3. Allan CLARKE

4. Mark CRUTCH

5. Nathan PRYGODZICZ

6. Ryan SHUGAR

7. Shaun MAINWARING

8. Andrew SEBURN (Captain)

9. Carl THOMAS

10. Raith PLANT

11. Alyn JONES

Substitutes

12. Lee MATTHEWS (R Plant 70)

14. Kristian ORCHARD (A Clarke 54)

15. Lyndon WILLIAMS (C Thomas 54)

Goals

Shugar 8

Jones 60

Yellow Cards

Shugar 18

Jones 35

Evans 56

Williams 61

Matthews 80

Saturday 24 September 2005

Ton Pentre 4-1 Dinas Powys

Shamrock Travel Welsh League Cup, Round One

TON PENTRE gave their best performance of the season at Ynys Park against current Welsh League leaders Dinas Powys in the first round of the Shamrock Travel Welsh League Cup.

Dinas Powys are nine points clear of Ton Pentre in the league after an excellent start to the season. With them being the form team and Ton the reigning champions this was certainly the tie of the round.

Kevin Richards made several changes to the team that played in the UWIC defeat a week previously as Shaun Mainwaring was suspended as a result of the red card picked up in the match and Dale Price was unavailable for selection. So Allan Clarke was handed his debut at left wingback, Ryan Shugar started his first match since signing and Raith Plant made a scoring return for Ton Pentre after a coaching spell in the USA.

This Cup match was full of excitement with Ton setting the tempo from kick off with quick passing and movement.

Shugar played the ball forward for Carl Thomas to hold up in attack. His pass to Lee Matthews allowed the midfielder to loop the ball over the Dinas Powys defence and into Plant’s possession. His shot came close but edged over the cross bar.

Soon after, Ton took the lead in the 13^th minute of play from a free kick that was awarded outside the box when Alyn Jones was tripped by an opposing player.

Nathan Prygodzicz connected with the free kick deep inside the Dinas Powys area and although the goalkeeper got a hand to it the header was too strong for him to hold on.

Two minutes later Ton were threatening to score once again from another free kick. Shugar sent the ball towards Mark Crutch who applied a typical defenders finish by sending his shot wide of the goal.

Immediately after Dinas Powys had a goal ruled out for a foul on defender Paul Evans, the Rhondda Bulldogs were up the other end of the pitch scoring their second of the game.

Alyn Jones ran the ball from deep and his pace made the Dinas Powys defenders stand off him. This allowed him to shoot and score from 25 yards out to stunningly beat the keeper by sending the ball into the top right hand corner of the goal.

Less than a minute later the visitors scored a 20^th minute goal to keep them in the tie. After winning a free kick on the edge of the Ton box Neil Jeremy slotted the ball through a hole in the Ton wall to beat Jon Howe for a great looking goal.

Following this Dinas Powys had their best spell of the match in which they hit the cross bar and forced Jon Howe into a fantastic one-on-one save.

Ton survived and gave Dinas Powys a mountain to climb before half time when Clarke launched a well measured ball forward to Plant who wonderfully peeled off the defence and used his pace to round the goalkeeper and score Ton’s third of the match.

In the second half Jeremy, the Dinas Powys goal scorer, was sent off for a second bookable offence leaving any hope of his teams progression in the Cup in tatters.

The Bulldogs finished off a fine display with another goal in the remaining 15 minutes of the match. From a free kick into the box Crutch was presented with another opportunity to score after Evans knocked the ball down for him with a header. The Ton defender finished like a striker on this occasion shooting low into the net.

Ton Pentre will now await their fate in the next round of the League Cup with the second round draw expected to take place in early October. Details of it will be made available on www.tonpentreafc.com.

It’s more Cup action for Ton Pentre on Saturday 1 October when the Bulldogs make the short journey to Ponypridd for the second round of the FAW Welsh Cup. This is an interesting clash not only because it is a local derby but also because of Pontypridd Town’s playing personnel. Several former Bulldogs are likely to line up against Ton Pentre such as Kerry Harding, Mike Jones, Dean Morris and former captain Andrew Hughes. As the excitement builds for the match it was reported that Pontypridd Town rested several key players in their 3-1 League Cup match win against ENTO Aberaman. Both teams will go all out not only for the win and a place in the third round of the Welsh Cup but also for the bragging rights over their rivals. The match at Ynysangharad Park kicks off at 2.30pm.

Ton Pentre Match Facts

Team:

1. Jon HOWE

2. Paul EVANS

3. Allan CLARKE

4. Mark CRUTCH

5. Nathan PRYGODZICZ

6. Andrew SEBURN (Captain)

7. Lee MATTHEWS

8. Ryan SHUGAR

9. Carl THOMAS

10. Raith PLANT

11. Alyn JONES

Substitutes:

12. Kristian ORCHARD (A Seburn 52)

14. Lyndon WILLIAMS (A Clarke 69)

15. Tony WALLIS (C Thomas 75)

Goals:

Prygodzicz 13

Jones 19

Plant 37

Crutch 76

Yellow Cards:

Seburn 28

Orchard 86

Saturday 17 September 2005

UWIC 3 - 1 Ton Pentre

MISFIRING Ton Pentre slumped to the their third defeat of the season when they visited a UWIC side that showed the Rhondda Bulldogs how to finish off their chances. It has become a recurring theme this season with Ton Pentre unable to hit the back of the net after creating clear-cut opportunities.

UWIC’s first goal of the match came from a Ton Pentre corner in the 19^th minute when the referee blew for a foul on a home side defender. The Students broke quickly up the right with a long ball forward from the goalkeeper. Ton failed to deal with the cross and when the ball broke free to a UWIC player on the far side of their area it ended up in the back of the net.

Ton Pentre were playing some nice football throughout the first half and always looked dangerous in attack. Shaun Mainwaring and Alyn Jones linked well in one movement that saw the former move forward into the UWIC box after a nice one-two motion. Mainwaring cut the ball back across the six-yard box but Carl Thomas was unable to get close enough when all it needed was the faintest of touches to re-divert it into the goal.

As half time approached Lee Matthews lost his marker with a quick turn into the box and crossed for Dale Price who lined up his shot, but just as the ball approached his foot it was kicked away for a corner by a UWIC defender.

Price was involved moments later during first half injury time when he ran onto a long ball that was sent behind the UWIC defence. After shrugging off the challenge of two defenders the swift midfielder found himself one-on-one with the goalie who dived low to his left to stop the shot from sneaking past him.

Soon after the re-start Matthews made way for winger Ryan Shugars to make his Ton Pentre debut. He quickly worked his way into the action and his pass to Jones saw the ball chipped forward into the box where Price aimed for the top right hand corner but saw the ‘keeper equal to the effort.

With 73 minutes played UWIC doubled their lead when Ton allowed them to break far too easily scoring from only their second outright chance of the match.

With five minutes remaining Ton Pentre did finally manage to finish off a move with a goal. Alyn Jones played the ball inside for Shugars to send it over the defence and onto the head of Price who beat the goalie to give Ton a chance of getting something from the match.

However, as UWIC approached the Ton 18-yard box the referee awarded a free kick when he judged that a Ton player had unfairly challenged for the ball. Mainwaring received a yellow card for his protest and then immediately after the referee produced a quizzical second yellow and sent the player off leaving him bewildered.

UWIC hammered a final nail into the Ton Pentre coffin when they scored from the free kick with a nice strike that hit the post and beat Jon Howe to make it 3-1.

Ton Pentre’s build up play can at times be exquisite but they lack the killer touch when in front of goal. If the Rhondda Bulldogs can start finishing these moves with goals then defeats and draws will turn into victories.

It’s the Shamrock Travel Welsh League Cup Round One next for the Bulldogs with Dinas Powys the visitors to Ynys Park who currently top Division One. Kick off is at 2.30pm on Saturday 24 September. Then on Saturday 1 October it’s the mouth-watering local derby with Pontypridd Town at Ynysangharad Park in the FAW Welsh Challenge Cup Round Two.

Ton Pentre Match Facts

Team:

1. Jon HOWE

2. Paul EVANS

3. Kristian ORCHARD

4. Mark CRUTCH

5. Nathan PRYGODZICZ

6. Andrew SEBURN (Captain)

7. Lee MATTHEWS

8. Shaun MAINWARING

9. Carl THOMAS

10. Dale PRICE

11. Alyn JONES

Substitutes:

12. Fraser WILLIAMS (K.Orchard 60)

14. Tony WALLIS (C.Thomas 74)

15. Ryan SHUGARS (L.Matthews 56)

Goal:

Price 85

Yellow Cards:

Evans 10

Jones 34

Mainwaring 88

Red Card:

Mainwaring 88

Saturday 10 September 2005

Tredegar Town 0 - 4 Ton Pentre

FAW Welsh Cup, Round One

FOR Ton Pentre their FAW Welsh Cup campaign started at Macron Welsh League Division Two outfit Tredegar Town, where goals from Carl Thomas and Alyn Jones handed the Bulldogs a comfortable 4-0 victory and a place in round two of the cup.

Ton Pentre stamped their authority on this match from kick off and in the opening minutes the Bulldogs hit the goal post after a great move. Shaun Mainwaring shimmied his way down the right and squared the ball back to Alyn Jones in the Tredegar area. Jones fired well but the ball clipped the post.

The Bulldogs were creating but lacking the killer touch as good chances fell to Carl Thomas and Dale Price but on each occasion the ball was struck wide of the target.

With Ton not finishing their chances the fear was that Tredegar may pinch a goal and make life difficult for the Rhondda team and the home side almost did just that.

Jon Howe, on his return to the starting eleven after recovering from a broken hand, did well in a one on one to deny Tredegar the lead within the last ten minutes of the first half.

Ton were forced to defend again immediately after when Tredegar won a corner. As the ball was sent in Nathan Prygodzicz headed off the goal line to intercept what looked to be a ball destined for the goal.

After surviving Tredegar’s best chance of a goal the Rhondda Bulldogs never looked back and started to score their chances. In the final minute of the first half Ton found the breakthrough when Kristian Orchard, using the outside of his boot, got a pass through to Thomas in the box. He struck hard and although Damian Lack got down low to get behind the ball, the strength and momentum of the shot was enough to creep through his hands and over the line.

Ton were comfortable in the second half and scored their second goal in the 66^th minute. When Orchard was fouled from behind on the edge of the box, Thomas lined up his free kick. His shot took a deflection on its way towards goal taking it past Lack who was left motionless.

Ten minutes later Alyn Jones was presented with one of the easiest goals of his career when a long ball from deep fell in behind the Tredegar defence. Jones showed good awareness and speed to run onto the ball leaving the defence standing still. He finished well when one on one with the goalkeeper to put the game well beyond Tredegar.

Following this Lyndon Williams, Fraser Williams and Tony Wallis were brought on in the places of Mainwaring, Orchard and Thomas.

All were involved in the build up to the fourth and final goal soon after. The move finished with Lyndon Williams flashing a pass across the front of the Tredegar 18-yard box towards Wallis, who dummied and attracted two defenders towards him allowing Jones a crystal-clear run on goal. He rounded off the match with a good finish high into the net.

Ton Pentre now await the draw for the second round of the FAW Welsh Cup which will be available online at tonpentreafc.com when it is made.

The Bulldogs face a tough test at UWIC Inter Cardiff on Saturday 17 September for a Macron Welsh Football League Division One match that kicks off at 2.30pm.

TON PENTRE MATCH FACTS

TEAM:

1. Jon HOWE

2. Paul EVANS

3. Kristian ORCHARD

4. Mark CRUTCH

5. Nathan PRYGODZICZ

6. Andrew SEBURN (Captain)

7. Lee MATTHEWS

8. Shaun MAINWARING

9. Carl THOMAS

10. Dale PRICE

11. Alyn JONES

SUBSTITUTES:

12. Tony WALLIS (C Thomas, 80)

14. Fraser WILLIAMS (K Orchard, 80)

15. Lyndon WILLIAMS (S Mainwaring, 77)

GOALS:

Thomas 44, 66

Jones 76, 81

YELLOW CARD:

Mainwaring 73

Tuesday 6 September 2005

Merthyr Tydfil 1 - 2 Ton Pentre

Friendly Match

CUSHIONED between the two Wales international World Cup Qualifiers against England and Poland was this gem of a match between Southern League Premier Division outfit Merthyr Tydfil and Welsh Football League champions Ton Pentre.

The match proved to be an excellent workout for the Rhondda Bulldogs ahead of their Welsh Cup first round encounter at Tredegar Town on Saturday 10 September with Ton Pentre looking much fitter than in previous games.

Merthyr shaded the first half and took a 1-0 lead into the interval after Lewis Sommers looped a header into the back of the net after connecting with a cross from the right.

Ton Pentre dominated in the second half with fine performances all around the pitch. They equalised through Kristian Orchard with a thundering strike from the edge of the 18 yard box giving Merthyr goalkeeper Lee Idzi no chance of a save.

Dale Price breezed past several Merthyr players soon after to play him into space where he witnessed his shot hit the goalpost much to the Martyrs relief.

Merthyr had no such let off on the hour mark when Alyn Jones was involved in the build up play that led to the eventual winner. His layoff for Price allowed the Ton playmaker to shoot from around 30 yards out on the right. Price hit it perfectly and it ended up in the back of the net for a picturesque goal.

After a recent run of differing results the win at Merthyr will be an excellent confidence boost for Ton Pentre.

Saturday 27 August 2005

Ton Pentre 1 - 2 Newport YMCA

THE Rhondda Bulldogs of Ton Pentre were left ruing missed chances yet again as they succumbed to an injury time winner by Division One newcomers Newport YMCA. Ton Pentre need to be more clinical when in front of goal as they have picked up just one point in three home matches at Ynys Park.

A clear cut chance fell to Alyn Jones early on after Carl Thomas had played Kristian Orchard in on the left. From the by-line Orchard crossed over the goalkeeper in the Newport box. Jones failed to connect properly with his head and the ball flashed past an open net.

Mark Crutch sent a lovely free kick into the box later on in the first half that saw Thomas head down for Paul Evans to shoot. The former Bettws defender saw his effort saved at point-blank range by goalkeeper Matthew Rees.

Ten minutes before half time Ton finally found the back of the net through Orchard. Following a free kick that was cleared by the Newport defence Orchard was played through into a central gap in the back line. Newport appealed for offside but it was ruled out as the other Ton players were not interfering. Orchard kicked a high shot over Rees and into the goal with Craig Jeavons attempt to head off the line proving pointless.

Within moments of the second half kick off Newport found themselves level. Chris Egitto slotted the ball into the net keeping his balance after nearly being brought down in the box by Scott Hayward.

Out of nowhere Dale Price nearly regained a lead for the Bulldogs when his volleyed shot from around 25 yards out troubled Rees into a great reflex save.

In the third minute of injury time a move that saw Price and Lyndon Williams link well resulted in Thomas being set free in front of the Newport goal. The striker appeared to dwell on the ball and under the ensuing pressure of the defenders around him struck the ball wide.

During the 95^th minute Orchard was unable score from a tight angle and hit the side netting as Newport hung on. With a draw looking the most likely result there was a shock in store for Ton as Newport broke away and Egitto scored his brace to give the visitors victory sending them into frenzied celebrations.

As Newport sang of their success in the dressing rooms after the match Ton Pentre were left to reflect on their poor second half performance and wastefulness in front of goal.

There is no match on Saturday 3 September due to the Wales v England international clash at the Millennium Stadium. The Bulldogs will next be in action when they visit Division Two outfit Tredegar Town in the first round of the Welsh Cup on Saturday 10 September at 2.30pm.

Ton Pentre Match Facts

1. Stephen Hall

2. Scott Hayward

3. Kristian Orchard

4. Mark Crutch

5. Paul Evans

6. Andrew Seburn (Captain)

7. Lee Matthews

8. Shaun Mainwaring

9. Carl Thomas

10. Dale Price

11. Alyn Jones

Substitutes:

12. Tony Wallis (S Hayward, 53)

14. Lyndon Williams (A Jones, 77)

15. Fraser Williams (L Matthews, 60)

Goal: Orchard, 35

Bookings: None

Wednesday 24August 2005

Ton Pentre 2 - 2 Taffs Well

TON PENTRE threw away a two-goal lead in this midweek fixture at Ynys Park with Taffs Well equalising in injury time. The Rhondda Bulldogs scored a goal in each half but allowed their opponents to dig out a result when their dominance in the match subsided.

Carl Thomas was presented with an unexpected chance during the first half and looked odds on to score when the Taffs Well defence left a huge gap in the centre of their back line. This allowed Thomas to run unchallenged on goal. The goalkeeper rushed out but it should only have been in vain, however, Thomas blazed the ball over the crossbar.

A smooth movement started by Dale Price with a pass to Alyn Jones almost saw Ton Pentre prise open the Taffs Well defence again. Jones played a through ball into Thomas’s path who was running alongside on the left. The keeper got down low to save the resulting shot and send it out of play.

From the corner the ball was cleared but only as far as Lee Matthews on the edge of the box. He shot through a crowded area but was unlucky to see the ball hit the goal post.

A goal did finally arise for the Bulldogs as the half progressed. Scott Hayward ran the ball into space on the right to send a fantastic cross to the far post where Thomas applied an excellent headed finish.

During the first quarter of the second half the reigning champions doubled their lead. A cross from the right found Ton defender Mark Crutch in the box who scored his first ever goal for the Bulldogs with a header.

There appeared to be no way back into the match for Taffs Well but one of the exciting elements of football is its ability to surprise.

Liam Williams certainly surprised the home side defence when he pulled a goal back by smashing the ball through a box full of Ton players.

Ton were left astonished during injury time as Taffs Well equalised when a shot that Stephen Hall was taking into his possession somehow slipped through his body and was netted by a Taffs Well player following the ball up on the goal line.

Ton Pentre have scored seven goals thus far in four games this season and have conceded six. Ton could do with an encouraging clean sheet.

TON PENTRE MATCH FACTS

TEAM: 1. Stephen HALL 2. Scott HAYWARD 3. Paul EVANS 4. Mark CRUTCH 5. Nathan PRYGODZICZ 6. Alyn JONES 7. Lee MATTHEWS 8. Shaun MAINWARING 9. Carl THOMAS 10. Dale PRICE 11. Tony WALLIS

SUBSTITUTES: 12. Lyndon WILLIAMS (T Wallis, 66) 14. Andrew SEBURN (A Jones, 83) 15. Ben JONES

GOALS: Thomas, 28; Crutch, 58

YELLOW: Matthews, 80.

Saturday 20 August 2005

Afan Lido 1 - 2 Ton Pentre

TON PENTRE proved to Afan Lido that life in the Macron Welsh League Division One is not easy as the Bulldogs pulled the former Welsh Premier side apart in the first half. Ton’s movement and reactions were much quicker than their rivals and the only thing lacking from their performance was goals.

Although Ton appeared to lose their shape early in the second half they recovered with Carl Thomas scoring a cracking goal from a free kick adding to Andrew Seburn’s earlier strike in the first half.

Stephen Hall, the Ton Pentre goalkeeper, didn’t get his first touch of the ball until the 20^th minute of the match. In that time Alyn Jones had turned a shot wide after he latched onto a poor back pass by an Afan Lido defender. Andrew Seburn had an unobstructed header at goal that was cleared from the line and Paul Evans crossed for Tony Wallis who re-directed the ball towards goal forcing ‘keeper Brian Thomas to tip over the cross bar.

On the half-hour Ton Pentre won another corner and this time made their pressure count. Shaun Mainwaring had the first shot at goal but the ball hit Ton player Evans. Seburn took possession of the loose ball and struck low and hard to give Ton the lead.

Within five minutes of the goal things got worse for Afan Lido when they were reduced to ten men after Paul Reid was shown a red card for an untidy challenge on Lee Matthews from behind. Reid didn’t help himself when he tried to pull the injured player up off the ground.

Early in the second half goalscorer Andrew Seburn was replaced by Scott Hayward after struggling with an injury throughout the first half.

Ton lost their way for a while as the ten men of Afan Lido looked likely to grab an equaliser. Hall had to tip over a good effort from Daniel Williams to stop them getting one in the 50^th minute.

Afan Lido did create a glimmer of hope in the 66^th minute when they forced Ton into making a mistake. As a free kick was sent in from the right to the far post, Tony Wallis misjudged his position in the box and headed the ball into his own net thinking he was putting it out for a corner.

The home side could have taken the lead almost straight after when from another free kick Justin Williams was allowed to send a header towards Hall that fortunately for the Rhondda Bulldogs ended up over the cross bar.

Karl Roberts handled the ball on the edge of his box just four minutes after Afan Lido had got themselves back in the match and the Referee’s Assistant flagged for a free kick. Carl Thomas was the man for the job and he bent the free kick into the bottom right of the goal beating Brian Thomas who nearly got a hand to it.

Ton Pentre threatened on several occasions as the match neared the end with Afan Lido leaving gaps in their defence as they went in search of a goal. Following their second goal though the Bulldogs never looked in danger keeping possession of the ball deep in the Afan Lido half until the full time whistle.

Next: Home v Taffs Well on Wednesday 24 August, kick off 7.30pm

Then: Home v Newport YMCA on Saturday 27 August, kick off 2.30pm

TON PENTRE MATCH FACTS

TEAM

1. Stephen HALL

2. Alyn JONES

3. Kristian ORCHARD

4. Mark CRUTCH

5. Paul EVANS

6. Andrew SEBURN (Captain)

7. Lee MATTHEWS

8. Shaun MAINWARING

9. Carl THOMAS

10. Dale PRICE

11. Tony WALLIS

SUBSTITUTES

12. Scott HAYWARD (A Seburn, 49)

14. Lyndon WILLIAMS (K Orchard, 60)

15. Dwayne MARDENBOROUGH (T Wallis, 71)

GOALS & BOOKINGS

Goals: Seburn, 29; Thomas, 70

Red Card: None

Yellow Card: Mainwaring, 12; Seburn, 41

TUESDAY 16 AUGUST 2005

TAFFS WELL 1 - 2 TON PENTRE

TON PENTRE won their first points of the season as a superb goal from Alyn Jones gave the Bulldogs victory at Taffs Well. However, an inspired performance from Stephen Hall in the Ton Pentre goalmouth saw the player pull off several key saves throughout the game in a man of the match performance to keep the Rhondda Bulldogs in contention and steer their way towards victory.

Taffs Well took an eleventh minute lead through Gareth Walwork when the home team produced a fantastic counter attacking movement that saw them rip through the Ton defence. Walwork connected with a cross from the right slotting the ball neatly past Hall.

Ton looked to strike back and Tony Wallis started to cause Taffs Well several problems in defence. When receiving the ball in the box during the thirteenth minute the player's trickery was too much for a Taffs Well defender who pushed Wallis to the ground. To Ton Pentre’s amazement the match officials turned down the penalty appeals.

Ton lacked fluidity throughout the rest of the first half up until the 37th minute when Ton found themselves level. Once again it was Wallis who had broke through the Taffs Well defence using his skills to outwit his challengers forcing them into several mistakes that eventually saw the referee award a penalty.

Carl Thomas took the kick from the spot giving Adrian Tucker no chance of saving the ball from rippling the net.

Hall was in the firing line early in the second half but he did not let it phase him as he saved what looked a certain goal from a mighty shot by getting down low to his left to palm the ball away from jeopardy.

Ton Pentre replaced Andrew Seburn soon after with Alyn Jones coming off the bench in his place.

The Rhondda Bulldogs came close to taking the lead in the 74th minute when Thomas was fouled on the edge of the Taffs Well box. Thomas curled his free kick around the defensive wall to trouble Tucker into making a low diving save.

Ton didn’t have to wait long for hope to turn to reality as a move two minutes later, that involved Wallis, ended with Alyn Jones superbly finishing with a cheeky lob over Tucker to give his side the lead.

Minutes later the lead was nearly surrendered were it not for Hall’s fantastic reaction to a low explosive shot from close range that the Bulldogs goalkeeper saved with agility.

In the ebbing moments of the match during the second minute of injury time Hall guided Ton to victory with yet another amazing save from a free kick on the edge of 18 yard box. Hall seemed to get across his goal line in lightening speed to refuse Taffs Well a dramatic injury time winner and secure Ton Pentre’s first three points of the season.

TON PENTRE MATCH FACTS

TEAM

1. Stephen HALL

2. Scott HAYWARD

3. Mark SIMMONS

4. Mark CRUTCH

5. Nathan PRYGODZICZ

6. Andrew SEBURN (Captain)

7. Lee MATTHEWS

8. Shaun MAINWARING

9. Carl THOMAS

10. Dale PRICE

11. Tony WALLIS

SUBSTITUTES

12. Alyn JONES (A Seburn, 58)

14. Kristian ORCHARD (S Hayward, 58)

15. Dwayne MARDENBOROUGH (L Matthews, 75)

GOALS & BOOKINGS

Goals: Thomas, 37 (Pen); Jones, 76

Red Card: None

Yellow Card: None

SATURDAY 13 AUGUST 2005

TON PENTRE 1 - 2 AFC LLWYDCOED

AFC LLWYDCOED consigned Ton Pentre to a 2-1 defeat on the opening day of the Welsh League Division One season. A goal in each half saw off the reigning champions at Ynys Park as the Cynon Valley team continued the Rhondda Bulldogs poor run of results from their pre-season matches into the league.

Ton Pentre gave a debut to the experienced Shaun Mainwaring who spent last season with Division Two club Tredegar Town. Lee Matthews also lined up for the Rhondda Bulldogs who returns to the club form Port Talbot Town. The two settled into midfield well and should prove valuable players throughout the campaign.

The Welsh League champions started well creating most of the games early chances. Dale Price linked well with Mainwaring early on to provide the new signing with the chance to shoot from 25 yards out. Mainwaring connected well with the ball and forced Darren Manning to make a save.

Soon after a Llwydcoed blunder nearly cost them a goal when they allowed Alyn Jones to take possession of the ball when a defender was unaware of his presence in the box. Jones found the angle too tight to score from sending the ball inches wide much to Llwydcoed’s relief.

Goalkeeper Stephen Hall was forced into action for Ton Pentre with an excellent one handed reaction save when a clearance by Frazer Williams went to an opponent who shot from inside the box in the 23rd minute.

Three minutes later Hall was beaten when AFC Llwydcoed easily forged their way through the defence to make Ton pay for their missed chances, as Christopher Vardon ended a nice move by hitting the back of the net.

At half-time Ton were forced to replace Williams through injury bringing on Kristian Orchard as his replacement.

Early in the second half Ton were lucky to see the score stay at 1-0 when they gave away possession allowing Llwydcoed’s Anthony Waters a strike at goal. The player should have buried the ball in the back of the net but he struck over the bar as Hall attempted to close him down.

It looked as though Ton had equalised in the 59th minute when Carl Thomas headed down for Price to shoot. It appeared as though the keeper had been beaten low to his right but Price had sent the ball into the side netting.

Ten minutes from time Llwydcoed scored their second as Jonathan Mason latched onto a through ball striking it cleanly past Hall.

Orchard pulled a goal back for Ton with a good finish and his urgency won an injury time corner that the Rhondda Bulldogs nearly equalised from. As the ball went into the box it was headed towards goal by a Ton player and looked to be heading into the top left corner but was saved at the last second by a combined effort from the goalkeeper and a defender.

As the full time whistle sounded AFC Llwydcoed celebrated their achievement with cheers knowing that they are the first team to beat the champions this season.

Next match: Tuesday 16 August versus Taffs Well away. Kick off 6:30pm

Then: Saturday 20 August versus Afan Lido away. Kick off 2:30pm

TON PENTRE MATCH FACTS

1. Stephen HALL

2. Scott HAYWARD

3. Frazer WILLIAMS

4. Mark CRUTCH

5. Nathan PRYGODZICZ

6. Andrew SEBURN (Captain)

7. Lee MATTHEWS

8. Shaun MAINWARING

9. Carl THOMAS

10.Dale PRICE

11.Alyn JONES

Substitutes:

12.Kristian ORCHARD (F Williams, 45)

14.Mark SIMMONS (A Seburn, 58)

15.Dwayne MARDENBOROUGH (A Jones, 58)

Goals: None

Red Card: None

Yellow Card: None

Pre-season Friendly

Saturday 6 August 2005

Ton Pentre 1-1 Kington Town

TON PENTRE'S pre-season continued at Ynys Park with a draw against Hereford based team, Kington Town.

The Welsh League Champions came close to taking the lead when Dale Price and Alyn Jones combined forces in attack. Price played Jones clear but the Kington goalkeeper blocked his shot. Carl Thomas neatly volleyed the rebound as a result. The ‘keeper picked himself off the ground and dived to tip the ball over the crossbar for a super save. From the resulting corner Ton defender Nathan Prygodzicz, headed just over the bar.

Soon after Ton were threatening again. On this occasion Price cued the ball up for Jason Smith to strike. His hard hit saw the ball go over the crossbar once again for the Rhondda Bulldogs.

The visiting goalkeeper was called into action once again as half time approached when he tipped over a Thomas header following Scott Hayward's chipped cross from the right.

Prygodzicz performed his defensive duties well at the start of the second half when he timed his sliding challenge well to take the ball away from an attackers feet to deny a scoring opportunity.

Dwayne Mardenborough was brought on as a substitute soon after and won Ton a penalty. Mardenborough had made a strong run into the Kington box when a defender was first to almost bring the striker down. However, the Ton player rode the challenge and continued running only to then be grounded by the goalie. Thomas scored convincingly from the penalty spot.

Ton then made a few substitutions that saw the defence reorganised with Nathan Prygodzicz being replaced.

This led to a lack of organisation at the back and disappointing defending led to Kington Town equalising.

Either team could have snatched a win towards the end with Lyndon Williams coming close with his shot across the goals and Kington forcing Ton ‘keeper Stephen Hall to smother the ball in his box to deny them the lead.

Ton Pentre are away to Caerau All Whites on Wednesday 10^th August for their last friendly match before they kick of the new Welsh League Division One season against AFC Llwydcoed at Ynys Park on Saturday 13^th August, kick off 2.30pm.

Pre-season friendly

Tuesday 2 August 2005

Penrhiwceiber Rangers 3 - 2 Ton Pentre

FOLLOWING a stunning first half of football, Ton Pentre were comfortably leading 2-0 and coasting towards their first pre-season win. Penrhiwceiber, however, fought back hard in the second half to score three goals and shock the Rhondda Bulldogs.

A sharp looking Ton team took the lead after six minutes of play from a Kristian Orchard corner. His great ball into the box found Carl Thomas at the near post to glance his header into the net.

Ton goalkeeper Stephen Hall was forced into action during the 20th minute when two Penrhiwceiber strikers found themselves onside. Hall produced a fine save when he spread his body and pounced at the ball to deny the players a chance to shoot.

Five minutes later Ton increased their lead. Scott Hayward provided the cross into the box where Tony Wallis was causing confusion amongst the home team defenders. Wallis was able to guide the ball into the net with a skilful effort.

The Rhondda Bulldogs made several changes at half time that saw both captain Andrew Seburn and the inspirational Dale Price replaced.

It took just two minutes of the second half for Penrhiwceiber to start clawing their way back into the match. Hall done well with a one handed save from the original shot but there was no one in the right place at the right time to clear the ball from danger and it was hit into the net.

Less than ten minutes after their first goal Penrhiwceiber found their equaliser. Weak defending saw Ton fail to clear the ball up field allowing a rocket shot from outside the box to fly into the goal.

Penrhiwceiber’s 73rd minute penalty turned out to be the decisive goal. It was awarded when Nathan Prygodzicz was unable to stretch far enough to hook the ball away from an attacker’s feet. Having brought down the player in the box the penalty was converted well.

Before the end of this friendly match Ton did re-introduce Seburn and Price but that along with Thomas’ attempted lob was not enough to draw the match.

Match report by Rob Dowling.

Pre-season friendly

Saturday 30 July 2005

Hardwicke 2 - 0 Ton Pentre

GLOUCESTERSHIRE County League team Hardwicke FC inflicted a second pre-season defeat upon Welsh League Champions Ton Pentre. The home side comfortably beat the Rhondda Bulldogs with two goals from the impressive Dennis Hylton.

Ton Pentre were without several players for their visit to Hardwicke and goalkeeper Jon Howe was unable to play after breaking bones in his hand following the first pre-season match with Port Talbot Town. It is expected that he will be out of action for about a month. For this friendly match Stephen Hall took over the goalkeeping duties.

It started well for Ton as trickery from Dale Price took the player into the Hardwicke goal area in the first minute. He struck the ball well and was unfortunate to see his shot cleared from the line by a Hardwicke defender.

The home team took the lead in the eighth minute when they capitalised on a defensive error as a result of their attacking pressure. As the ball was crossed in from the right Hall was left stranded in the box when Hylton leaped to beat him to it and score using his head.

In the 38th minute of play Price set off on another forward run that saw him come close to equalising. Following a one-two pass with a fellow player, Price was able to get himself clear of the defence to shoot. His shot edged just wide of the goalpost.

Less than a minute later it was the Ton ‘keeper that had to pick the ball out of his net as Hardwicke doubled their lead through Hylton. A cross from the right hand side of the pitch found the player unmarked in the area who applied the header to make it 2-0.

The Rhondda Bulldogs made little impression on the second half and in general it was a poor Ton Pentre performance that was below the usual expected standards. However, pre-season is the time where mistakes and tactical errors are ironed out before the start of the competitive campaign.

Match report by Rob Dowling.

Pre-season friendly

Tuesday 26 July

Ton Pentre 0 - 1 Port Talbot Town

TON PENTRE began their pre-season build up to the defence of their Welsh League Division One title at Ynys Park against Port Talbot Town.

The Rhondda Bulldogs starting line up was fresh with new talent brought in by manager Kevin Richards and his assistant Scott Young during the close season. New members to the squad include ex-Cardiff City forward Tony Wallis; Paul Evans from Division One rivals Bettws and Nathan Williams from Total Network Solutions FC.

With the departure of Andrew Hughes to Pontypridd Town club captain duties now fall to Andrew Seburn who proved himself the perfect candidate to take over the role with his battling displays last season.

The Port Talbot Town team featured former Ton Pentre players Wayne Savage, Nicky Jones and Marty Ellacott. Former Swansea City player Andrew Mumford also took part in the match and popped up to pile drive the ball into the net for the second half winner.

The match was played in a competitive manner with one or two incidents resulting in heated moments. Seburn was shown a yellow card by the referee during the second half following an over zealous challenge and resulting spat with Savage.

Both sides played some excellent football. Lee Tapper came on to play in a central midfield position and picked out a great run by Nathan Williams from the right. With a step inside Williams opened up room to shoot. Ellacott, who collected the ball at a comfortable height, denied his effort.

Jon Howe was forced to rush forward from the Ton goal moments later to close down a Richard Ryan chance. Howe produced a great save that saw both players go down injured. The ball broke free to Nicky Jones who had an empty net to strike into, however, it bounced awkwardly forcing the player to handball. After treatment Howe and Ryan picked themselves up.

Ten minutes from the end of the match Ton were caught out by a great 18-yard drive from Andrew Mumford.

As full time approached the Bulldogs looked good enough for an equaliser and a perfect opportunity to get it came around when Scott Hayward was fouled deep in the Port Talbot half of the pitch. Dale Price called to Tapper for the ball, who lifted a great pass through to the player in the box. Price took a shot but it wasn’t strong enough to beat Ellacott.

Match report by Rob Dowling.

Saturday 30 April 2005

AFC Llwydcoed 1 - 1 Ton Pentre

THE Rhondda Bulldogs of Ton Pentre were presented with the Welsh League Division One Championship trophy following their 1-1 draw at AFC Llwydcoed by club Chairman Ron Davies in the notable absence of Welsh League officials.

For quite a few members of the Ton Pentre team it was their first league title, and they enjoyed their moments with the impressive piece of silverware.

Sadly Ton Pentre assistant manager Scott Young missed the presentation after sustaining ligament damage during the second half of the match. The defender was conveyed to hospital for treatment.

Carl Thomas's second half equalising penalty ensured that the Ton Pentre forward was able to celebrate being the clubs top goalscorer of the season with 19 league goals.

A goal always looked on the cards for Ton throughout the match with AFC Llwydcoed as the Bulldogs opened up the play with some fine moves.

A long pass from left to right saw Andrew Hughes find his way into the Llwydcoed area. Hughes attempted to square to Carl Thomas but a defender was able to get to the ball first to clear.

All of Ton's good work looked to have counted for nothing in the 19th minute when the whole team seemed to switch to slow motion allowing ample space for Thomas Morris to put the Cynon Valley team into the lead.

After this Hughes stepped up the pace a played a sublime through ball for Thomas who side footed a goal bound shot. The Llwydcoed goalkeeper was beaten but the ball rolled the wrong side of the goal post.

Ian Davies was forced to end his season soon after with an injury picked up in a previous challenge. Scott Young was his replacement in defence.

Ton were lucky not to suffer another set back on the stroke of half time when a debatably offside Llwydcoed striker broke free on goal. Alyn Jones did well to catch the player and pressurise his strike. Jon Howe then pulled off a fine save to avert the danger.

The Rhondda Bulldogs spent most of the second period camped in the Llwydcoed half of the pitch and were awarded a penalty by the referee when the superb Neil Davies was taken out by a clumsy challenge in the box. Thomas struck the penalty low and hard into the right hand side of the goal sending the keeper the wrong way in the 55th minute.

Eight minutes later Young was removed from the pitch on a stretcher after falling awkwardly on his leg when jumping to challenge for the ball. Kristian Orchard was brought on in his place with Andrew Seburn dropping back into defence.

Ton continued to go in search of a winner and came close on a few occasions during a lengthy period of injury time. Hughes was clattered in the box on one occasion but the referee ruled out giving a second penalty.

A cross from Lee Tapper saw Hughes chest down for Dale Price to narrowly curl a shot wide before Orchard attempted a 30-yard lob moments later that almost clinched all three points.

The match though finished a draw and this result will probably help Grange Harlequins secure second position for promotion to the Welsh Premier.

Ton Pentre Match Facts

Line Up:

1.   Jon HOWE
2.   Lee TAPPER
3.   Neil DAVIES
4.   Ian DAVIES
5.   Nathan PRYGODZICZ
6.   Andrew HUGHES (Capt)
7.   Dale PRICE
8.   Andrew SEBURN
9.   Dwayne MARDENBOROUGH
10. Carl THOMAS
11. Alyn JONES

Substitutes:

12. Lyndon WILLIAMS on for Dwayne Mardenborough, 80 mins.
14. Scott YOUNG on for Ian Davies, 34 mins.
15. Kristian ORCHARD on for Scott Young, 67 mins.

Goal:

Carl Thomas, pen 55 mins.

Booking:

Andrew Seburn, 35 mins.

Match report by Rob Dowling.

Saturday 23 April 2005

Ton Pentre 1 - 1 Goytre United

TON PENTRE are 2004-05 Welsh League Division One champions. Skipper Andrew Hughes scored a late equaliser to win the point that clinched the title. It was made mathematically certain when news seeped through that Grange Harlequins had been defeated at Skewen Athletic.

Goytre United though were looking to spoil the party at Ynys Park as they looked to inflict a second home defeat on the Rhondda Bulldogs in a week.

This was a great Welsh League match that started brightly when Andrew Hughes played a lovely angled pass for Alyn Jones to run onto. Jones beat a defender to send in an inviting cross. Carl Thomas was able to shoot but saw his effort cleared from the goal line.

Goytre hadn’t read the script and scored in the 11^th minute when Thomas Meiring crossed from the left for Mark Dunford to cleanly head into the net without being challenged.

Goytre could have found themselves further in the lead but for the defensive heroics of Nathan Prygodzicz. The Ton defender stood strong to deny a Goytre attacker passage onto goal and a clear shot at Jon Howe.

Ton’s best chance of the first half fell to the busy Dwayne Mardenborough who found himself free after the Goytre back line failed in their attempt to catch him offside. Unfortunately for Ton Mardenborough put the ball high over the bar.

The Rhondda Bulldogs made a strong start to the second half and came close to scoring when they won a corner in the 48^th minute. Dale Price sent the ball into the area where it broke free for Lee Tapper. The Ton stalwart drove it low and hard forcing the Goytre keeper Andrew Sparkes to frantically boot it from the goal line.

Another Price corner soon after caused more problems for Goytre when the ball found Prygodzicz. In a crowded box he struck the ball painstakingly wide having done well to get a shot in.

Ton were desperate for an equaliser and their performance deserved one. However, the point that they needed to clinch the title looked as though it was going to elude them as time was running out.

Then in the 88^th minute a free kick was awarded to Ton about 25 yards out from goal. Alyn Jones stepped up to take the set piece and directed a perfect ball into Ton Pentre captain Andrew Hughes who was left unmarked and on side. The skipper slotted the ball low and firm into the goal to begin Ton Pentre’s celebrations.

Ton Pentre sponsored by ROC Decorative Concrete have now won the Welsh League championship six times in eight seasons. Manager Kevin Richards can feel proud of this current achievement as he was faced with rebuilding the squad at the start of the season following some key departures. Not only did he do this; he also gelled that squad together into a championship-winning unit that has played some incredibly attractive and fluid football over the course of the season.

Ton Pentre will now be presented with the Welsh League Division One trophy in their final match of the season at AFC Llwydcoed on Saturday April 30 that kicks off at 3pm.

Ton Pentre Match Facts

Line Up:

1. Jon HOWE

2. Lee TAPPER

3. Neil DAVIES

4. Ian DAVIES

5. Nathan PRYGODZICZ

6. Andrew HUGHES (Capt)

7. Dale PRICE

8. Andrew SEBURN

9. Dwayne MARDENBOROUGH

10. Carl THOMAS

11. Alyn JONES

Substitutes:

12. Lyndon WILLIAMS on for Dwayne Mardenborough, 54 mins

14. Kristian ORCHARD on for Andrew Seburn, 66 mins

15. Bradley YOUNG on for Ian DAVIES, 87 mins

Goal:

Andrew Hughes, 88 mins.

Match report by Rob Dowling.

Wednesday 20 April 2005

Ton Pentre 0 - 3 UWIC

A classy UWIC team denied Ton Pentre the chance of winning the league at Ynys Park with a well-organised performance that saw them deservedly win by three clear goals.

UWIC produced the majority of chances in this game and they took the lead following bad defending that allowed Ryan Jenkins goal side to shoot and score after 13 minutes.

Scott Young kept the Bulldogs in it ten minutes later when his superb tackle denied former Ton striker Tom Billings from shooting. The Ton Pentre assistant manager then produced a fine sliding challenge to block another shot immediately after.

In the 38^th minute Carl Thomas played a great through ball for Andrew Hughes to run onto but the Ton midfielder was pulled back by UWIC defender Thomas. Young dummied the free kick and Ton’s Carl Thomas struck the goal post with a lovely punt that left goalkeeper Brendan Copley statue like in his goal. The striker was unlucky not to score.

Ton created very little in the second half and their poor performance was punished by two further UWIC goals.

They appeared to have scored in the 67^th minute when the ball ended up in the back of the net but the referee disallowed it for a push in the box. UWIC though only had to wait four minutes until they had a goal allowed.

Skilful play by Billings in the Ton box saw him supply Gary Long with the opportunity to score.

Ian Richardson scored the visitors’ third goal from a free kick in the 79^th minute. A simple looking shot fooled the defence and found its way over the goal line.

Ton Pentre never looked like scoring in a match that was easily their poorest of the season. They will however, certainly raise their game for the final two matches of the season against Goytre United on Saturday 23 April kicking off at 3pm at Ynys Park and away to AFC Llwydcoed on Saturday 30 April.

Ton Pentre Match Facts:

Line Up:

1. Jon HOWE

2. Alyn JONES

3. Neil DAVIES

4. Scott YOUNG

5. Nathan PRYGODZICZ

6. Andrew HUGHES (Capt)

7. Dale PRICE

8. Andrew SEBURN

9. Lyndon WILLIAMS

10. Carl THOMAS

11. Kristian ORCHARD

Substitutes:

12. Lee TAPPER on for Kristian Orchard, 28 mins

14. Dwayne MARDENBOROUGH on for Lyndon Williams, 59 mins

15. Elroy DUCKITT on for Scott YOUNG, 81 mins

Goals:

None

Bookings:

Andrew Hughes, 50 mins

Report by Rob Dowling

Saturday 16April 2005

Garw Athletic 0 - 3 Ton Pentre

ONE more point should clinch the Welsh League Division One title for Ton Pentre as Grange Harlequins slipped up against UWIC to increase the Rhondda Bulldogs lead at the top of the league to 17 points with healthy goal difference advantage.

Unfortunately for Garw Athletic it was a different story as their defeat against Ton Pentre confirmed their relegation into Division Two. Ton’s hosts never gave up in a match that they could have lost with a much heavier score line. Goalkeeper Mark Elliote can feel proud with his performance as his saves kept the score respectable.

Ton totally dominated this match from beginning to end. They created chances well into double figures but had to wait until 37^th minute for their first goal.

Before that Lyndon Williams had two shots saved by Elliote in the opening ten minutes and the ‘keeper was once again able to deny a goal when from a corner Andrew Seburn headed into his hands.

Ton’s first goal should have been scored in the 33^rd minute when Andrew Hughes found himself clear with just Elliote to beat. The goalie did well to close down the space and Hughes looked to square the ball to Thomas who was unmarked. Garw escaped conceding a goal as the Ton captain put the ball behind the striker and an opportunity missed.

The Bulldogs did find the back of the net four minutes later when Williams won back possession with a header to set Thomas free on goal. An extremely neat finish from Thomas gave Ton a deserved lead.

The lead should have been doubled in the 42^nd minute when Thomas received a return ball from Williams but hit the crossbar with a thumping shot.

Garw conceded an early goal in the second half when a quick throw-in to Dale Price allowed him to run into the box with freedom. He passed to Alyn Jones who doubled the lead.

Thomas got his second in the 52^nd minute when a Ton freekick squirmed into the box and Hughes stole possession from a Garw defender. But it was Thomas who fired a shot and scored by smashing the ball into the roof of the net.

In the 62^ndminute Ton made a double substitution with Thomas and Hughes being replaced by Dwayne Mardenborough and debutante South African Elroy Duckitt.

Duckitt got straight to work as he beat a defender on the right opening up space to cross into the box. Williams met the cross with his head but directed his shot onto the crossbar.

Stuart Evans managed to conjure up a chance for Garw in the 82^nd minute when he came close with his 30-yard shot after seeing Jon Howe off his line. Garw’s best effort of the match though went wide of the post.

Although another two points will make Ton certain champions one more point should be enough as the Rhondda Bulldogs have much better goal difference than second placed Grange Quins. Ton will go in search of those points against UWIC on Wednesday 20 April (7.30pm) and Goytre United on Saturday 23 April (3pm) both at Ynys Park.

Ton Pentre Match Facts

Line Up:

1. Jon HOWE

2. Lee TAPPER

3. Neil DAVIES

4. Andrew SEBURN

5. Nathan PRYGODZICZ

6. Andrew HUGHES (Capt)

7. Dale PRICE

8. Alyn JONES

9. Lyndon WILLIAMS

10. Carl THOMAS

11. Kristian ORCHARD

Substitutes:

12. Dwayne MARDENBOROUGH on for Carl Thomas, 62 mins

14. Scott YOUNG on for Andrew Seburn, 78 mins

15. Elroy DUCKITT on for Andrew Hughes, 62 mins

Goals:

Carl Thomas 37, 52 mins

Alyn Jones 47 mins

Booked:

None

Report by Rob Dowling

Saturday 9 April 2005

Ton Pentre 2 - 1 Ely Rangers

TWO goals from Carl Thomas saw Ton Pentre open up a fourteen-point gap over Grange Harlequins at the top of Welsh League Division One. The Rhondda Bulldogs were forced to fight for the victory though as Ely Rangers took an early lead.

Jon Howe was left stranded after two minutes when the ball was sent forward for Wayne Matthews to beat him to it and head in the opening goal.

As the half progressed Ton began to carve out some useful chances but it took them until the 35^th minute to get one of them in the net.

Alyn Jones knocked the ball past his marker and sprinted around him to then send a perfect cross into Carl Thomas who comfortably headed in the equaliser from about eight yards out.

Ton’s situation got even better before half time when the ball broke up the right for Dwayne Mardenborough to chase. He passed to Thomas inside the box who was allowed to score, as the Ely defence lay dormant.

Two half time substitutions saw Scott Young and Lyndon Williams replace Lee Tapper and Mardenborough. With Young taking up a position in defence it allowed Andrew Seburn to move into his usual midfield role.

With just under an hour played Williams crossed to Seburn who had time to cue up his shot in the goal area. He hit the ball with power but David Boulton was able to palm it away.

In the 63^rd minute Ely almost drew level when from about 25 yards out Graham Cummings hit the left goal post with his effort.

Jones had almost supplied Thomas with his third goal in 76^th minute when his through ball created space for a shot. Thomas was denied however, by a good save from Boulton.

With Grange Quins going down 2-1 at Maesteg this win over Ely Rangers took Ton closer to the league title with the Rhondda Bulldogs needing eight points from the final four matches to lift the trophy. Ton have 74 points from 30 games while Grange Quins have 60 points from 27 matches.

The final four fixtures for the Rhondda Bulldogs take them to Garw on Saturday 16April (3pm), home to UWIC on Wednesday 20 April (7.30pm) and Goytre United on Saturday 23 April (3pm) with their final match of the 2004-05 season at AFC Llwydcoed on Saturday 30 April (3pm).

Ton Pentre Match Facts

Line Up:

1. Jon HOWE

2. Lee TAPPER

3. Neil DAVIES

4. Andrew SEBURN

5. Nathan PRYGODZICZ

6. Andrew HUGHES (Capt)

7. Dale PRICE

8. Alyn JONES

9. Dwayne MARDENBOROUGH

10. Carl THOMAS

11. Kristian ORCHARD

Substitutes:

12. Lyndon WILLIAMS on for Dwayne Mardenborough 45mins

14. Scott YOUNG on for Lee Tapper 45 mins

15. Bradley YOUNG

Goals:

Carl Thomas, 35 mins, 45+1 mins.

Bookings:

Andrew Seburn, 42 mins.

Neil Davies, 74 mins.

Lyndon Williams, 90 mins.

Match report by Rob Dowling.

Wednesday 6 April 2005

Ton Pentre 2 - 1 Barry Town

BARRY TOWN gave Ton Pentre a fright under the floodlights at Ynys Park when they took an unexpected lead during the first half. Two defining moments though turned this match around for the Bulldogs, the first was a superb one on one save by Jon Howe to stop Barry from taking a 2-0 lead and the other was the introduction of Kevin Richards into the game.

It all started well for Ton as they created the best chances in the opening 20 minutes. Chances fell to both Dale Price and Alyn Jones but neither were able to convert them into goals.

Barry Town then began to influence the match and Lee Piotrowski came close with his 25 yard strike that’s bend looked as though it was going to beat Jon Howe. The ball went wide but moments later Sean Nash should have scored but skewed his shot after breaking free.

Ton’s best chance of the first half was created in the 27^th minute when a low cross into the box from Andrew Hughes saw Lee Tapper strike against the crossbar. Carl Thomas poked his foot at the rebound but could only hit it over the target.

A freekick was awarded two minutes later about 25 yards out from the Ton box. Former Wales Under 21 international Leon Jeanne hit a nice kick. The strike hit the goalpost but rebounded off Neil Davies and into the net to give Barry a 1-0 lead that they took into the interval.

Lyndon Williams replaced, what looked like, an injured Scott Young at the start of the second half.

Superb defending by Neil Davies kept Ton hanging on in this match when he made a vast amount of ground to block Rhys Attley’s view at goal making the Barry player striking his chance wide.

Barry Town should have been coasting to victory by the 60-minute mark when Nash had a golden opportunity, which he should have scored from, as the player was one on one with Howe. The Ton goalkeeper pulled off an incredible save at point blank and then scrambled along the ground to smother the ball. This save definitely had influence on the game’s final score.

Following this the Ton manager, Kevin Richards, replaced Dwayne Mardenborough. The substitution proved an excellent decision as Richards tightened the midfield and changed the game.

Ton’s equaliser came in the 65^th minute when a superb run up the right and into the box saw Price neatly pass to Thomas who slammed the ball into the net.

The Rhondda Bulldogs kept pressing for the winner to maintain their points advantage at the top of the league and in the 85^th minute it appeared to come from nowhere. As Ashley Griffiths looked to clear the ball away from Hughes’ feet he accidentally lobbed his own goalkeeper.

The referee conjured up three minutes of injury time to give the match a nervy finish and deep into the added time Barry won a corner. The visitors piled into the Ton box but the ball was hit wide and Barry’s last chance had gone.

Barry Town will be justified to feel they deserved something from this match while Ton may feel that this was a lucky escape from the jaws of defeat.

Ton Pentre Match Facts:

Line Up:

1. Jon HOWE

2. Lee TAPPER

3. Neil DAVIES

4. Scott YOUNG

5. Nathan PRYGODZICZ

6. Andrew HUGHES (Capt)

7. Dale PRICE

8. Kristian ORCHARD

9. Dwayne MARDENBOROUGH

10. Carl THOMAS

11. Alyn JONES

Substitutes:

12. Lyndon WILLIAMS on for Scott Young, 50 mins

14. Bradley YOUNG

15. Kevin RICHARDS on for Dwayne Mardenborough, 60 mins

Goals:

Carl Thomas, 65 mins

Ashley Griffiths, Own Goal 85 mins

Bookings:

Alyn Jones, 50 mins

Match report by Rob Dowling.

Saturday 2 April 2005

Briton Ferry 0 - 3 Ton Pentre

TON PENTRE proved their ability to bounce back from defeat as a professional performance overcame a fiery Briton Ferry side.

It was a sizzling first half at the Old Road Ground that descended into chaos at half time as the teams walked from the field. Ferry manager Steve Price produced a shameful and cowardly act when he head butted Ton manager Kevin Richards to the ground. For his actions he was sent off by the referee. Credit must be given to Ton Pentre who were not drawn into any unsportsmanlike behaviour. The Rhondda Bulldogs concentrated solely on playing football.

From the kick off Ton looked like the better footballing team as sleek play won the Bulldogs a freekick from which they scored in the 16^th minute. It was awarded when a Ferry defender handled the ball out on the right. The ball was sent into the box where Carl Thomas flicked it on with his head to Andrew Hughes. The captain drilled the ball low past Ferry goalkeeper Chris Curtis from an acute angle.

The temperature in the match began to rise after this as Briton Ferry looked to have a lack of discipline. Lee Tapper seemed lucky to avoid injury when a Ferry midfielder jumped late into a challenge with the Ton player for the ball.

Soon after, Dale Price could have increased Ton’s lead with a 35 yard strike worthy of a goal. His fantastic volley beat Curtis and smashed against the crossbar leaving Price in disbelief that he had not scored what would have been one of the best goals in his career.

In the 37^th minute Lyndon Williams showboated his way down the right leaving the Ferry players in awe of his skill to cross into Dwayne Mardenborough waiting in the penalty area. Mardenborough needed to take a touch before striking but this gave Curtis enough time to dive on the ball.

A second goal was inevitable and it came in the form of a penalty when more trickery from Williams saw him flattened in the box on the stroke of half time. The referee’s assistant was a few yards away from the incident and had no hesitation in waving his flag for the foul. The Ferry players were in uproar over the decision and it led to a couple of players being booked. Thomas scored the penalty hitting the ball low to the right. It appeared as though the penalty was the breaking point for what went on as the teams left the field for the changing rooms at half time.

During the first quarter of the second half Williams was replaced by Alyn Jones.

Ton hit the post soon after when Price had played the ball through for Jones. The ball broke to Thomas following a tackle outside the box and the Ton striker hit low and hard but saw his effort rebound off the post.

The Bulldogs defence was called into action a few times during the second half but they looked unbreakable when Scott Young got a last moment tackle to deflect Rob Shannon’s shot over the bar.

From the corner Jon Howe proved himself alert when he finger tipped a shot over his cross bar for a fine save.

In the 72^nd minute Bradley Young was brought on to replace Kristian Orchard and soon after the substitute grabbed his first goal for Ton Pentre.

A superb pass by Thomas, twisting to use the outside of his boot, found Price who in turn got the ball to Young for the player to hit the back of the net.

It was a fine display by Ton Pentre play Barry Town at Ynys Park on Wednesday evening (6^th April) at 7.30pm in Welsh League Division One then Ely Rangers visit the Rhondda on Saturday April 9^th at 3pm.

Ton Pentre Match Facts:

Line Up:

Jon HOWE
Lee TAPPER
Neil DAVIES
Scott YOUNG
Kristian ORCHARD
Andrew HUGHES (Capt)
Dale PRICE
Andrew SEBURN
Dwayne MARDENBOROUGH
Carl THOMAS
Lyndon WILLIAMS

Substitutes:

12. Alyn JONES on for Lyndon Williams, 58 mins

14. Bradley YOUNG on for Kristian Orchard, 72 mins

15. Kevin RICHARDS

Goals:

Andrew Hughes, 16 mins

Carl Thomas, Pen 45+1 mins

Bradley Young, 79 mins

Booked:

None

Match report by Rob Dowling.

Wednesday 23 March 2005

Ton Pentre 1 - 3 Maesteg Park

FOR only the second time this season Ton Pentre lost a Motaquote Welsh League Division One match with Maesteg Park claiming a tremendous scalp. The Rhondda Bulldogs were last defeated on Saturday 16 October away to Grange Harlequins.

Maesteg’s fine win will give challengers Grange Quins a glimmer of hope in getting their hands on the Welsh League title.

Ton’s visitors were always going to be a tough team to overcome, but not even Maesteg would have expected the gift of a goal that Ton presented in the first five minutes. When Scott Young broke up a Maesteg attack with some witty defending a simple pass back to Jon Howe ended in horror. With what appeared to be a lack of concentration, the ball bypassed the Ton goalkeeper’s foot and ended up in the back of the net for a very soft goal.

It appeared that it was to be just an early set back for the Bulldogs as they looked good for a goal. Some Lyndon Williams magic on the wing saw him create space to cross into the box. The ball in was lovely and had it not been for Dean Vokes split second clearance the it would have made contact with a Ton forward.

Ton were able to muster up an equalizer and it came from a penalty when Neil Davies played a splitting through ball for Dwayne Mardenborough into the box. The Ton forward was clattered to the ground by goalie Gareth Scantlebury. Carl Thomas stepped up to score a confident penalty kick high to the right.

Thomas was replaced by Alyn Jones at the start of the second half but soon after Maesteg were handed another goal following a further mix up between Young and Howe. This time, as Howe rushed off his line to collect the ball, Young kicked it back towards goal expecting to see his keeper there but instead the ball trickled towards a gaping open goalmouth. An alert Maesteg player got the final touch that sent it over the line to complete Ton’s embarrassment.

A few minutes later Ton were on the attack once again looking for an equalizer. And it looked as though they were going to get it when Jones’ cut back pass to Williams looked certain to end up in the net. Williams firmly hit the ball but a Maesteg player was able to get a block in.

Moments later Jones was again in the thick of the action when from a position on the left he beat his man to cross into the area. Dale Price got his head to it but watched the ball slam against the crossbar as the visitors clung on to a slender lead.

As full-time quickly approached, Young joined the attack as Ton flung players forward, and Andrew Hughes broke free on the right and teed up a shot for Jones who struck painstakingly wide of the goal.

In the fifth minute of injury time a Williams run into the box looked to have produced a penalty when a Maesteg defender was pulling the Ton striker back to stop him from getting to the ball. The referee failed to award the penalty and instead signalled for a corner kick when the Maesteg player had made no contact with the ball.

A clearance from the resulting corner kick was pelted up field and from around 20 yards out Andrew Wright struck up and over Howe to secure a cracking win for Maesteg Park.

The Rhondda Bulldogs will look to sharpen up for their next league match when they visit Briton Ferry Athletic on Saturday 2 April (3pm). Ton’s next home match is on Wednesday 6 April with Barry Town the visitors.

---------------------------------

Ton Pentre Match Facts:

Line Up:

Jon HOWE
Lyndon WILLIAMS
Neil DAVIES
Scott YOUNG
Nathan PRYGODZICZ
Andrew HUGHES (Capt)
Dale PRICE
Andrew SEBURN
Dwayne MARDENBOROUGH
Carl THOMAS
Lee TAPPER

Substitutes:

12. Richard CLEVERLEY on for Andrew Seburn, 67 mins.

14. Alyn JONES on for Carl Thomas, 55 mins.

15. Bradley YOUNG

Goal:

Carl Thomas, pen 24 mins.

Bookings:

Lee Tapper, 21 mins.

Andrew Seburn, 25 mins.

Match Report by Rob Dowling.

Saturday 19 March 2005

Ton Pentre 4 - 0 Bettws

TON PENTRE remain comfortably on the top of Motaquote Welsh League Division One following a dominant performance over Bettws. The Rhondda Bulldogs put a first half penalty miss behind them to stroll to a 4-0 victory and maintain their seven point lead.

When Carl Thomas spun to get into the Bettws box Paul Lilwall took a swipe at his legs to concede a penalty kick after 23 minutes. Thomas sent his penalty to the right and Leon Cosker chose the correct way to dive in order to turn the ball around the goal post.

Moments later Thomas and Dwayne Mardenborough linked in a lovely one-two movement. It began to look as though it was going to be one of those days when Thomas’s half volley hit the post.

Thomas put things right immediately after when he headed in Ton’s first goal with Cosker missing the ball under the pressure of Mardenborough’s jump.

During the 38th minute of play Dale Price, from a central midfield position, executed a through pass for Andrew Hughes’ run out on the right. Cosker rushed from his line but it was in vain as Hughes dinked the ball over his diving body and into the net for a 2-0 half time lead.

Ton always looked capable of scoring more goals in this match and began to do so again in the 72nd minute as great running from Mardenborough ended with the striker playing a cross into the box. Cosker fumbled his catch and the ball broke free for Price who slotted in the Bulldogs third.

Goal number four was scored in the 84th minute, after a corner won by Hughes and taken by Price, found its way onto Andrew Seburn’s head. The player looked ecstatic to score against his old club.

A clean sheet was assured three minutes from time when Jon Howe stood strong to save a thumping freekick from outside the box taken by Dean Simons.

Following this match Ton remain the league’s top scorers with 78 goals in 26 games. And it’s a pretty close race for Ton’s top goal scorer this season with Lyndon Williams on 14 goals, Andrew Hughes on 13 and Carl Thomas with 11.

Ton will look for their rich goal scoring to continue on Wednesday 23 March as Maesteg Park visit Ynys Park at 7.30pm, the Bulldogs were held 0-0 in the away fixture.

Following that the next match for Ton will be away to Briton Ferry on Saturday 2 April (3pm) due to the Wales v Austria World Cup Qualifier in Cardiff on 26 March.

--------------------------------

Championship Boxing at Ton Pentre Football Club: The W.A.B.A. Schoolboy Semi Final 2005 will take place at the clubhouse on Thursday evening. Doors open at 6.30pm with a £5 entrance fee and the first bout is due to take place at 8pm.

-------------------------------

Ton Pentre Match Facts:

Line Up:

1. Jon HOWE

2. Lyndon WILLIAMS

3. Neil DAVIES

4. Ian Davies

5. Nathan PRYGODZICZ

6. Andrew HUGHES (Capt)

7. Dale PRICE

8. Andrew SEBURN

9. Dwayne MARDENBOROUGH

10. Carl THOMAS

11. Kristian ORCHARD

Substitutes:

12. Lee TAPPER on for Ian Davies, 16 mins.

14. Alyn JONES on for Lyndon Williams, 64 mins.

15. Richard CLEVERLEY on for Carl Thomas, 73 mins.

Goals:

Carl Thomas, 27 mins

Andrew Hughes, 38 mins

Dale Price, 72 mins

Andrew Seburn, 84 mins.

Booked:

Lyndon Williams, 47 mins

Andrew Seburn, 57 mins

Match Report by Rob Dowling.

Saturday 12 March 2005

Dinas Powys 1 - 2 Ton Pentre

TON PENTRE and Dinas Powys took part in a well contested match that saw the Rhondda Bulldogs take a two goal lead before allowing the home side back into the match for a nervy ending. The win takes Ton Pentre seven points clear at the top of Motaquote Welsh League Division One.

The Rhondda Bulldogs took an early lead when Dwayne Mardenborough’s strength saw him get into the box to send a dangerous ball through the six yard box. The result of the scramble that ensued was Carl Thomas getting the ball over the goal line for a seventh minute goal.

A minute later Mardenborough was sandwiched by two Dinas defenders, neither of whom got near the ball in the 18 yard box. Ton appealed for what they thought was a certain penalty but neither referee nor his assistant gave it.

Ton frustrated themselves with a few missed chances during the rest of the first half. Mardenborough looked odds on to score when a ball rebounded off a defender into his path but was denied a goal by a great smothering save from former Ton goalkeeper Richard Johnson.

Midway through the half Dinas nearly found themselves level following a useful counter attack that saw them spread the ball well. However, the Dinas shot taker hit the side netting.

After 32 minutes of play Mardenborough and Andrew Hughes linked together with the Ton striker playing his captain in on goal. Hughes hit a sound shot but Johnson threw himself into action to save once again.

As the interval approached Neil Davies charged down Jamie Dix’s close range strike to keep the 1-0 score line intact with his excellent defending.

The second half started with two goals in the fist five minutes. Dale Price crossed to the far post where Kristian Orchard watched the ball drop to his feet before striking high into the goal out of Johnson’s reach.

Within two minutes of that goal Richie Gunney struck back for Dinas following a lapse in concentration for Ton.

Ton managed to steady the ship and should have found themselves with a clear lead when Mardenborough rounded Johnson but found the angle too tight and struck into the side netting.

The match could have had a different outcome as a bad ball sent back towards goal by Ton allowed Dinas into the box 13 minutes from the end. However, Davies rushed to the danger and his sliding tackle helped to secure the win.

Bettws visit Ynys Park on Saturday 19 March for a 3pm start. The kick off time is subject to change and will be confirmed on the Ton website at www.tonpentreafc.com.

--------------------------

Ton Pentre Match Facts

Line Up:

Jon HOWE
Lyndon WILLIAMS
Neil DAVIES
Ian DAVIES
Nathan PRYGODZICZ
Andrew HUGHES (Capt)
Dale PRICE
Andrew SEBURN
Dwayne MARDENBOROUGH
Carl THOMAS
Kristian ORCHARD

Substitutions:

12.Lee TAPPER on for Dwayne Mardenborough, 74 mins.

14. Alyn JONES on for Lyndon Williams, 53 mins.

15. Richard CLEVERLEY on for Kristian Orchard, 82 mins.

Goals:

Carl Thomas, 7 mins.

Kristian Orchard, 48 mins.

Bookings:

None.

Match Report by Rob Dowling.

Saturday 5 March 2005

Ton Pentre 2 - 1 Grange Harlequins

TON PENTRE opened up a five point gap at the top of the Motaquote Welsh League Division One with a terrific win over title rivals Grange Harlequins. The Cardiff based team are chasing promotion to the Welsh Premier League and need to finish in the top two but are now laying eight points behind the Rhondda Bulldogs in third.

The Quins had several opportunities to get on the score sheet during the first half but the Rhondda Bulldogs defended with determination. Neil Davies, as always, was astounding as he made several crucial tackles in the goal area to keep Ton’s heads above water.

During the opening ten minutes the visitors knocked the ball around with fluidity and when the ball was sent into the Ton box the home side were lucky to escape when Daniel Kinsey struck over the crossbar.

Gareth Elliott came even closer when, from a corner, he headed against the bar for Grange Quins.

Quins striker Mattie Davies should have done better with his chance soon after but hit the ball directly at Jon Howe. The Ton keeper was unable to hold onto the shot but club captain Andrew Hughes applied the clearance up field.

Ton Pentre started to create more chances in the latter stages of the first half when Dale Price took a player on to cross into the Quins box. Carl Thomas got himself on the end of it but headed just wide of Neil Tucker’s goal.

In the 41st minute the crowd at Ynys Park witnessed an awe-inspiring goal. When a Grange Quins defender missed the clearance the ball sat up nicely for Hughes to hit. The Ton captain made perfect contact with the ball 30 yards from goal and torpedoed it high into the net. Tucker didn’t move as he had absolutely no chance of saving it.

As if a half time 1-0 lead wasn’t enough the Bulldogs scored a second goal in the 57th minute. Thomas was released with a through pass and beat the offside trap to get into the box. With complete composure he neatly finished off a fine move with Ton’s second goal.

Thomas was having a great game and could have doubled his tally four minutes later when he broke free with a fantastic turn that confused the defence. However, he was upended on the edge of the penalty area and sent his free kick centimetres over the top of the goal.

Ton Pentre were forced to sweat out the final five minutes of the match when a penalty was awarded to Grange Quins after Davies was brought down in the box by Howe. Darren Ryan scored from the spot but it wasn’t enough as Ton stayed concentrated on their task.

The three points won by Ton puts them in the driving seat for the Welsh League Division One title but the management team of Kevin Richards and Scott Young will make sure that complacency does not set in.

The Rhondda Bulldogs will now prepare themselves for their next match at Dinas Powys on Saturday 12 March at 3pm. Dinas Powys were victorious over AFC Llwydcoed on the weekend when they beat the title chasers 1-0 and so may provide a tough proposition for the Bulldogs on their visit.

-----------------------------------------------

Ton Pentre Match Facts

Line Up:

1. Jon HOWE

2. Lyndon WILLIAMS

3. Neil DAVIES

4. Ian DAVIES

5. Kristian ORCHARD

6. Andrew HUGHES (Capt)

7. Scott YOUNG

8. Andrew SEBURN

9. Dwayne MARDENBOROUGH

10. Carl THOMAS

11. Dale PRICE

Substitutions:

12. Lee TAPPER

14. Alyn JONES on for Lyndon Williams, 78 mins

15. Scott HAYWARD

Goals:

Andrew Hughes, 41 mins.

Carl Thomas, 57 mins.

Booked:

Andrew Seburn, 25 mins.

Scott Young, 49 mins.

Lyndon Williams, 53 mins.

Dale Price, 82 mins.

Match report by Rob Dowling.

Wednesday 2 March 2005

Ton Pentre 1 - 0 Briton Ferry

A second half strike from Lyndon Williams was enough to clinch three points as Briton Ferry visited Ynys Park for a midweek clash. Williams grabbed his 14^th of the season in the 63^rd minute against a tough Briton Ferry team.

The Rhondda Bulldogs were unfortunate not to take the lead in the first minute when the ball was headed into the net but the referee blew for a foul on Ferry goalkeeper Lee Idzi.

Ton were dealt a blow soon after when Nathan Prygodzicz injured his shoulder. Although he played on, the trouble persisted and was substituted during the 19^th minute after hurting the shoulder again. Lee Tapper was brought on in his place.

During first half injury time Jon Howe was shown a yellow card following his protest when he was fouled by a Briton Ferry player. The referee failed to award a freekick and that infuriated the Ton Pentre goalkeeper.

Ton Pentre’s goal came during the second half when the Bulldogs counterattacked in style. Neil Davies headed to Andrew Hughes to break up a Ferry attack. Hughes played a simple but effective ball over the top of the defence for Williams to run onto. Having timed his run to perfection he slotted the ball low into the goal.

The visitors pressed forward and inflicted considerable pressure on Ton but they kept the door shut on Briton Ferry and could have scored a second in the 85^th minute. A corner from Dale Price was met by Hughes who headed against the crossbar.

This win took Ton back to the top of the league.

----------------------------------------------

Ton Pentre Match Facts

Line Up:

Jon HOWE
Lyndon WILLIAMS
Neil DAVIES
Ian DAVIES
Nathan PRYGODZICZ
Andrew HUGHES (Capt)
Richard CLEVERLEY
Andrew SEBURN
Carl THOMAS
Dale PRICE
Alyn JONES

Substitutions:

12. Lee TAPPER on for Nathan Prygodzicz, 19 mins.

14. Krisitian ORCHARD on for Alyn Jones, 83 mins.

15. Scott HAYWARD on for Richard Cleverley, 57 mins.

Goal:

Lyndon Williams, 63 mins.

Booked:

Jon Howe, 45 mins.

Andrew Seburn, 82 mins.

Match Report by Rob Dowling.

Tuesday 22 February 2005

Barry Town 0 - 5 Ton Pentre

LYNDON WILLIAMS produced an amazing performance that saw the Ton Pentre striker bag four goals against former Welsh Premier champions Barry Town.

The match was played at Treforest FC’s White Tips Stadium due to Barry’s ongoing feud with the Vale of Glamorgan council over outstanding rent costing in excess of a reported £40,000 for the use of Jenner Park.

Fielding a youthful team Barry Town were left with just scraps as Ton Pentre played devastating football that saw them take an early lead through Carl Thomas. When a freekick was awarded for a late challenge on a Ton player, Lyndon Williams floated the ball into the box that allowed Thomas to thump in the first goal.

Barry’s best chance of a goal came soon after when Ian Davies cleared the ball towards Ton ‘keeper Jon Howe. Howe collected the ball and the referee judged it as a back pass. Ton defended well against the freekick inside the box and cleared up field.

Fifteen minutes had not passed when Andrew Seburn had charged the ball down to pass to Lyndon Williams who let rip 25 yards out from goal with a screamer that found its way under Sutton, the Barry Town goalkeeper.

The Bulldogs dominated the first half but did not find the net again until the 52nd minute when Dwayne Mardenborough notched up an assist for Williams to score his second of the match.

Williams continued to showboat and his lightening reaction saw him head in his hat trick after Thomas had done well in the build up to the goal.

As snow fell from the sky onto the pitch Ton Pentre’s performance never looked like freezing, and Williams rounded off an outstanding display by beating a Barry offside appeal to slip the ball with confidence into the back of the net for his fourth goal of the match. He was immediately substituted and applauded from the pitch to take his place on a delighted Ton bench.

Lee Tapper was his replacement and was unlucky not to score a sixth for Ton when he volleyed towards goal with his left foot, but the ball needed a little more curl and dip to have prevented it from going over the bar.

Ton Pentre have two tough games to look forward to as Briton Ferry will provide stern opposition on Wednesday 2 March at Ynys Park for a 7:30pm kick off and then on Saturday 5 March it’s the mouth-watering home clash with Grange Harlequins, a team breathing down Ton Pentre’s necks at the top of the table. Although there’s a long way to go yet in the Welsh League season the Grange Quins' match will most certainly have some bearing on where the League title could be heading this season. Kick off for that match is at 3pm.

-----------------------------------------

Ton Pentre Match Facts

Line Up:

1. Jon HOWE

2. Lyndon WILLIAMS

3. Neil DAVIES

4. Ian DAVIES

5. Nathan PRYGODZICZ

6. Andrew HUGHES (Capt)

7. Richard CLEVERLEY

8. Andrew SEBURN

9. Carl THOMAS

10. Dwayne MARDENBOROUGH

11. Alyn JONES

Substitutes

Lee TAPPER on for Lyndon Williams, 67 mins.

14. Scott YOUNG on for Andrew Hughes, 75 mins.

15. Bradley YOUNG on for Dwayne Mardenborough, 81 mins.

Goals:

Carl Thomas, 5 mins.

Lyndon Williams, 14, 52, 58, 66 mins.

Booked:

Andrew Hughes, 47 mins.

Match report by Rob Dowling.

Saturday 12 February 2005

Skewen Athletic 1 - 2 Ton Pentre

TWO first half goals from Nathan Prygodzicz and Lyndon Williams sealed a crucial Welsh League Division One win over title rivals Skewen Athletic at their Tennant Park ground.

As Skewen admit on their website, the result leaves them with little chance of winning the Championship having now lost to second placed AFC Llwydcoed and top of the table Ton Pentre over the last two weeks.

Conditions were difficult at Skewen with an uneven playing surface and a strong wind effecting the flight of the ball. The Rhondda Bulldogs adapted and their battling second half display against the wind and a desperate Skewen was rewarded with three deserved league points.

Ton Pentre took the lead after ten minutes of the first half when Andrew Seburn’s cross was met by Nathan Prygodzicz at the far post. Prygodzicz jumped above his marker and placed the ball into the top left-hand corner of the net.

The lead could have been doubled moments later when Kristian Orchard connected to a cross by volleying the ball goalwards. The shot deserved a goal but instead Skewen’s Mark Snell pulled off a terrific save.

Carl Mainwaring hit the post for the home team after 21 minutes and Prygodzicz was forced to clear off the line from the rebound shot as Skewen looked for a way back into the match.

Seven minutes later Skewen were dealt another blow when Jon Howe’s kick up field was aided by the wind over the home side’s rigid defence. A vigilant Lyndon Williams ran onto it and only had the ‘keeper left to beat. The Ton forward finished with a splendid lob over Snell that gave the Bulldogs a 2-0 half time lead.

Ton were against the wind in the second half but they worked and battled hard for each other, hungry for the win.

Skewen piled the pressure on and in the 66^th minute Howe was forced into making two vital saves, the second of which was a few yards off his goal line, until Stephen Evans belted the ball over the crossbar.

The Rhondda Bulldogs always looked dangerous going forward during the second half but it was Skewen who scored that opened up the idea of a comeback. Substitute Richard Ryan troubled the Ton defence on one of his runs and when he got the ball to Mainwaring Skewen found themselves back in the match.

The Bulldogs defended well and even survived five minutes of injury time before they were able to celebrate three well deserved league points that takes them back to the top of the league on goal difference.

Ton Pentre’s next Welsh League match is against former Welsh Premier champions Barry Town whose fall from grace has seen them ejected from their Jenner Park ground. Barry are playing their home fixtures at Treforest FC and that is where Ton play next on Tuesday February 22^nd at 7.30pm.

----------------------------------------

Ton Pentre Match Facts

Line Up:

1. Jon HOWE

2. Kristian ORCHARD

3. Andrew SEBURN

4. Ian DAVIES

5. Nathan PRYGODZICZ

6. Andrew HUGHES (Capt)

7. Lyndon WILLIAMS

8. Scott YOUNG

9. Dwayne MARDENBOROUGH

10. Dale PRICE

11. Carl THOMAS

Substitutes:

12. Lee TAPPER on for Kristian Orchard, 60 mins.

14. Richard CLEVERLEY on for Lyndon Williams, 85 mins.

15. Alyn JONES on for Carl Thomas, 90+5 mins.

Goals:

Nathan Prygodzicz, 10 mins.

Lyndon Williams, 28 mins.

Bookings:

Scott Young, 88 mins.

Match Report by Rob Dowling

Saturday 29 January 2005

Maesteg Park 0 - 0 Ton Pentre

ALTHOUGH Ton Pentre could only draw their league match at Maesteg Park the point was enough to keep the Rhondda Bulldogs top on goal difference over AFC Llwydcoed.

This Division One match proved to be a stern test for Ton at Tudor Park with the Bulldogs unable to breach Gary Wager’s goal. The fixture also saw Ton defender Neil Davies sent off by referee Allen Griffiths for a second bookable offence that will see him miss the crucial top of the table clash at Skewen Athletic.

Alert defending by Ian Davies early on stopped Maesteg in full flow as they drove their way forward towards the Ton goal. After winning possession he set up a Ton counter attack which saw Dwayne Mardenborough win the Bulldogs a corner, from which they failed to capitalise.

Maesteg too were unable to find the back of the net when they won four consecutive corners that put Ton under pressure, but they were dealt with well by the defence and goalkeeper.

Early in the second half Ton were forced into making a substitution when Ian Davies picked up an injury and was replaced by Ton’s assistant manager, Scott Young.

Soon after Ton carved out a great chance when good play from Mardenborough and Shaun Fackeral allowed Dale Price the chance to shoot. He struck the ball well but saw his shot deflected over the cross bar.

The match lacked spectacle with scrappy play from both sides and Neil Davies found himself in the referee’s book when diving into a challenge with a Maesteg midfielder.

Wager had to produce a fine save to deny a goal when he tipped over an Andrew Hughes shot as the captain looked to give his side the lead.

Hughes was on the end of a sublime pass from Young later on in the half that saw him bring the ball down with exquisite control. His dribble with the ball saw him get to the edge of the Maesteg box where he struck for goal. It was the closest that either team had come to scoring as the ball hit the crossbar and bounced out of play.

Three minutes from full time Ton were dealt a blow when the referee dismissed Neil Davies for competitive fouling when it appeared that the player had failed to win the ball in a challenge on the halfway line.

Neil Davies will be sorely missed when the Bulldogs play Skewen Athletic on Saturday February 12 (2.15 pm) for what will be an interesting clash. Ton are without a fixture on Saturday February 5 due to UWIC’s involvement in the Welsh Cup.

-----------------------------------

Ton Pentre Match Facts:

Line Up:

Jon HOWE
Shaun FACKERAL
Neil DAVIES
Ian DAVIES
Nathan PRYGODZICZ
Andrew HUGHES (Capt)
Dale PRICE
Andrew SEBURN
Dwayne MARDENBOROUGH
Alyn JONES
Lyndon WILLIAMS

Substitutes:

12. Lee TAPPER on for Alyn Jones, 69 mins.

14. Scott YOUNG on for Ian Davies, 52 mins.

15. Carl THOMAS on for Shaun Fackeral, 78 mins.

Goals:

None.

Bookings:

Nathan Prygodzicz, 27 mins.

Neil Davies, 63, 87 mins.

Sent Off:

Neil Davies, 87 mins.

Match Report by Rob Dowling

Saturday 22 January 2005

Ton Pentre 3 - 0 Neath

THE Rhondda Bulldogs overcame the difficult wet and muddy conditions at Ynys Park to play some slick football to beat visitors Neath with goals from Dwayne Mardenborough, Ian Davies and Shaun Fackeral.

Ton Pentre opened their goal scoring account from a corner that was won when Fackeral played the ball to Andrew Hughes in space. Hughes forced Neath goalkeeper Andrew Sparkes to turn the ball behind and from the corner Ian Davies headed back for Mardenborough to strike a goal.

Keith Phillips thought he had scored an equalizer later on in the first half for Neath but the referee’s assistant saved Ton from conceding when he ruled offside.

On the stroke of half time the Bulldogs should have doubled their lead when Fackeral won a freekick on the by line near the edge of the box after being tripped by Chris Thomas. But the ball got stuck in the mud under Mardenborough’s feet allowing a Neath player to clear it up field.

Within the first ten minutes of the second half Jon Howe was forced into making a point blank save to keep Ton 1-0 up when the ball slipped through the defence to Billy Timothy, who was unable to make his chance count.

Ton’s reply was to score a few minutes later from a set piece when Lyndon Williams was fouled. Dale Price took the freekick and Ian Davies got his head to the ball and although Sparkes got a touch it wasn’t enough to stop it hitting the back of the net.

Neath were still looking for a way back into the match even though they were 2-0 down and stretched the Ton defence in the 74^th minute. As Timothy ran into the penalty area Howe rushed from his line to smother the ball and another Neath chance.

The Rhondda Bulldogs put the game beyond their visitors soon after when Fackeral’s dink over the ‘keeper was the end product of a strong run forward by Mardenborough to split the Neath defence.

Ton Pentre should have won the match by four clear goals but Mardenborough saw his effort harshly ruled out in the 87^th minute when an uncertain flag was raised by the referee’s assistant with the reason being given as a push on a defender by the Ton forward.

This 3-0 win over Neath was an excellent result considering the conditions that this match was played in and Ynys Park will now be given time recover as Ton’s next home match will not be until Saturday February 26^th when Barry Town visit. In the meantime Ton travel to Maesteg Park on Saturday January 29^th(2:15pm) and Skewen Athletic on Saturday February 12^th (2:15pm).

----------------------------------

Ton Pentre Match Facts:

Line Up:

Jon HOWE
Shaun FACKERAL
Neil DAVIES
Ian DAVIES
Nathan PRYGODZICZ
Andrew HUGHES (Capt)
Dale PRICE
Andrew SEBURN
Dwayne MARDENBOROUGH
Alyn JONES
Lyndon WILLIAMS

Substitutes:

12. Lee TAPPER on for Shaun Fackeral, 73 mins.

14. Kristian ORCHARD on for Alyn Jones, 50 mins.

15. Carl THOMAS on for Lyndon Williams 61 mins.

Goals:

Dwayne Mardenborough, 9 mins.

Ian Davies, 59 mins.

Shaun Fackeral, 72 mins.

Bookings:

Shaun Fackeral, 40 mins.

Andrew Seburn, 55 mins.

Neil Davies, 68 mins.

Match Report by Rob Dowling.

NB With regard to the above match report please note that the official fixtures published in print by The League and on this website show that the Barry Town v Ton Pentre match is currently scheduled for 26/02/2005 and Ton Pentre v Barry Town for 07/05/2005.

Saturday 15 January 2005

Ton Pentre 7 - 1 Gwynfi United

TON PENTRE scored seven goals past struggling Gwynfi United for the second time this season as the Rhondda Bulldogs remain top of the League having only lost once in the campaign so far.

It was a case of top versus bottom for this tie at Ynys Park with Gwynfi firmly rooted to the foot of the table with minus two points following a three point deduction earlier in the season for not being able to field a team. Their squad for this match was thin with former Bulldog player and coach Andy James leading their front line.

Ton should have been a goal up within the first two minutes but shockingly found themselves behind after ten. A wayward pass by Nathan Prygodzicz allowed Dean O’Brian to send the ball over Jon Howe and into the back of the net.

Ton Pentre’s class was always going to shine through and they levelled soon after when Dale Price held off a defender to send a through pass into Shaun Fackeral’s feet. The Ton midfielder rounded the goalkeeper for an easy finish.

Ton took the lead immediately after when Andrew Hughes ran the ball around the ‘keeper to cross back into the six yard box for Dwayne Mardenborough to direct it into the net.

The Rhondda Bulldogs made it 3-1 before half time when Fackeral played a pass across pitch to set Hughes free on goal. The Ton captain confidently struck the ball past the goalie.

Hughes scored his second goal inside the first ten minutes of the second half. Great play in midfield saw Hughes win the ball and knock it forward for Alyn Jones to run onto. Jones, however, slipped in the mud but Hughes had carried on with his run and was rewarded by giving Ton a 4-1 lead.

Moments later Price took a shot at goal and Gwynfi defenders Phillip James and David Blackmore attempted to clear from the line but at the same time, and the result of their confusion saw the ball spin over the goal line for a comic goal.

On the hour mark Kevin Richards made a triple substitution with Mardenborough, Hughes and Price being replaced by Kristian Orchard, Lee Tapper and Carl Thomas returning from injury.

The goal of the match came in the 70^th minute when the Gwynfi ‘keeper was beaten from 30 yards by Lyndon Williams with an unstoppable shot.

The referee awarded a penalty 10 minutes from full time that allowed Ton to score their seventh goal after Carl Thomas was chopped down in the penalty area to then step up to convert from the spot by sending the ‘keeper the wrong way.

The Bulldogs could have finished their scoring with an equal number when Williams sent a lovely cross into the box but Thomas was denied his second when his header crashed against the cross bar.

Ton Pentre play their third home match in succession on Saturday 22 January when they face a tough test against mid table Neath (3 pm).

--------------------------------

Ton Pentre Match Facts:

Line Up:

Jon HOWE
Shaun FACKERAL
Neil DAVIES
Ian DAVIES
Nathan PRYGODZICZ
Andrew HUGHES (Capt)
Dale PRICE
Andrew SEBURN
Dwayne MARDENBOROUGH
Alyn JONES
Lyndon WILLIAMS

Substitutes:

12. Lee TAPPER on for Dale Price, 60 mins

14. Kristian ORCHARD on for Andrew Hughes, 60 mins.

15. Carl THOMAS on for Dwayne Mardenborough, 60 mins.

Goals:

Shaun Fackeral, 23 mins.

Dwayne Mardenborough, 24 mins.

Andrew Hughes, 44, 52 mins.

David Blackmore (own goal) 54 mins.

Lyndon Williams, 70 mins.

Carl Thomas (Pen) 80 mins.

Bookings:

None.

Match report by Rob Dowling.

Saturday 8 January 2005

Ton Pentre 2 - 0 Caerleon

GOALS from Dale Price and Andrew Hughes in the final five minutes provided Ton Pentre with a vital win over Caerleon to keep the Rhondda Bulldogs two points clear at the top of the Motaquote Welsh League Division One.

With Grange Quins, AFC Llwydcoed and Skewen all winning their matches it makes Ton’s victory over Caerleon all the more valuable. The visitors will feel they deserved something from their match at Ynys Park with the game heading towards a stalemate before the Bulldogs pounced twice to secure all three points.

Caerleon had several chances to take the lead during the first half as they rattled the Ton defence by first hitting the post then witnessing Bulldog’s defender Neil Davies clear the ball from the Ton goal line. Soon after Jon Howe was forced into making an excellent diving save to stop a shot from Dave Griffiths.

Ton replied by nearly scoring immediately after when Alyn Jones ploughed forward to set Dwayne Mardenborough up for a shot. The Ton striker came close but sent the ball just wide of Richard Lancaster’s goal.

Ton started the second half with a series of corner kicks but failed to convert any of their chances.

As the half progressed it looked more and more likely that the match would end without a goal as Andrew Hughes saw his shot cleared from the line after breaking through the defence. The ball was once again cleared from the goal line by a Caerleon defender from the resulting corner.

However, the Caerleon goalmouth was breached in the 86^th minute when Dale Price drilled the ball high into the net after Lancaster had saved an initial shot that he was unable to hold onto.

Ton captain Andrew Hughes secured the three points two minutes later when he slotted the ball between the goalkeeper's legs to score his ninth goal of the season.

Bottom of the table Gwynfi United visit Ynys Park on Saturday 18 January for a 3pm kick off. The team are yet to win a match in the league this season and are on –2 points following a 3 point deduction for failing to field a team earlier in the campaign. They play the Rhondda Bulldogs after losing 8-3 to Goytre United on Saturday.

--------------------------------------

Ton Pentre Match Facts:

Line Up:

1. Jon HOWE

2. Lee TAPPER

3. Neil DAVIES

4. Ian DAVIES

5. Nathan PRYGODZICZ

6. Andrew HUGHES (Capt)

7. Lyndon WILLIAMS

8. Dale PRICE

9. Dwayne MARDENBOROUGH

10. Alyn JONES

11. Scott HAYWARD

Substitutions:

12. Kristian ORCHARD on for Scott Hayward, 45 mins.

14. Andrew SEBURN on for Dwayne Mardenborough, 58 mins.

15. Shaun FACKERAL

Goals:

Dale Price, 86 mins.

Andrew Hughes, 88 mins.

Bookings:

Andrew Hughes, 45+1 mins.

Andrew Seburn, 79 mins.

Match Report by Rob Dowling.

Saturday 18 December 2004

Taffs Well 2 - 3 Ton Pentre

THE Rhondda Bulldogs go into the three week mid season break top of Motaquote Welsh League Division One by three clear points. As Ton Pentre were forced to battle for maximum points at Taffs Well, Barry Town were beating early title favourites Grange Harlequins 2-0 to make the Welsh League title race a mouth-watering prospect.

The Bulldogs are top with 37 points from 16 games and Grange Quins have 34 points having played 14 matches. Although the Quins have two games in hand Ton are yet to play the Cardiff based team at Ynys Park. Therefore, matters are very much in Ton Pentre’s hands now and their superior goal difference could also come into play.

In recent weeks Taffs Well have lost their management team and a majority of first team players to Welsh Premier outfit Llanelli. The clubs response was to appoint ex-Ton Pentre midfielder Mark Evans as manager with experienced former Barry Town player Adam Moore as his assistant. As the match against Ton Pentre proved the management duo are starting to assemble a team that is tough to beat.

A poor goal kick from Damien Lack early in the game should have seen Ton Pentre take the lead when the ball went straight to Lyndon Williams who shot directly at the goalkeeper. Taffs Well’s response was immediate and they took a shock lead moments later.

The home side were denied firstly by a goal mouth scramble with ‘keeper Jon Howe and his defenders somehow knocking the ball away for a corner. When the ball was sent back into the box Taffs Well scored when Howe failed to connect when he came off his goal line.

The Bulldogs deserved an equaliser and it nearly came when Andrew Hughes passed to Dale Price who turned to open up space to shoot but Lack tipped the ball over for a corner. On the first attempt from the corner Ton failed to score with Lack palming away Williams’ effort. However, Price crossed again and on this occasion ex-Wales B international, Scott Young thumped in a header to draw Ton level.

Soon after Ton lost Williams through injury as Kevin Richards replaced the striker with Kristian Orchard.

On the half hour mark Orchard gave Ton the lead with a speculative header into the air from inside the Taffs Well penalty area. The header was deceptive and it beat Lack as it dropped behind him into the goal.

Taffs Well were not out of this game though as they grabbed an equaliser when Morgan Harris was allowed the space and time to pick his spot and shoot beating Howe low to his left.

Dwayne Mardenborough will be claiming a regular starting place if his fine form continues and the goal he scored early in the second half against Taffs Well will certainly help his cause.

After running onto a through ball Mardenbrough unleashed a shot from outside the box that whizzed past Lack’s outstretched body and into the back of the net. The Ton striker celebrated his fine strike, that turned out to be the winner, with a cartwheel.

As the fine weather made way for rain, conditions got a little trickier as Taffs Well showed their new manager that they have fighting spirit. They looked capable of scoring an equaliser but Ton always mustered enough to deny them.

The Rhondda Bulldogs do not play again in 2004 with their next Welsh League Division One match on Saturday 8 January 2005 at Ynys Park against Caerleon with kick off at 3pm.

--------------------------------------

Ton Pentre Match Facts:

Line Up:

1. Jon HOWE

2. Lee TAPPER

3. Neil DAVIES

4. Ian DAVIES

5. Alyn JONES

6. Andrew HUGHES (Capt)

7. Lyndon WILLIAMS

8. Scott HAYWARD

9. Scott YOUNG

10. Dale PRICE

11. Dwayne MARDENBOROUGH

Substitutes:

12. Shaun FACKERAL

14. Carl THOMAS

15. Krisitian ORCHARD on for Lyndon Williams, 24 mins.

Goals:

Scott Young, 22 mins.

Kristian Orchard, 29 mins.

Dwayne Mardenborough, 52 mins.

Booked:

Andrew Hughes, 71 mins.

Match Report by Rob Dowling.

SATURDAY 11 DECEMBER 2004

Ton Pentre 5 - 0 AFC Llwydcoed

TON PENTRE turned in a fine performance as they replaced AFC Llwydcoed at the summit of the Motaquote Welsh League Division One. The Bulldogs were reduced to ten men before they took a strong grip on this fixture when Nathan Prygodzicz was harshly shown a red card in the first half.

Both teams were going for the win in this match and AFC Llwydcoed looked very useful going forward. Jarrod Price found himself in on goal but the presence of Neil Davies saw the defender deny any chance of a strike by knocking the ball out of play.

Scott Young put the Llwydcoed back line under pressure moments later when a useful ball forward won Ton a corner. Nathan Prygodzicz saw his headed shot punched away by Marc Boulton to set up a counter attack. Both Scott Hayward and Davies combined to defend against the threat to deny Llwydcoed a goal

As the half hour approached Prygodzicz tangled with a Llwydcoed attacker. The referee awarded a free kick with a yellow card the likely outcome. However, the referee went to his back pocket and sent Prygodzicz off judging that the Ton Pentre player had denied a goal scoring opportunity.

Ton Pentre’s response to the sending off was excellent. Alyn Jones held the ball up well just before half time and his reverse pass to Lyndon Williams allowed the player to place the ball past Boulton into the net.

At the start of the second half Lee Tapper replaced Shaun Fackeral and it turned out to be a very good substitution decision by Kevin Richards. Tapper’s ball over the top of the defence for Dale Price to run onto resulted in the player lobbing the goalkeeper for a 2-0 lead.

Llwydcoed then made a substitution bringing on Matthew Smith for an outfield player. Smith then replaced Boulton in goal who took up a position at right back.

Immediately after this the visitors were reduced to ten men when Stuart Evans was sent off for stamping on Williams. Ton were quick to take the freekick and caught the ‘keeper off guard with a cross into the box that Ian Davies headed a goal from.

In the games 58^th minute Jarrod Price went to ground injured with suspected ligament damage. The physio’s of both teams elected not to move the player from the field until an ambulance turned up at Ynys Park. Play resumed 23 minutes later.

Just after play restarted Williams ceased up and was replaced by Dwayne Mardenborough and later Kristian Orchard was brought on in the place of Hayward.

Llwydcoed were hitting all the right areas as they looked for a way back into the match but there was no end product when it came to scoring.

The Rhondda Bulldogs then stamped their class on their title rivals. Dale Price was allowed to break through the middle of the defence again but on this occasion the midfielder squared the ball to Orchard who scored Ton Pentre’s fourth goal of the match.

In the closing moments of the game Ton made it 5-0 when Alyn Jones played a great through ball for Dwayne Mardenborough to run onto. When inside the box the striker dummied the ‘keeper to score his first goal for Ton Pentre on his home debut.

This win saw Ton Pentre go top of the league on goal difference over Grange Quins who have two games in hand.

The Bulldogs next match takes them away to Taffs Well on Saturday 18 December, kick off 2:15pm.

----------------------------

Ton Pentre Match Facts

Line Up:

Jon HOWE
Scott HAYWARD
Neil DAVIES
Ian DAVIES
Nathan PRYGODZICZ
Andrew HUGHES
Lyndon WILLIAMS
Shaun FACKERAL
Scott YOUNG
Alyn JONES
Dale PRICE

Substitutes:

Dwayne MARDENBOROUGH on for Lyndon Williams, 83mins.

Lee TAPPER on for Shaun Fackeral, 48 mins.
Kristian ORCHARD on for Scott Hayward, 90+5

Goals:

Lyndon Williams, 43 mins.

Dale Price, 51 mins.

Ian Davies, 53 mins.

Kristian Orchard, 90+17 mins.

Dwayne Mardenobrough, 90+21 mins.

Sent Off:

Nathan Prygodzicz, 29 mins.

Booked:

Ian Davies, 30 mins.

Shaun Fackeral, 36 mins.

Match report by Rob Dowling.

SATURDAY 4 DECEMBER 2004

Goytre United 1-1 Ton Pentre

LEE TAPPER saved a point for Ton Pentre as the Bulldogs battled with Goytre United at Glenhafod Park Stadium.

The home team went a goal ahead in this Welsh League Division One match after five minutes when David Brown volleyed the ball past Jon Howe after meeting with a cross into the box.

Ton looked to put this early set back behind them as from a freekick Shaun Fackerel saw Ian Davies’s run in the box. The Ton defender threw himself at the ball but was unable to get enough power behind it to hit the target.

As the half progressed Alyn Jones spread the play to the wing where Andrew Hughes passed the ball forward around a defender to Scott Hayward. He sent a stunning cross into the box where Carl Thomas came close with a header.

After 18 minutes of play Alyn Jones was booked following his protest to the referee for turning down a penalty appeal by Ton. As the ball was crossed from the wing a Goytre defender halted its passage with his arm. Both the referee and his assistant shied away from flagging for the foul.

Four minutes before half time the Bulldogs missed a golden opportunity to pull level when Fackerel headed a great ball forward for Jones to send into the box. The ball fell to Hughes but Gareth Scantlebury saved his strike.

Scantlebury was called into action again in the 50^th minute when Krisitan Orchard saw him save two of his shots at close range.

Ton used all of their substitutes in the second half as Orchard, Davies and Thomas made way for Lee Tapper, Scott Young and debutante Dwayne Mardenbrough.

All three players were quick to get into the action with Young opening up the play and Mardenbrough using his strength to hold possession. However, it was Tapper who scored the goal with a delightful finish.

As the ball was crossed from infield Tapper was allowed time to chip Scantlebury to score a picturesque goal.

Moments from the end Ton had another penalty decision fail to go their way after it appeared Mardenbrough was unfairly sent to ground in the Goytre box. The referee awarded a corner for Ton but the game finished a goal apiece.

AFC Llwydcoed visit Ynys Park on Saturday 11 December with this Motaquote Welsh League match kicking off at 2:15pm.

----------------------------------------

Ton Pentre Match Facts:

Line Up:

1. Jon HOWE

2. Scott HAYWARD

3. Neil DAVIES

4. Ian DAVIES

5. Nathan PRYGODZICZ

6. Andrew HUGHES (Capt)

7. Dale PRICE

8. Shaun FACKEREL

9. Carl THOMAS

10. Alyn JONES

11. Kristian ORCHARD

Substitutes:

12. Dwayne MARDENBROUGH on for Carl Thomas, 69 mins.

14. Scott YOUNG on for Ian Davies, 69 mins.

15. Lee TAPPER on for Kristian Orchard, 64 mins.

Goal:

Lee Tapper, 76 mins.

Booking:

Alyn Jones, 18 mins.

Match report by Rob Dowling.

SATURDAY 27 NOVEMBER 2004

Ton Pentre 4 - 1 Garw Athletic

GARW ATHLETIC remain on minus two points at the bottom of the league as they failed to beat Ton Pentre. They did however, manage to score only their second goal of the season against the Rhondda Bulldogs.

Ton took the lead after three minutes when Alyn Jones saw his hard work pay off with a sweet cross into the penalty area. Gary Wager was left helpless in his goal when Scott Hayward volleyed the ball into the net with the outside of his right foot.

The lead was doubled after 25 minutes when Shaun Fackerel slid to control the ball and passed it to Dale Price. From the edge of the box Price got a clean strike to make it 2-0.

Garw refused to lie down and were rewarded for their hard work with what was only their second goal of the season. Owen Roberts got on the score sheet when he connected with the loose ball after Jon Howe had saved the initial shot from Griffiths. The goal seemed to give Garw some belief.

Soon after Roberts provided Griffiths with the chance to give Garw the lead but the striker saw his header safely handled by Howe on the goal line.

The Rhondda Bulldogs put the game beyond Garw’s reach in the 55^th minute when Hayward’s cross was allowed to reach Carl Thomas who finished well.

As the second half went on Ton were putting more and more pressure on their visitors, when Price fought his way through the defence he was unlucky to see his attempted lob go over Wager’s crossbar.

Ton’s fourth goal came in the 90^th minute and was the result of some superb individual play from Alyn Jones. He twisted, shimmied and turned his way into the Garw area and dummied a shot to make the keeper go to ground leaving an open net for him to score his fifth goal of the season.

This win sees the Bulldogs in third place in the Motaquote Welsh League Division One with their next match an away trip to Goytre United on Saturday December 4 at 2:15pm.

--------------------------------

Ton Pentre Match Facts:

Line Up:

1. Jon HOWE

2. Scott HAYWARD

3. Neil DAVIES (Captain)

4. Ian DAVIES

5. Nathan PRYGODZICZ

6. Geraint PITT

7. Dale PRICE

8. Shaun FACKEREL

9. Carl THOMAS

10. Alyn JONES

11. Kristian ORCHARD

Substitutes:

12. Scott YOUNG on for Geraint Pitt, 85mins.

14. Lyndon WILLIAMS

15. Kevin RICHARDS

Goals:

Scott Hayward, 3 mins.

Dale Price, 25 mins.

Carl Thomas, 55 mins.

Alyn Jones, 90+1 mins.

Bookings:

None

Match Report By Rob Dowling.

SATURDAY 20 NOVEMBER 2004

Ely Rangers 0 - 6 Ton Pentre

ANDREW HUGHES bagged four goals as Ton Pentre dominated their away fixture at Ely Rangers winning the Motaquote Welsh League Division One match by six goals to nil.

From kick off Ton Pentre always looked in control of this tie and good play resulted in a goal after three minutes. Dale Price worked hard up the right to create space for him to launch a cross into the Ely area. Using his head Carl Thomas placed the ball into the home teams net.

During the 18^th minute Andrew Hughes slid in late on David Loosemore. When the two players were on the ground Loosemore kicked out at Hughes catching him in the face. It looked a certain red card for the Ely player but the referee elected to show a yellow card to both players.

Five minutes later Ely Rangers found themselves on the back foot once more as Ton pounded forward. Price connected with the ball but his shot bounced up off a defender’s leg and Hughes was in the right place to head in the second goal.

A minute later the lead was increased further after Kristian Orchard ran up the left wing passing possession to Shaun Fackerel. He was then able to get to the bye line when his marker slipped. His cross was met with a header from Lyndon Williams who beat David Boulton to make it 3-0.

Williams was substituted at half time after pulling his hamstring in the closing moments of the first half. Lee Tapper replaced the forward and took up a position on the right as manager Kevin Richards pushed Alyn Jones from the right wing up front.

The Bulldogs had several opportunities to increase their lead further but were unable to hit the back of the net until the 74^th minute.

Orchard thought that he had over hit his cross as the ball passed Alyn Jones, however, Hughes had also made a forward run and finished by thumping the ball into the roof of the net.

Moment’s later Hughes notched up his hat-trick with a diving header as he connected from Orchard’s cross following some great play by the winger on the left.

Hughes was allowed to score again in the 80^th minute when good footwork on the edge of the area opened up space to shoot. The Ton captain rounded off a good personal and team performance with his fourth goal and Ton’s sixth.

In the closing moments of the match Ely were reduced to ten men when substitute Kyle Johnson was dismissed for spitting at the Ton Pentre supporters after conceding a freekick.

------------------------------------------

Next:

Garw @ Ynys Park on Saturday 27 November 2004. Kick off 3pm.

--------------------------------------------

Ton Pentre Match Facts:

Line Up:

1. Jon HOWE

2. Shaun FACKEREL

3. Neil DAVIES

4. Ian DAVIES

5. Nathan PRYGODZICZ

6. Andrew HUGHES (Capt)

7. Lyndon WILLIAMS

8. Dale PRICE

9. Carl THOMAS

10. Alyn JONES

11. Kristian ORCHARD

Substitutes:

12. Lee TAPPER on for Lyndon Williams, 45 mins.

14. Scott HAYWARD on for Carl Thomas, 68 mins.

15. Kevin RICHARDS

Goals:

Carl Thomas, 3 mins.

Andrew Hughes, 23, 74, 78, 80 mins.

Lyndon Williams, 24 mins.

Bookings:

Andrew Hughes, 18 mins.

Report by Rob Dowling.

WEDNESDAY 17 NOVEMBER 2004

Ton Pentre 2 - 1 Dinas Powys

DINAS POWYS were visitors to Ynys Park for a midweek league clash that saw Ton Pentre pick up three vital points to remain with the leading pack in the Motaquote Welsh League Division One.

Difficult wet conditions stopped this game from becoming a spectacle but both clubs gave it their all but neither looked like taking the advantage.

Ton Pentre had an early goal ruled out for offside after Scott Hayward launched a lovely ball over the Dinas defence for Carl Thomas to finish exquisitely but it was all in vain as he saw the referee’s assistant’s flag raised on the far side.

Following this Peter Lewis forced Bulldogs ‘keeper Jon Howe into a save when Dinas attacked immediately from the free kick.

As the half hour approached the Ton defence was breached by Jamie Dix who saw his strike take a wicked deflection off Neil Davies’ body to give the visitors a 1-0 lead.

The Rhondda Bulldogs showed good spirit and were rewarded in the 35^th minute after Alyn Jones had whipped a low cross through the six yard box. The ball missed everyone but ended up at Lee Tapper’s feet. He drilled the ball back through the box and this time Lyndon Williams hit the equaliser.

Before half time Ton had turned the game around. After receiving a return ball from Thomas, Andrew Hughes made no mistake with his shot as he confidently struck the ball to send it into the net past Billy Clarke.

Neither team created much in a second half that rarely saw the ball leave the midfield. The best chances of the second half though fell to Dinas Powys.

Lewis was on the end of a simple pass forward in the 56^th minute but his well hit shot took a deflection off a Ton defender to go out for a corner, from which Dinas failed to capitalise.

Their best chance of getting a point from this match was after an hour of play when their attack outnumbered the Ton defenders, but the final ball was crossed behind Nathan Hosgood and their best chance to draw level was gone.

-----------------------------------

Next:

Ely Rangers away on Saturday 20 November 2004, Kick off 2:15pm.

Then:

Garw Athletic @ Ynys Park on Saturday 27 November 2004, Kick off 3pm.

-----------------------------------

Ton Pentre Match Facts

Line Up:

1. Jon HOWE

2. Lee TAPPER

3. Neil DAVIES

4. Shaun FACKERAL

5. Nathan PRYGODZICZ

6. Andrew HUGHES

7. Lyndon WILLIAMS

8. Dale PRICE

9. Carl THOMAS

10. Alyn JONES

11.Scott HAYWARD

Substitutes:

12. Geraint PITT on for Shaun Fackeral, 81 mins.

14. Kristian ORCHARD on for Alyn Jones, 77 mins.

15. Ian DAVIES on for Lee Tapper, 45 mins.

Goals:

Lyndon Williams, 35 mins.

Andrew Hughes, 41 mins.

Booked:

Lyndon Williams, 70 mins.

Report by Rob Dowling.

Established

1904

Saturday 17 February 2007

Ton Pentre 1 - 0 Bryntirion Athletic

The Bulldogs went to the “Orchard” to get a last minute goal that gave Ton Pentre the three points at Ynys Park. Substitute Kristian Orchard scored the winning goal in the 89th minute, his eighth goal of the season.

The referee played an additional five minutes and Bryntirion tried to get the equaliser. However, Ton did not look like conceding. This was a game Ton won in the last 20 minutes, it was a cruel blow to Bryntirion who deserved something from the game, however it's Ton who got the points.

Although the Rhondda Bulldogs did not play too well they dug in and fought to get the points whilst keeping a clean sheet. This keeps them in third place with a lot of points to be played for.

This week Ton play Goytre at Ynys Park on Wednesday 21st, 7:30 and then on the 28th they entertain Pontardawe again a 7:30 kick off.

Ton Pentre Match Facts

Ton Pentre Match Facts

Ton Pentre Match Facts:

Ton Pentre Match Facts:

Ton Pentre Match Facts

Substitutes

Goal

Yellow Cards

Red Cards

Ton Pentre Match Facts

Substitutes

Yellow Cards

Ton Pentre Match Facts

Ton Pentre Match Facts

Then: Home v Newport YMCA on Saturday 27 August, kick off 2.30pm

TON PENTRE MATCH FACTS

TEAM

SUBSTITUTES

GOALS & BOOKINGS

Goals: Seburn, 29; Thomas, 70

SUBSTITUTES

GOALS & BOOKINGS

Ton Pentre Match Facts

Ton Pentre Match Facts

The Bulldogs went to the “Orchard” to get a last minute goal that gave Ton Pentre the three points at Ynys Park. Substitute Kristian Orchard scored the winning goal in the 89^th minute, his eighth goal of the season.

This week Ton play Goytre at Ynys Park on Wednesday 21^st, 7:30 and then on the 28^th they entertain Pontardawe again a 7:30 kick off.