SAINTS MARTYRED!
MERTHYR SAINTS 1 PONTYCLUN 4
Pontyclun travelled to the ICI Field in Merthyr Tydfil to take on league leaders Merthyr Saints in a South Wales Alliance League fixture.
The home team got proceedings underway on a grey autumn day kicking towards the cemetery end of the ground. After a very quiet 25 minutes where very little was created by either side it was Pontyclun who took the lead in the 27th minute with their first real attack of the game. Jamie Williams advanced into the area before getting in a firm shot which hit the home goalkeeper and the momentum in the shot took the ball over the line.
In the 32nd the home side had their best forward move of the match so far. The ball eventually found its way to a Saints player on the edge of the area. Seeing Clun goalkeeper James Billington slightly off his line the home player tried an audacious lob which, thankfully for Pontyclun went straight into the hands of their custodian.
Four minutes before half-time though the home team drew level when a low shot from the edge of the deceived James Billington and found its way into the left hand corner of the net. This proved to be the final action of the half and, with the rain now falling heavily, the interval arrived with the teams tied on a goal apiece.
Pontyclun, wearing their new change kit of navy and red got the second half underway and after dominating the early stages took the lead in the 47th minute. Jamie Williams advanced with the ball down the right wing before squaring the ball low across the Saints 6 yard area where Chris Bullock was on hand to turn the ball into the net from close range.
Four minutes later Clun had a good chance to extend their lead. Chris Darlington took the ball down the right wing before playing a cross in to the unmarked Chris Bullock. However, the Pontyclun forward’s touch let him down and the chance went begging.
When the Saints were reduced to ten Pontyclun soon made this advantage tell and in the 63rd minute they went further in front went a low shot from substitute Joel Woodington from the edge of the area found its way into the corner of the net.
With Pontyclun now firmly on top they came close to further extending their lead in the 68th minute when Jamie Williams found himself one-on-one with the home goalkeeper. However, the Saints custodian did well to block his effort and the ball was eventually scrambled to safety.
Five minutes from time Pontyclun’s incessant pressure finally paid dividends when they made it 4-1. A move down the left by Joel Woodington saw him advance into the area where he drew the goalkeeper before slotting the ball across the area to the unmarked Harry Flint and the Pontyclun midfielder made no mistake from 8 yards.
Right at the death Pontyclun might have made it 5-1 when Joel Woodington’s effort from the edge of the area flew just over the bar. This proved to be the last action of the game and the referee’s whistle sounded on what was now a bleak, sodden afternoon with Pontyclun worthy winners by 4 goals to 1.