This local derby kicked off the new Welsh League season and after a morning of rain it was nice to see the sun shining at Pryderi Park. A new look Pontardawe Town side, captained for the first time by Luke Harris, started well with Chris Allen, Tom Blackburn and debutant Daniel Lancey looking to drive at the West End central defenders of Josh Medwin and Sam Roden, last year's Youth captain. It took 25 minutes though before either side had a real chance and that fell to Pontardawe's Kieran Hayes who hit the bar from close range.

Pontardawe Town : Steve Reeve, Liam Griffiths, Antionio Facciuto, Luke Harris (C), Kieran Hayes, Gareth Govier, Luke Borelli, Dino Gambetesa, Chris Allen, Daniel Lancey, Tom Blackburn / Subs : Christian Evans. Geraint Goodridge (Not Used), Arwel Rees, James Pickup, Will James (Not Used)
 

Another good performance by the lads was marred, once again, by a poor decision by the referee. In this case though it was just one of many as the inconsistencies of refereeing came to the fore although in fairness overall for both sides.

Pontardawe Town : Steve Reeve, Christian, Evans, Gareth Govier, Liam Griffiths, Luke Harris (C), Geraint Goodridge, Luke Borelli, Dino Gambetesa, Chris Allen, Daniel Lancey, Tom Blackburn / Subs : Arwel Rees, Will James, Andrew Stokes (Not Used), Josh Dorward, Jack Medwin (Not Used)

After the disappointment of not picking up any of the points we deserved at our first two games there was a feeling of elation as the songs rang out of the visitors dressing room at Aberaman after the game. This was a game that Ponty full deserved to win and it could have been by a bigger margin.

Pontardawe Town : Steve Reeve, Christian, Evans, Antionio Facciuto, , Luke Harris (C), Steve Cox, Kieran Hayes, Tom Blackburn, Dino Gambetesa, Arwel Rees, Chris Allen, Daniel Lancey / Subs : Gareth Govier, Will James (Not Used), Josh Roberts (Not Used), Josh Dorward (Not Used), Andrew Stokes (Not Used)
 

Ton have had a decent start to the season so this was always going to be a tough challenge for the young Town side who had arrived without the influential Steven Cox due to injury and who were also impacted by a further injury to Antonio Facciuto. This resulted in Kieran Hayes dropping back to centre half and young Josh Roberts coming into midfield. 

Man of the match for the visitors went to Kieran Hayes who was closely challenged by Dino Gambaseta, Josh Roberts and Chris Allen.

Pontardawe Town : Steve Reeve, Christian, Evans, Gareth Govier, Luke Harris (C), Kieran Hayes, Dino Gambetesa, Luke Borelli, Arwel Rees, Josh Roberts, Chris Allen, Daniel Lancey / Subs : Josh Dorward (Not Used), Will James, Tom Blackburn, Andrew Stokes (Not Used), James Pickup (Not Used)

In a quick turn around we played Bridgend Town at home just 2 weeks after our away defeat.

Tonight was was our first home game of the season and the hard working volunteers over bank holiday had got the ground looking ship shape.

Pontardawe gave a debut to 17 year old Josh Dorward and it was Josh who went close early on with a good run and shot. At the other end Bridgend's Sam Small was causing us few problems with Steve Cox, once again, dominant in the air.

In the most the game was an even affair and it was going to take either an error or a special goal to make the difference. Just 3 minutes into the second half an error by a Bridgend Town defender caused him to bring Chris Allen down in the box and the home team took the lead when captain Luke Harris blasted home.

As the game went on it was another error, this time one of judgement, by Bridgend's Gino Palladino that became the talking point. Referee Daniel Beckett reached his limit and showed Gino his second yellow and sent him off. From this point, and to be fair to the visitors, they continued to battle and a number of good saves by Steven Reeve kept them out. As the light began to fade though it was the home side who looked more likely to score with Chris Allen, Daniel Lancey and Josh Roberts all having good opportunities.

Man of the match for the Pontardawe went to debutant Josh Dorward for a great performance and he was closely challenged by Steven Cox, Dino Gambaseta, Luke Harris and Steven Reeve.

Pontardawe Town : Steve Reeve, Christian, Evans, Gareth Govier, Luke Harris (C), Steven Cox, Dino Gambetesa, Luke Borelli, Daniel Lancey, Chris Allen, Josh Dorward, Josh Roberts / Subs : Tom Blackburn (Not Used), Andrew Stokes (Not Used), James Pickup (Not Used), Will James (Not Used), Liam Griffiths (Not Used)

By the time referee Dan Beckett sent Pontardawe Town's captain Luke Harris off both team had already vented their frustration at the poor and inconsistent management of the game by the officials. The game was not a dirty game but nevertheless the referee felt the need to show needless yellow cards to both sides. Discussions after the game, in respect to the reason behind such a frustrating performance, were pointed to the attendance at the game of an assessor. This is becoming a regular occurrence where the officials seem to be less relaxed and more officious when assessors are present and it must be looked at by the league.

Pontardawe's man of the match was Steve Cox

Pontardawe Town : Steve Reeve, Christian, Evans, Gareth Govier, Luke Harris (C), Steven Cox, Dino Gambetesa, Luke Borelli, Daniel Lancey, Chris Allen, Josh Dorward, Josh Roberts / Subs : James Pickup (Not Used), Tom Blackburn, Liam Griffiths (Not Used), Kieran Hayes, Arwel Rees

Both teams started the game at the wrong end of the table but in the knowledge that a win could take them back to the top half of the division. Town had recently signed Jack Jenkins from Garden Village and he came straight in at left back whilst their other new signing, Scott McCoubrey, started on the bench. Another making his season debut was Kieran Howells who started in the centre of midfield.

Sadly, and in injury time, Town lost the match as a shot from No.9 Adnan Hiroli looped over Steven Reeve to give the home side a 2-1 win and the 3 points.

Pontardawe Town : Steve Reeve, Christian, Evans, Jack Jenkins, Kieran Hayes,Steven Cox, Kieran Howells, Arwel Rees, Dino Gambetesa, Chris Allen, Josh Roberts, Luke Borelli / Subs : Scott McCoubrey, Gareth Govier, Andrew Stokes, Tom Blackburn (Not Used), Josh Dorward (Not Used)

Town welcomed Gwent side Treowen Stars to the Recreation Ground on a bright and hot sunny day for this first round cup game sponsored by Peter Lynn and Partners.

With a number of first team players out through holiday, injury and suspension this was a chance for Steve Price to give his squad a chance so James Pickup started up front, Scott McCoubrey for his first start and Christian Evans moved in to the centre half position alongside Kieran Hayes.

Town started the stronger and looked the more dangerous with Daniel Lancey and Scott McCoubrey feeding well off James Pickup who was holding the ball up really well. In midfield it was a competitive affair with Dino Gambatesa and Kieran Howells both solid and adventurous in possesion.

On 15 minutes Town had the ball in the net when Daniel Lancey scored from close range only of the assistant referee to put his flag up for off site. With Treowen attacks few and far between it was not long before Town got in front and it was an excellent Andrew Stokes cross that was calmly glanced in by James Pickup after 34 minutes. Just two minutes later the lead was doubled when Luke Borelli put Scott McCoubrey through and he calmly lobbed the oncoming Stars keeper, Cael Jones. Towards the end of the half the Stars got more and more into the game and Steve Reeve in the Town goal was twice called on to make decisive saves.

The early period of the second half was a more even affair as Town failed to settle after an extended half time break. Nevertheless, after just 8 minutes of the half Luke Borelli was fouled in the area and he stepped up to fire the penalty in giving Town a 3 goal lead which they never looked like losing.

Stars continued to play positive football and the home defence had to be on their toes but as the game broke up Town were able to bring on extra quality from the bench and it was Josh Roberts who took the eye with a positive contribution.

A great win then for the lads and we look forward to the draw for the second round soon.....

Pontardawe Town : Steve Reeve, Andrew Stokes, Gareth Govier, Christian, Evans, Kieran Hayes, Kieran Howells, Daniel Lancey, Dino Gambetesa, James Pickup, Scott McCoubrey, Luke Borelli / Subs : Josh Roberts, Will James, Josh Dorward (Not Used), Elliot Thomas (Not Used), Tom Blizzard

Town welcomed fellow Division One side AFC Porth to the Recreation Ground for this second round league cup game sponsored by Arborum, The Tree Care Specialists.

Most of the absentees from last weekend were welcomed back for what was going to be a tough encounter against AFC Porth who have had a solid start to the season. With Steve Cox joining the returning Luke Harris in the centre of defence, Kieran Hayes stepped to midfield with Dino Gambatesa dropping down to the bench along with Christian Evans.

The game started at a frantic pace and referee, Garwyn Davies, took only 5 minutes to dish out the first of many yellow cards following a strong tackle by Kieran Howells. The visitor's free kick came to nothing and just 4 minutes later Howells featured again as he latched on to the ball, following some good work by Jack Jenkins and Steve Cox, and he delivered a quality cross which was put away calmly by Chris Allen past visiting keeper Nigel Williams.

The rest of the half was a right old battle with both sides giving their all. AFC Porth had a good shout for a penalty waved away by the officials as one of their players took a tumble in the box and on 42 minutes an excellent save by Steve Reeve in the home goal kept the visitors out as the teams went into half time.

The unfortunate Andrew Stokes failed to shake off a knock to his ankle and Town started the second half with Christian Evans slotting into the right back position. As manager Steve Price had predicted at half time the visitors threw everything they had at Town for the second half but the home lads stood up bravely to everything that was thrown at them and, in doing so, created a number of great chances to seal the game. A header from Scott McCoubrey hit the bar on 69 minutes and the follow up by Luke Harris brought off as superb save by Williams in the AFC Porth goal. The final action of the game saw Steve Reeve pull off another great save as AFC Porth fought to the death for the equaliser.

So Town move into the next round and this was cause for much celebration after the game as this was a tough affair against a quality division One outfit. We also meet the guys again soon in the FAW Welsh Cup Round Two.

Pontardawe Town have promised to investigate the conduct of one of our dustbins who had obviously upset the visiting right back and a full report will be sent to Neath & Port Talbot's refuse collection service in due course. The bin itself is now undergoing surgery following the incident and we hope to welcome it back to the Rec soon !!!

A great win then for the lads and we look forward to the draw for the third round which takes place on the 17th October

Pontardawe Town : Steve Reeve, Andrew Stokes, Jack Jenkins, Luke Harris (C), Steve Cox, Kieran Howells, Daniel Lancey, Kieran Hayes, Chris Allen, Scott McCoubrey, Luke Borelli ..... Subs : Dino Gambatesa (Not Used), Christian Evans (for A Stokes), Josh Dorward (Not Used), Josh Roberts (Not Used), Gareth Govier (Not Used)

Man of the Match : Luke Harris ..... Minge of the Match for that haircut .... Jack Jenkins.

Town travelled to the peaceful and scenic surroundings of Cwmamman Institute in this league one fixture. Both sides were in the lower half of the league table at the start of the match and both harboured ambitions to claim the 3 points on offer to progress up the table.

Town visited the home of the champions Bryntirion and came away with an outstanding result. Bryntirion have built a wonderful setup which is a credit to the league but today it was Pontardawe Town who looked like champions as they took the game to Frances Ford's team from the off.

Pontardawe Town :  S Reeve, G Govier, J Jenkins, C Evans, L Harris, K Howells, D Lancey, K Hayes, C Allen, S McCoubrey, L Borelli ........ Subs Used :  A Rees
 

With the rain teeming down there was a risk that the game wouldn't go ahead but both managers agreed to go ahead with the game which turned out to be the right decisions. Whilst surface water sometimes caused an issue there was no risk to players which was referee Wayne Stephens's key concern.  Town were hit by the late withdrawal of last week's man of the match, Christian Evans, which saw Gareth Govier step up from the bench to take over at right back. Town also welcomed back, after suspension, Steven Cox but were without new signing George Parsons who was on holiday.

Whilst the Corries were down at the foot of the table George Enescu's team have proved recently that they are a decent side having won at Taffs Well and drawn with leaders Cambrian & Clydach. They started well with Dean Powell battling in midfield and, former Town player, Matthew Hibbs busy up front. It was though Gareth Delve who looked more of a threat and it was he who put the visitors ahead on 28 minutes with a well taken goal.

To their credit Town were playing some decent football themselves in difficult conditions with Scott McCoubrey linking up well with Chris Allen up front. Down the flanks Jack Jenkins and Gareth Govier were making the most of the space to venture forward as well. On 44 minutes Town got a well deserved equalised when the Corries defence failed to clear the ball and a hand ball was seen by the referee. The penalty was calmly slotted away by Luke Borelli and the teams went into the break level.

Corries started the second half well and soon after Steve Cox hit his own post with a block the visitor's captain Lloyd Jenkins shot in from the edge of box as the the home team failed to clear their lines.

McCoubrey was still a menacing force up front for Town and with Borelli, Allen and Lancey also working hard the visitors defence was being stretched all over the pitch. On 70 minutes the space opened up for left back Jack Jenkins and from 30 yards he hit a screamer of a shot which shook the bar. The equaliser was coming and although Corries hit the post on 80 minutes, as a result of slip by Luke Harris, it was Town who were looking the better team.

On 83 minutes the equaliser came from Chris Allen who unleashed a powerful shot from 20 yards which beat Rob Bloor in the Corries goal. The game now belonged to the home team and they pushed on towards the win as they looked the fitter and stronger of the teams.

Unfortunately things weren't to be as Luke Borelli was dismissed by referee Wayne Stephens for dissent and the game ended in a disappointing manner. Nevertheless, this was a good game in difficult conditions and Town will feel disappointed that they didn't gain the 3 points they deserved.

Pontardawe Town :  S Reeve, G Govier, J Jenkins, L Harris, S Cox, K Howells, D Lancey, K Hayes, C Allen, S McCoubrey, L Borelli ........ Subs Used :  A Rees

A very disappointed Town team travelled back from AFC Porth after seeing their Welsh Cup hopes dashed in a game that was dominated by the match officials who were totally inept in the way they managed the game and the occasion from the first minute to the last minute ...

The game ended 3-0 to the home side and good luck to Huw Jones and AFC Porth in the next round. Town go back to league cup action next week wondering if we should practice falling over and rolling around in agony at next Wednesday's training session.

Pontardawe Town :  S Reeve, G Govier, J Jenkins, L Harris, S Cox, W James, D Lancey, K Hayes, C Allen, S McCoubrey, A Rees........ Subs Used :  James Pickup, Josh Dorward

Goalkeeper Steven Reeve won this game in a penalty shoot out for Pontardawe Town and set up a 4th Round tie at home to Taffs Well on January 7th 2012.

On a poor pitch Town were the better side overall but just couldn't get a lead they deserved as they were thwarted by home keeper Kieran Blackburn whose performance was of the highest standard throughout the game. That said, Town never really tested him as much as we would have hoped. This was mainly down to the state of the pitch which was boggy and bumpy and one that acted as a great leveller.

Despite Stephen Cox and Luke Harris winning the battle in the air throughout the game and Kieran Howells dominant in the midfield the visitors were never able to put Caerleon away and as the game went on there was a nervousness about Town which was nearly capitalised on by the home team especially late in extra time when they failed to convert some clear chances.

The excitement then came in the form of a penalty shoot out. Town scored their first 4 penalties and, with Caerleon missing 1, up stepped Steven Cox but his penalty was well saved by Kieran Blackburn. The standard of penalties was excellent and at 7-7 the home side hit the post so up stepped Kieran Hayes to win the game for Town. It wasn't to be but the good news is that NASA have reported to us this morning that the ball has re-entered the earth's atmosphere. So it was down to the wire as the last of the 11 home penalties was saved by Reeve who then calmly slotted away the winner.... Phew !!

Our thanks to Caerleon for their hospitality and understanding as we sped off back down the M4 to watch Swansea v Man Utd (some of the players even had tickets) and we wish Caerleon well for the rest of the season.

Pontardawe Town :  S Reeve, C Evans, J Jenkins, L Harris, S Cox, K Hayes, D Lancey, K Howells, C Allen, S McCoubrey, A Rees .... Subs Used :  Josh Dorward

Penalty Takers / Order : C Evans, L Harris, S McCoubrey, A Rees, S Cox (Saved), K Howells, J Jenkins, C Allen, K Hayes (Miss), J Dorward, S Reeve.

The rubbish weather meant the expected crowd didn't arrive but nevertheless there were a few hardy few to watch this entertaining local derby. With incessant drizzle and a pitch that was starting to cut up it was surprising that both sides were able to put any flowing football together but they managed to do so and this was a very good game.

Town, wearing their new kit, started very well and for the first 10 minutes were the better side but Goytre United increasingly got back into the game and on 25 minutes took the lead as substitute Rob Shannon met a cross at the far post to put the visitors 1 up. This was definitely one that should have been defended better and likewise the second goal for the visitors whose Liam McGinley hit a very good strike that gave Steven Reeve in the goal no chance. Despite this Town were having a decent amount of the ball and always looked dangerous especially with Arwel Rees down the right.

After a half time airing of views Town came out more determined but seemed unable to get any luck up front despite their best efforts. Meanwhile United continuously looked dangerous and on 73 minutes a cross from the right bounced off home defender and in to the net ... that summed our luck up today !

A good effort by the lads and well done and good luck to United as they travel to Prestatyn in the Welsh Cup next week.

Pontardawe Town :  S Reeve, C Evans, J Jenkins, L Harris, K Hayes, K Howells, D Lancey, Will James, C Allen, S McCoubrey, A Rees .... Subs Used :  A Stokes, J Pickup, L Borelli

This was our first game since November and we welcomed Taffs Well to the Recreation Ground for the quarter final of the Nathanial Sales League Cup. Town gave First Team debuts to Youth team captain Niall Thomas and Tomos Blizzard and started with Antionio Facciutto who was making his first start since August.

The game started with Luke Borelli and Scott McCoubrey busy as ever and Kieron Howells bossing the midfield and therefore the visitors struggled to find any consistency early on. On 15 minutes a fine header by Niall Thomas gave McCoubrey a chance to shoot which forced Tom Shears in the Taffs Well goal to tip over.

As the game progressed Taffs Well looked dangerous on the break and it was from one of these, after 33 minutes, that they scored when a cross from the left cleared everyone giving Tyrone Topper a chance to loop a shot over Reevo into the Town goal.

Early in the second half Borelli shot wide from 20 yards as Town began the half dominating possession and soon after McCoubrey also shot just wide. This was followed up on 74 minutes when the visitors cleared off the line from a Luke Harris header. A further chance came on 80 minutes as Will James had a chance to shoot but as he screamed for the ball but his chance was taken away by one of his team mates.

With Taffs Well limited to the occasional break out, and the odd penalty appeal, Town battled for the equaliser but it wasn't to be and Referee Garwyn Davies blew up allowing Taffs Well to progress into the Semi Finals and Town to concentrate on the league.

Despite the final result the lads can be proud of their efforts as they had the better of the game overall but were unable to find that elusive goal that we deserved for our play.

Pontardawe Town :  S Reeve, C Evans, A Facciutto, L Harris, N Thomas, K Howells, T Blizzard, K Hayes, S McCoubrey, C Allen, L Borelli ...... Subs Used :  D Lancey, A Rees, W James

This was the 3rd encounter of the season with AFC Porth and despite the early morning frost concerns the game went ahead on a decent pitch with a decent crowd showing up at Dinas Park.

The home side went into the game in 3rd place in the league and were unbeaten since late October. In that time Town had up lost 3-0 up there in the Welsh Cup and our hosts had since progressed through the 3rd Round and now face a visit to Welsh Premier's Carmarthen Town.

From Pontardawe Town's perspective the first half will not be something to remember as Porth dominated possession, which was relatively easy as we generally gave it to them all the time. On 17 minutes after a good save close in from Steve Reeve a second corner was flicked on at the near post for Jarrod Wright to give the home team a lead from 12 yards. They nearly added to this on 23 minutes when a close range shot was smartly saved by Reeve. It was not until the 25th minute that Town showed their capability when, following a good run, Scott McCoubrey shot just over from 18 yards. AFC Porth continued to dominate the half using the long ball to their advantage but Town just about held out and went into half time just 1 down.

The second half was a major turn around as Town played with a passion for the jersey that lifted the whole squad and management. As a result they went on to dominate the second half as Porth had done the first. With just a minute of the half gone a free kick by young Tom Blizzard was saved on the line by the home keeper. Town continued to apply pressure and on 55 minutes a cross to the far post from Arwel Rees gave captain Luke Harris a chance but his diving header went wide.

On 58 minutes Kieran Howells replaced Kieran Hayes and this spurred on the visitors even more. That said, on 60 minutes Luke Harris dived bravely to block a shot that would have definitely troubled Reeve in the goal. Immediately though, Town returned continued to attack and Blizzard had a decent effort saved after good work by Christian Evans in midfield.

Then, on 68 minutes, disaster struck when against the run of play the home side's man of the match, Robbie Thomas, sneaked in at the far post to put them 2-0 up. This resulted in a period when the game got a little tetchy to say the least and the referee made a number of bookings in attempt to calm things down.

Town regained their composure and pulled a goal back on 80 minutes as Blizzard played Scott McCoubrey through with an excellent ball and he finished smartly giving the home keeper no chance. Town, at this time playing with just 2 at the back, launched attack after attack and just as it looked to be in vain Scott McCoubrey picked up the ball just inside the area and slotted it to the right of the keeper on 91 minutes. The visitors celebrated in style and the game ended soon after as a 2-2 draw.

This was a massive statement by the lads in the 2nd half and a draw was the least they deserved. Taffs Well are the visitors next week which will by no means an easy task but with this level of commitment and pride for the Pontardawe Town jersey ..... anything can happen ..... weather permitting!!

Pontardawe Town :  S Reeve, C Evans, J Jenkins, L Harris, N Thomas, K Hayes, D Lancey, A Rees, J Pickup, S McCoubrey, T Blizzard, ...... Subs Used :  K Howells, W James, C Allen

Town were again outdone by a good Taffs Well side for the third time this season. Whilst the first two games were both games we could have gained something from this was definitely one that we didn't really deserve anything out of. Throughout the the game Taffs Well were sharper in thought and deed and if it hadn't been for an outstanding display between the sticks by Steven Reeve the score could have been higher.

Garry Taylor started his first game following his welcome signing during the week and Town started the brighter of the two. After just 10 minutes though a mix up in the Town box saw Steve Lewis's header hit one of his own players and nearly go in the net but the ball was sent over the bar somehow. Just two minutes later Taff's Adnan Hiroli had a close range shot saved by Reeve and soon after the same player hit the post.

Town were rattled and needed to show some composure and later in the half we seemed to be getting back into the game. At this time Kieron Howells was the subject of a totally ridicolous yellow card by referee Daniel Boyle which again brings in the question of whether tackling is going to banned from football all together. Next we will not be allowed to header the ball !!

Just before half time Town's best chance came through Dan Lancey who got behind the visitor's defence but was just beaten to the ball by Bloor in the Taffs Well goal. As half time loomed Chris Allen took a knock on the shin and which resulted in him not taking part in the second half and he went off to hospital to assess the damage. Chris was replaced by Pete Ockwell who made his belated debut for the club.

The second half started badly for the home team as Tyrone Topper broke down the right, cut inside and his shot took a wicked deflection and looped over keeper Reeve who was given no chance. Town were now giving a better account of themselves but on 57 minutes were saved again saved by an excellent block with his feet from close range by Reeve.

On 63 minutes Topper ended a Taffs Well move to put the visitors 2-0 up with a close range effort. On 70 minutes it could have been worst but for a double save by Reeve one tipped over the bar and the other went the same away from the resulting corner.

Reeve was beaten on 80 minutes by Topper but Dan Lancey was on hand, after tracking back excellently, to clear the danger.

Town were working hard and carved out their best chance on 82 minutes when, from a corner, Steven Lewis shot past the keeper to give Town a lifeline. A decent spell forward with Town going close and Taffs looking wobbly for the first time.

Taffs sealed the game though when against the run of play at this time they broke forward substitute Neil Coleman's shot was deflected past the unlucky Reeve when a draw for the home side was looking a possibility.

Pontardawe Town :  S Reeve, C Evans, S Lewis, L Harris, K Hayes, K Howells, D Lancey, G Taylor, C Allen, S McCoubrey, A Rees, ...... Subs Used :  P Ockwell, J Pickup, W James

Pembrokeshire is a lovely place to visit .... I'll not go down there for a while after today though !

I couldn't bring myself to do a match report so here is one by Robert Nisbet of Haverfordwest County FC

Once Pontardawe had conceded two red cards in a rash 20-minute spell, the Bluebirds were set up for a fine haul of goals, all of them deserved and a few of them spectacular.

The first scorer was quicksilver winger Richard Lewis, as early as the ninth minute, when he exploited a brief dither in the visitors’ defence and darted in for a fine opportunist strike. But Lewis, who had been looking at his best, suffered a bad ankle injury 10 minutes later and played no further part.

The Bluebirds were looking the better side at this time and though Pontardawe attacked quickly enough their finishing was never good, so that Blues keeper, the returning Peter Blain, had little more to do than one extravagant punch.

The game turned from contest to rout with two poor tackles from Pontardawe. In the 20th minute Owen Thomas was fouled with a bad challenge and Thomas, the victim of a similar knock a fortnight ago, expressed grievance. One brief scuffle later, it was Pontardawe's Kieran Howells who had his marching orders.

That setback would have enough for Pontardawe to cope with, but as the Blues began to flow more and more, with Darren Griffiths and Nicky Woodrow prominent again, they conceded a second red, in the 44th minute, when the rampaging Woodrow was brought down on the edge of the box by Niall Thomas, whose departure followed. There was salt rubbed in the wound immediately, when Darren Griffiths curled a lovely free kick around the defensive wall for the second goal.

The interval allowed some of the tensions to evaporate and Pontardawe came back looking to salvage something. But as the Blues played the ball wide and played it back again, fitness and skill started to tell. Three vigorous attacks on the hour mark led to a third goal when Dave Evans’ corner ran loose in the box and Dale Griffiths eventually drove in. Brother Darren scored the fourth when he shot home after another goalmouth scramble.

The most spectacular goal came on 71 minutes when Nicky Woodrow picked up a ball slipped through by Ricky Watts after a neat piece of ball-winning, ran on and cracked one in from 30 yards. Just two minutes later he completed a fine brace after being set up by Darren Griffiths. Substitute Jay Brockway twice went close before the final goal in the 83rd minute when Anton Owens drove in after another Darren Griffiths cross.

Fourteen points from the last seven games have taken the Bluebirds up to fifth place and on Saturday they travel to play Bryntirion, hoping to give their away record some of the quality of the home.

It has a bit of a Haverfordwest County bias to it .... but it was 7-0 after all !!

 

The negative reporting in the South Wales Evening Post on Monday February 6th by Reporter Tony Poole was used to spur the lads on to a massive double against last season's Welsh League Champions Bryntirion Athletic. Reports that we were struggling and even threatened with relegation with only half of the games gone in the season gone turned out to be somewhat premature as Town showed loads of passion for the badge in coming from behind after half time.

The game was only one of two that survived the cold snap and it turned out to be a thriller with both sides playing expansive and attacking football. Town were without a number of first team regulars through injury and absence including Kieran Howells, Luke Borelli, Antionio Facciutto and Kieran Hayes.

 After a good start by the home side it was the visitors who scored first after 15 minutes. A low cross by Ricky Hodge was met by Simon Prangley who calmly netted from 12 yards. Town stayed positive and kept good shape and just 3 minutes later Arwel Rees went close from 20 yards but his shot was well saved by Wyn Walters in the Bryntirion goal. Just 2 minutes later Town's Chris Allen also went close but shot wide from 20 yards out. Straight away Bryntirion moved up field and Steve Reeve in the Town goal had to pull off a smart save from Ian Turner.

On 30minutes a silly free kick given away by Town nearly resulted in a goal after a Ricky Hodge shot was headed just over the bar. Next it was Town's turn to attack and equalised through Scott McCoubrey who followed up his free kick to score with a deflected shot from the edge of the box on 35 minutes. There was still time though the for the scoreline to change as on 40 minutes Town switched off and Ian Turner was able to cross for Simon Prangley to give the visitors a 2-1 half time lead.

This was an excellent game and as the second half commenced we saw a period where both teams showed their attacking intent. It was not until the 59th minute that Town got a deserved equaliser  as Dan Lancey broke through the Bryntirion defence and calmly played a 1-2 off the approaching keeper and scored with a lob to bring the scores level again.

On 66 minutes Town were awarded a free kick and a Garry Taylor shot come cross had Walters in the visitor's goal scrambling down to his post to push the ball away for a corner. A minute later Scott McCoubrey header brought a decent save from Walters but he couldn't do anything about Jack Jenkins who met Garry Taylor's cross with a powerful header to put the home side 3-2 up after 69 minutes.

Town were playing well at this time with debutant Elliot Thomas and Luke Harris outstanding in the centre and with Steve Lewis energetic and strong in the front of them. Both Lewis and Harris made excellent tackles as the game moved into the final 10 minutes.  On 81 minutes Chris Allen had a chance to put the game away but his long effort went just wide. A minute later a great ball by Elliot Thomas to Garry Taylor was pushed on to Jack Jenkins who shot but it was well saved by Walters.

In the dying minutes Bryntirion had a free kick and a number of corners but the game ended with Town on the attack and they took the 3 points and moved up 2 places in the table .... not bad for a struggling relegation threatened team...... !!

Man of the Match went to Elliot Thomas who was last year's Reserve Team Player of the Year and was making his first team debut. Well done also to referee Kris Hames who refereed the game in an excellent spirit which was matched by his assistants Mike Jones and Wayne Neal.

Pontardawe Town :  S Reeve, A Stokes, J Jenkins, L Harris (C), E Thomas, S Lewis, D Lancey, G Taylor, C Allen, S McCoubrey, A Rees, ...... Subs Used :  J Roberts

Bryntirion Athletic : W Walters, R Williams, R Llewellyn, Paul Evans (C), S Williams, M Dando, R Hodge, T Wellington, S Prangley, A Rawlings .... Subs Used - M Jones, N Jones, T Harding

There was heartbreak for Pontardawe as they battled back from 2-1 down for the second week in a row but this time only to see the home side equalise in time added on.

On arrival in Cardiff there was doubt that the game would even be played as the heavy drizzle was continuing and puddles were appearing on the pitch. Both teams were determined to get the game on and the home committee, armed with garden forks, went to work on the pitch. On his arrival referee Paul Walters agreed for the game to go ahead and as kick off approached this proved to the be the right decision as the dark clouds were replaced with blue skies.

The surface still remained poor but both sides tried to play good football and the small crowd was kept entertained throughout. Very little happened for the first half hour despite both sides having a real go at each other but as the half hour mark approached Dan Lancey broke forward only to brought down on the edge, but inside the box, for a clear penalty. Well that is what everyone else thought but referee inexplicably waved play on claiming afterwards that it was a good tackle.

On 38 minutes with game still pretty even Town had a decent chance to go into the lead as captain Luke Harris rose at the back at a corner and his header was cleared off the line by Corries's Chris Ashley. The visitors were now having a decent spell and just two minutes later Arwel Rees shot well but Craig Attard, in the Corries goal, saved well. Immediately Town right back Andrew Stokes put in a wonderful cross which was met by Jack Jenkins but his header was again cleared off the line. The final action of the half also belonged to Town as Scott McCoubrey broke free hitting his shot wide but referee Mr Walters awarded the visitors a free kick and Garry Taylor's free kick was well saved by Attard in the home side's goal.

Despite the surface this was an excellent half of entertainment and both teams deserved their half time break.

Cardiff Corinthians started the second half with a lot more determination and after just 3 minutes took the lead when home midfielder Danny Hopper turned the Town defence and hit a shot that came off the post much to the delight of Andy Smith who slotted the ball home. Just 2 minutes later though Town levelled the score as Arwel Rees put in some hard graft down the right winning the ball in a tackle and as the ball reached Chris Allen he turned and after his shot was blocked Dan Lancey was on hand to make the score 1-1. We then hoped for a period of calm but it wasn't to be as on 53 minutes a corner from the right was headed home by Corries's Chris Ashley at the far post (2-1)

The game was now a very open and fast one and chances came to both sides. Scott McCoubrey shot over from 12 yards after 57 minutes with just the keeper to beat and this was immediately followed up by a chance for Garry Taylor but his shot was blocked well by the covering defence. At the other end a lack of communication saw Steve Reeve, in the Town goal, having to scurry out to make a good tackle on the edge of his box.

On 78 minutes Town's Man of the Match Steve Lewis, who battled tirelessly in midfield all of the game, put Scott McCoubrey away with a peach of a pass and this time Scott put the ball away neatly with his right foot. Town now were in the ascendency and on 86 minutes picked up the ball after great defensive work by Elliot Thomas and after some neat interplay with Chris Allen he shot over when it may have been easier to score. He blamed the pitch for that one !

On 88 minutes Town took the lead for the first time in the game after Garry Taylor put Chris Allen through the defence with an excellent ball and he slotted home. With just a few minutes to go, plus very little injury time, there was a good feeling in the visitor's camp that this was going to be our day but Corries had other ideas and as the game entered added on time former Pontardawe Town player Matthew Hibbs found himself in space and he crossed to Gareth Taylor and he headed the ball into the net despite the desperate lunge by Town's Luke Harris.

Not the result Town wanted after such a hard working performance but both sides deserve a lot of credit for the standard of football played and credeit also to the officials and committee of the home side who worked hard to get the game on. Paul Walters also refereed the game in an excellent spirit.

Pontardawe Town :  S Reeve, A Stokes, J Jenkins, L Harris (C), E Thomas, S Lewis, D Lancey, G Taylor, C Allen, S McCoubrey, A Rees, ...... Subs Used :  None Used.