Pontyclun Juniors F.C.

We have  a Youth team in the 'MacWhirter Welsh League' for  next season 2009/10.

New players welcome.

Contact :

Nicky Lukaris 07780564916

Tom Pascoe 07980157552

Paul Rowley 07815091514.

More details at :

http://www.welshleague.org.uk/macwhirter_cup_2009-10.htm

Back L-R-Josh Devine,Tom Holder,Sam Vining,Tom Ryall,Ceiron Beer,Tom Haley,Josh Dunning,Andrew Robinson.

Front L-R-Jordan Phillips,Adam Westgarth,Steve Johnson,Matt Williams,Ben Jenkins,Ben Lowe,Tom Waldock.

Not in picture - Marcus James,Jack Kane,Sean Clark,Tim Simmons,Andy Williams,Tom Lewis.

 FIXTURES 2009 / 2010.

Full list of league fixtures here :

http://www.welshleague.org.uk/youth_division_central.htm

10/9/09 Friendly    Port Talbot Town Youth  2   V  Pontyclun Youth  3 (Report below) 

Mac Whirter Youth Cup Group C.

FULL DRAW HERE  http://www.welshleague.org.uk/macwhirter_cup_2009-10.htm

KO 14-30

27-09- 2009  Pontyclun  0 V Cwmbran Celtic 4   Welsh FA (Youth) Cup*. KO 14.00 (Report below)

KO 14-30

  26-10-09 Taffs Well 4    Pontyclun 0 (Report below)

KO 7-15pm (Monday)

KO 14-00

LEAGUE COMMENCES - CENTRAL DIVISION FIXTURES 2009/10

 29/11/2009  Pontyclun     v   Merthyr Tydfil OFF

13/12/2009  Pontypridd Youth 2  V  Pontyclun Youth  1 (Report below)

13-12-09 MacWhirter Welsh Youth league (central)

Pontypridd Town Youth 2     V     Pontyclun Youth  1.

 NINE players were unavailable for one reason or other for this game, most teams would have been forced to cancel, but with a 'bare' eleven (eventually), Pontyclun put on a brave performance.With players being asked to play out of position, they still managed to compete, and created enough chances to win the game comfortably, but in the end it was Pontypridd who took the points, and Pontyclun were left to rue their poor finishing.

Adam Westgarth gave the visitors the lead with a well struck shot in the first half, but the influential midfielder and skipper, was forced to leave the field early in the second half with an ankle injury, and that proved to be one loss too many for Pontyclun.

Well done to all the boys today, with a little more luck in front of goal we could easily have come away with a victory, aginst all the odds.

8-11-09 MacWhirter Welsh Youth League (Central)

CAMBRIAN&CLYDACH YOUTH  4   PONTYCLUN YOUTH  5

The league season has finally got underway, and  Pontyclun have a  few tough opening games.   A visit to Clydach Vale is always a test, plus Pontyclun were dealt a massive blow when all 3 regular centre backs were unavailable for this game. 

Adam Westgarth and Ben Lowe were asked to fill the gap at the back and they started well, but conceded a goal on 10 mins which had more than a suspicion of offside about it. We kept our composure though, and 5 mins later a sweeping move starting at left back with Ben Jenkins, saw the ball passed several times crisply across the midfield to striker Tom Haley.  The striker then cut inside a defender on the right and fired in left footed from 20 yards, the ball nestling in the far left corner of the net, a fantastic team goal, finished in style.

The game settled down with the home team getting the upper hand and restricting the visitor's attacks to a few long range shots. The low sun had been a problem for the Pontyclun defence and keeper Steve Johnson, who completely lost sight of a cross from the right, gifting the home striker a simple header to make it 2-1.

The second half started brightly and Pontyclun immediately got the equaliser after a neat exchange of passes between Andy Williams and Tim Simmons saw the latter beat the keeper with a neat finish from the edge of the 18 yard box.

Pontyclun were then rocked when striker Haley was felled from behind, and forced out of the game with a nasty achiles injury, the referee however amazingly judged it a 'fair tackle' and took no action even though his assistant flagged immediately for a foul!

Pontyclun coped well with their loss, and indeed took the upper hand in the second half, and they went in front with a well taken goal from Andy Williams, which also looked offside, but was allowed to stand. Then after some good work down the right hand side, the ball was crossed to the far post where unmarked Marcus James fired home a fourth goal which seemed to put the game beyond the hosts.

Cambrian had nothing to lose and threw players forward in a last gasp gamble, and after some constant pressure got a goal back to set up a grandstand finish. Pontyclun were holding on now, and defending desperately to keep their lead, but following a cross into the area the ball fell kindly for the home striker who fired home a late equaliser.

The visitors were resigned to drawing a game which looked like they'd won comfortably.  However, the final minute saw more good work from Andy Williams whose ball found Sam Vining on the edge of the penalty area. Vining, showing great technique and composure, volleyed a waist high ball into the top corner of the net to finally secure all three points. What a finish to a remarkable game !

Another view of the game from the home team :

http://www.cambrianfc.co.uk/match/reports.aspx?ID=216

4-10-09 Mac Whirter Youth Cup (Group C )

CWMAMAN YOUTH FC  2  PONTYCLUN YOUTH FC  1

This was Pontycluns' fourth game of the season, and their fourth  against a team with a 100% record !

Following games against the 2009 Welsh league 'Central' and 'Eastern' champions (AFC Porth and Cwmbran Celtic), Pontyclun travelled to Cwmaman, who have also had the perfect start to the season, winning both their games so far, and yet to concede a goal.

With injuries to regulars Marcus James, Jack Kane, Tom Ryall and Josh Devine, this was going to be a real test for the Pontyclun squad.

The visitors started well and took the game to their hosts, Tom Haley had a great early chance to open the scoring, after charging down a kick from the Cwmaman keeper, his goalbound shot was somehow cleared off the line by a defender. For the rest of the half Pontyclun passed the ball well and played some good football, Andy Williams caused problems down the right, and Adam Westgarth (who was standing in for the injured Tom Ryall) and Andy Robinson looked solid at the centre of defence. It looked like the half would end 0-0, when, in added on time the linesman awarded Cwmaman a penalty, after two players fell over in the box whilst watching the ball out for a goal kick. Most people at the ground were mystified by the decision, but Daniel Johnson stepped up to beat his namesake Steve from the spot to give the home team a 1-0 lead. There's never a good time to concede, but this was a hammer blow, following a good half from the Pontyclun lads.

Not deterred by the set back, Pontyclun strated the second half the same as they had the first, Cwmamans keeper Kurt Rogers produced some fine saves, denying Tom Holder, Ceiron Beer and  then Andy Robison.

However, Cwmaman doubled their advantage on the hour, when a through ball was latched on to by James Jones who finished well, there was a hint of offside about the goal, with at least one player off, but the linesman ruled they were not interfering with play, and the goal stood.

To their credit Pontyclun kept their shape and composure, and were rewarded when Sean Clark finished well to score on his debut, and set up a nervy ending, but Cwmaman held on to keep their perfect start to the season going.

Thanks to Cwmaman for their hospitallity after the game, and their praise for the way Pontyclun had played, we look forward to our league encounters in the coming months.

 18-10-09 MacWhirter Youth Cup (Group C)

PONTYPRIDD TOWN YOUTH  0  PONTYCLUN YOUTH   6

After a tough opening set of fixtures in this  competition, Pontyclun finally got their season up and running in style, and recorded an emphatic victory at the  home of Pontypridd Town.

There were seven Pontyclun absentees today, for one reason or another, and the squads strength was again stretched to the limit.

With coaches Nicky, Tom, and Matt, also unavailable, it was left to Tom Haley to take the pre match warm up. Tom is studying sports coaching at college, and did a great job preparing the lads before the kick off.

Pontyclun started the game really well, and immediately took the game to their hosts. The first attack had the home defence under all sorts of pressure, and following a hasty clearance the ball fell to Marcus James, who found the corner of the net, and open the scoring after just 3 minutes.

This helped to settle the Pontyclun lads and they played some terrific football, Andy Williams and Sean Clark were causing all sorts of problems to the Pontypridd defence, and the visitors extended their lead with goals from Tom Holder and a second from Marcus James.

The game was put beyond doubt, when Ceiron Beer was hauled down just outside the box when clean through on goal, resulting in a straight red card for the home defender.

Pontypridd, to their credit, kept their composure and tried to find a way through, a couple of quickly taken free kicks were excellently saved by Steve Johnson in the Pontyclun goal.

Pontyclun made their man advantage count in the second half, with further goals from Ceiron Beer and Tom Holder, and with Marcus James completing an excellent 'hat trick', they manged to inflict the biggest defeat of the season on Pontypridd, and claim the best result by any of the teams in the group so far.

Special mention to the back four today who were tremendous, and Sam Vining who skillfully anchored the midfield.

Next up for Pontyclun is Taffs Well (away) on Monday 26th October. KO 7-15pm.

26-10-09 MacWhirter Youth Cup Group C

TAFFS WELL YOUTH 4   PONTYCLUN YOUTH 0

Without doubt, the most disappointing result  since the team was formed over 18 months ago.

Going on previous results the two teams appeared well matched, and indeed they were, the scoreline really flattered the home team.

The tone of the night was set after only 5mins (with the score at 0-0) when a 'stone wall' Pontyclun penalty was turned down to the amazement of both teams, Tom Haleys shot struck a post with the keeper beaten, rebounding to safety, the referee strangely  judging that an 'advantage' had been played and the penalty wiped out.

Taffs Well played a 4-2-4 and concentrated on 'getting the ball forward early' and Pontyclun never got to grips with these tactis,  3 of the goals came from punts upfield being seized on by home forwards. The coaches need to take some blame for failing to react properly to the long ball tactics, the visitors continued to try and play football in very poor wet conditions.

The second half was played almost entirely in the Taffs Well half, the home team scoring two further goals on the break, and otherwise not troubling the defence at all. The decision to give all the players a game backfired on Pontyclun, when immediately after sending on their only 2 substitutes, after only 10 mins of the second half, Ceiron Beer suffered an injury, but had to stay on although not able to run, and then sub Marcus James knee injury flared up, severely restricting his movement.

It was one of those games best forgotten, the league doesn't start for another couple of weeks, and hopefully players and coaches have learned valuable lessons from these pre season cup games.

10-9-09 Friendly V Port Tabot Town Youth (Away).

Port Talbot Town Youth 2  V Pontyclun Youth 3

After several attempts to play a friendly we finally got a game ! Thanks to Mal Williams from Port Talbot for making the arrangements.

When we eventually found the venue (which was switched at the last minute), we had little time to prepare, and started the game with 4 of the team still being driven around sunny Aberavon beach by 'coach' Pascoe ! ...At least that made team selection a bit easier.

This was only our first game together this season, with Tom Holder, Andrew Robinson, Ben Jenkins, Tim Simmons and Jordan (Ginge) Phillips all making their debuts.

We started well with Robinson and Ryall at the heart of the defence coping well with anything Port Talbot threw at them,  several great chances were created by Pontyclun, but no goals to show thanks to a mixture of poor finishing and 'effective' goalkeeping.

Pontyclun eventually took the lead however when a foul in the box enabled Sam Vining to score coolly from the penalty spot. Almost immediatley though, the ref awarded Port Talbot a penalty for a rather innocuous looking 'handball', and evened the decisions out, 1-1 at half time.

The second half was one way traffic, with the Pontyclun back 4, and keeper Steve Johnson totally untroubled, and after spurning more chances we eventually took the lead after Tom Haley closed down a defender on the edge of the box, and his 'shot' from the tackle found the far corner of the net. 2-1

It was no more than Pontyclun deserved, but with 20 mins to go we were reduced to 10 men following a harsh red card for 'elbowing', the only card of an otherwise well spirited encounter.

This spurred the home team on, and from a long clearance over the defence, the scores were level following an excellent finish.2-2

Down to 10 men and 5 minutes to go, it looked like Pontyclun would (unbelievably) leave with nothing.

 But  Jordan Phillips playing as a lone striker chased a ball down the right and, after beating the full back on the line,'Ginge' pulled the ball back to captain Adam Westgarth to crash home the winner from 6 yards.

A good display for our first game together, ideally we could have done with  another couple more friendlies, before our first competetive game  against Canbrian&Clydach early on Sunday, (Home) in the Mac Whirter Youth Cup -  KO 11-45, but hopefully we'll take heart from this win.

13-9-09 Mac Whirter Welsh Leauge Cup.

PONTYCLUN YOUTH  0     CAMBRIAN  &  CLYDACH    1

Pontycluns first competetive game proved to be exactly that, with both teams creating plenty of chances in a very close game.

The home team just seemed to be getting the upper hand in this evenly contested game, when, following a hopefull punt upfield, the game was turned on its head. Instead of just waiting for the ball to come into the goal area, or clearing with his feet, the Pontyclun keeper controlled the ball with his hand a yard outside the 'box', conceding a free kick, and getting a straight red card for his efforts.

With a stand in keeper between the posts, Cambrian & Clydach took the lead from the resulting free kick, which just sneaked in at the base of the  post, despite a gallant effort to keep it out  from the 'centre half turned keeper' Tom Ryall.

This proved to be the decisive moment of the game, and although Pontyclun pressed hard for an equaliser, the visitors were happy to run the clock down and take their fortuitous win.

Nice to see both teams well represented back at the Pontyclun Athletic after the game for some food and refreshments.

So, a good performance, but a disapointing result, we look forward to next Sunday, when we welcome last years league champions AFC Porth to Ivor Field, and hope for some better luck !

Here's how our guests viewed todays game :

http://www.cambrianfc.co.uk/match/reports.aspx?ID=154

20-9-09 Mac Whirter Welsh League Cup

PONTYCLUN YOUTH  1  AFC PORTH YOUTH  3

Following last weeks tough opening game against Cambrian and Clydach, things weren't about to get any easier, as last years league champions were the next visitors to Ivor Field.

The first half was an evenly contested affair, with Pontyclun enjoying lots of possesion and keeping Porth penned back for most of the half. Most of the Porth youth team also play senior football for their club on Saturdays, and they have obviously learned quite a lot from that experience, unfortunately most of what they've picked up is not entirely within the rules, and some of the tackling was a little 'enthusiastic' and not really necessary. Unfortunately the officials failed to caution offenders early on, and the outcome was some serious leg injuries to some of the the home teams players,  three having to leave the field during the game.

Pontyclun continued to try and play football and the half ended all square 0-0.

The second half started much the same as the first, when out of the blue Porth took the lead in controversial fashion. Most people at the game thought the Porth player was well offside when he put the ball in the net, but incredibly the linesman failed to see it, and allowed the goal to stand. Pontyclun were stunned by the goal, and feeling very aggrieved that a poor decision had undone all their previous good work, it was looking like it was going to be one of those days, especially when Porth took advantage of their good fortune and  made it 2-0 after 15 mins of the second half.

Pontyclun didn't  give up though, and kept pressing for an elusive goal, striker  Haley had three good goal attempts in succession, the first was blocked by a last gasp lunging tackle, minutes later the second from just 6 yards just grazed the wrong side of the post. The next chance though was taken by Tom Haley and the game was set up for a grandstand finish.

The home team pressed for an equaliser but to no avail, and deep into added on time, Porth broke and scored a third goal to give a rather flattering look to the scoreline.

Next Sunday we welcome Cwmbran Celtic to Ivor Field in the Welsh FA Youth Cup - KO 2pm.

27-9-09 Welsh FA Youth Cup

PONTYCLUN YOUTH   0   CWMBRAN CELTIC YOUTH  4

When you get drawn against last years MacWhirter Youth East league champions and Cup semi finalists in the first round of the Welsh cup, you know it's not going to be easy !

With 4 regulars having to miss the game already, Pontyclun were dealt a cruel blow when Josh Devine suffered a recurrence of a bad knee injury during the warm up, and the team sheet had to be re written minutes before the kick off.

The home team started well though, and took the game to the visitors, Tom Haley was causing all sorts of problems for the Cwmbran defence, and when he beat the full back inside the box he was hauled down, leaving the referee no option other than to award a penalty.

Ceiron Beer stepped up, with a great chance to give Pontyclun a deserved lead, and although he struck the ball well, the keeper brilliantly dived full stretch to his left, to turn the ball away for a corner.

Almost immediately after this miss, Pontyclun were denied another 'stone wall' penalty when Haley was pulled over inside the area, but he referee, unbelievably,  turned the appeals down, maybe it was  to soon after the first penalty was given!

Just when you thought things couldn't possibly get any worse for Pontyclun, striker Haley, who had started really well, suffered a foot injury following a heavy challenge, and had to be replaced after just 20 minutes.

There then followed 20 minutes of complete madness, with Pontyclun conceding 3 of the sloppiest goals seen at Ifor Field, Cwmbran went in at half - time 3-0 up, and must have been scratching their heads as to how it had happened.

The second half was going to be a real tough test of character, but Ponyclun played some good football, and never let their heads drop. Cwmbran, however, showed why they only conceded 8 goals in the league the whole of last season, and for all the possesion enjoyed by the home team, their defence coped very well, and never looked in trouble for most of the second half. Although Cwmbran added to their tally 10 mins from time, the Pontyclun coaches and supporters were more than happy with the way their team had coped, and the character they showed.

Good luck to Cwmbran in the next round.

Next game for Pontyclun is away to Cwmaman next Sunday ( 4-10-09 ) KO 2-30pm

League fixtures for 2009 / 2010 will be published following the League Cup 'group stages'.

We will compete in the CENTRAL league.

http://www.clubwebsite.co.uk/pontyclunfc/

Site not working at the moment !

Archived articles below.

Back L-R. Gethin Jones,Matt Jones,Tom Haley,Tom Pascoe,Ceiron Beer,Kyle Jones,Andrew Williams, Ben Lowe.

Front L-R. Steve Johnson,Josh Devine,San Vining,Jack Kane,Adam Westgarth,Chris Griffiths,Gareth Oakley.

Not in picture. Adam Patterson,Alex Obiako,Luke Beach,Mike Grossett,Marcus James,Aaron Jeffs,Tim Simmons.

MacWhirter Welsh Youth League Cup (Group C)

Our first ever game in the MacWhirter Welsh Youth league may have ended in defeat, but it could have been so different.

We all knew it would be tough, playing in this league for the first time with a young squad, it was always going to be a 'steep learning curve', but with a bit of luck we could have easily got something from the game.

We had 4 or 5 excellent chances in the first half and could have gone in at half-time with a comfortable lead, only to be undone in 3 minutes of madness early in the 2nd  and concede 2 goals from nothing, and even after that we had chances to get back into the game.

It's a pity the same help and hospitality afforded us by the home club, was not forthcoming from the officials, the needless bookings, and sending off, did us no favours at all.

It was an entertaining  game against a very competent side, who I'm sure will do very well this season.

We learned some harsh lessons today, which we will take on board, and hope they will help us improve in the future.

Well done lads, hope you enjoyed it !

A tremendous result for us at Neath Sports centre, home of Llansawel FC.

Our team sheet showed we had 7 under 17's and 3 under 18's starting this game in the under 19's league, but our young team showed great spirit to gain our first win of the season, against a strong Llansawel team.

The game was played at 100mph, and with a lot of passion and intensity, something we are quickly trying to come to terms with at this level, and there were chances early on for us to go ahead. We took the lead on the 30 minute mark through Tom Haley, who burst  through and beat the impressive home keeper with a neat finish into the corner. We then rode our luck, twice being caught out on the break from our own attacking corners we nearly surrendered our lead, but a fine save from Steve Johnson and a little help from the post, kept us in front.

On 40 minutes we doubled our advantage. Excellent delivery from a corner by Sam Vining, and the ball fell kindly for Jack Kane to net his first goal of the season.

The second half saw Llansawel pressing for an elusive goal, and both teams had decent chances. The home team finally got a goal back with 15 minutes to go, and set up a nervous ending to a game which must have been good to watch if you were a 'neutral'.

After what seemed an endless ammount of added time the ref finally blew and gave us our first points of the campaign. We now face Merthyr at home on Sunday, knowing a win could actually take us top of the MacWhirter Welsh Youth Cup (Group C ) table !

Well done lads !

Pontyclun FC Youth  2  Seven Sisters FC Youth 1

After last weeks brave display against Merthyr, Pontyclun were looking to get back on track, knowing a win would keep alive their hopes of qualifying for the final stages of the MacWhirter Welsh Youth Cup.

Slow starts have been a problem in the past, but the home team were out of the blocks straight away and created 4 or 5 really good chances, but they failed to convert a single one, and as usually happens when you fail to capitalise, were punished when Seven Sisters pumped a long ball forward and scored a goal on the break.

Pontyclun never dropped their heads though and continued to dominate the game, getting more and more frustrated as more chances went begging. Just before half-time a corner for the 'Clun fell to captain Tom Pascoe who lashed the ball goalwards only for a defender to reach out and 'save' with his hand. The ref had no option other than to award a penalty, and send the guilty player from the field.

An excellent opportunity to get a more than deserved equaliser before half time was spurned by a pathetic penalty kick from Ceiron Beer, that trickled down the centre of the goal straight into the arms of the keeper, who could have just as easily dropped his cap on it !

H/T 0-1

The second half started much the same as the first, with Pontyclun dominating and looking for that elusive first goal, after missing with a few more chances the breakthrough finally came, as Sam Vining collected the ball at the edge of the box and struck a sweet  shot into the bottom right hand corner to ease the home teams nerves.

Seven Sisters were under a lot of pressure, and their cause wasn't helped with injuries to a couple of players including their keeper, both of whom had to be replaced.

The inevitable finaly happened in the 75th minute when a cross from the left by Josh Devine fell to Tom Haley who gleefully smashed the ball into the top corner of the net from six yards.

Another win for our new Youth team, all our players were excellent today, and although it looked at times as though we would never get our just rewards, they kept going and showed a good attitude. We now go to AFC Llywdcoed for our next game, where a win could set up a final game 'winner takes all' against Briton Ferry at home on November 2nd.

Well done lads !

You sometimes don't get what you deserve in football, and we certainly didn't deserve this !

After a good first half we came in 0-0 and reflected on 2 good chances one hitting the post, and another hitting the side netting, and restricting the home team to just a couple of efforts on goal in the whole 45 minutes.

Almost immediately after the restart Llwydcoed caught us cold and went ahead after a fine save from keeper Steve Johnson, the ball was not properly cleared and we found ourselves 1-0 down. The rest of the game was then played almost entirely in the Llwydcoed half, we just couldn't find that elusive goal, several chances went begging, and a tremendous free-kick from Kyle Jones hit the bar, but it wasn't to be.

What's more frustrating is that with a couple of wins in our final 2 games we could have progressed to the final 8, we still can, with a final game victory and other results going for us.

What's encouraging though is our attitude, we never gave in, and we are improving with every game. Our squad was stretched to the limit yesterday, with 7 players unavailable through injury and half-term holidays, we still managed to produce an excellent performance.

This final group cup game was switched to Briton Ferry, who kindly arranged for us to play under the lights at their ground, many thanks to Gareth Williams for organising the game. After our last 5 games being postponed, we were glad to get a chance to play, even if it was in sub-zero temperatures !

Briton Ferry started very well, and immediately put us under pressure, knowing that a win would give them second place in the group and an excellent chance of qualifying for the final stages along with Merthyr. They took the lead when a cross from the left found Richard Evans unmarked at the far post for a simple header. It looked like our lack of match practice would be exposed as Ferry continued to dominate, but we hung in there and gradually got our game together, on 40 minutes we were denied what looked a certain penalty as we finally started to apply pressure on the 'home' defence. However we were rocked just before half-time, when the impressive Evans collected the ball on the left, cut inside and smashed a 20 yard shot into the corner of the net for his second goal. Half-time came and we found ourselves 2-0 down, just as we were showing signs of getting back into it.

We could have been forgiven for feeling sorry for ourselves at the break, but we knew if we could get one back early in the second half the game could change, and that's how it transpired. We started positively, and after 5mins Ceiron Beer was fouled in the area and Tom Haley stepped up and netted from the spot to give us the lift we needed. Our tails were up now, and we were first to every ball,  all of a sudden our hosts looked nervous and we cancelled their lead when Jack Kane picked up the ball in midfield, beat one player and fired home in some style from outside the 18 yard box.

The game had been turned on it's head, and we were now well on top and suddenly looked like the team most likely to. Some good work on the right saw us win a corner, and after an effort from captain Tom Pascoe was saved, the rebound fell to Adam Westgarth who finished well to give us the lead. Not content with one goal Adam scored his second after a mazy run found him one on one with the keeper, and he finished in style. A defensive blunder with two minutes to go set up a nervy ending but we held out for a hard earned victory.

The win puts us second in the group, although, even if results do go our way, we will still probably not proceed to the quarter finals because of our goal difference, (and Merthyrs decision to play a weakened team since they qualified !), but in our first season we have done really well, and have not been overawed at all.

We look forward now to our league campaign, which gets underway on Sunday (2pm) when we welcome AFC Llwydcoed to Ivor Park.

After dominating the first half, again we failed to score whilst on top, and we were made to pay in the second half.

Despite having a man sent off, Porth scored 4 goals thanks to a fantastic individual display of finishing from their lone striker Adam Wright.

 We could have had a penalty, and perhaps one or two of the Porth goals were a bit suspect ,and yet again the scoreline didn't reflect how well we played, we've played worse this season and won !

Great debut today from Tom Waldock who linked up well with Matt Jones on the left.

Tough game next week V Bryntirion at home, but if we keep playing as we have been, we should soon get the results we deserve.

After the frustrations of recent games we finally got a result we deserved.

Bryntirion are a very good side, and we knew we'd have to be at our best to get anything from the game.

After an even start we were gifted a lead when their keeper unfortunately failed to deal with a through ball that was held up on the strong wind , and Tom Haley took full advantage to give us the lead.

However, we were not to be out done by their generosity, and promptly gifted our visitors TWO goals in a matter of minutes, as once again we got the basics horribly wrong. Their first came when our keeper went walkabout and instead of putting it in 'row Z' gave the ball away and left an empty net for a farcial equaliser. Minutes later our defence tried to pass the ball along the back line, only to give possesion away on the 18 yard box to Bryn striker Davey Lavers, who accepted the 'gift' to give his side the lead.

After a half time 'rocket' from the coach Pontyclun came out 'all guns blazing', and turned the game around with two well taken goals from Ceiron Beer, both were cooly taken beating the keeper in one on one situations.

The home team then had a couple of opportunities to make the game safe, but as usual this season that little bit of luck in front of goal eluded us once again.

Captain Tom Pascoe had had a really good game marking the dangerous number 10 Lavers, but he was undone by a really good turn from the striker, who took the ball on under pressure, and finished stylishly with his left foot, giving Johnson in goal no chance.

It looked like we'd thrown the game away, and once again we would not get what our efforts deserved, until, with 10 minutes to go, we were awarded a freekick 25 yards from goal. Jack Kane, who had taken up some good positions all through the game without getting any decent goal scoring opportunities, stepped up and struck a tremendous shot that flew into the top corner of the goal, leaving the keeper rooted to the spot.

There then followed a nerve racking 10 mins (plus 5 mins added time), but Pontyclun held out for a much needed win, and a little revenge for a harsh defeat at Bryntirion earlier in the season.

Next up is Cambrian & Clydach (away), who beat Merthyr Tydfil 1-0 today, it will be tough up there but hopefully we will give a good account of ourselves.

With Adam Westgarth, Ben Lowe, Tom Haley, Chris Griffiths, Andy Williams and Adam Pattison all missing, through either injury, or school trips, Pontycluns squad was stretched to the limit.

The teams were well matched, and the game flowed from end to end. The home team conceded a soft goal from a set-piece after 25 minutes, but continued to compete and were unlucky to go in a goal down at the break.

Pontyclun then had two great chances to score in the second half, both fell to man of the match Josh Devine, after first taking to long to to get a shot off , he then did much better with the next and struck the inside of the post, the ball rebounding away to safety.

The result was sealed in bizzare circumstances, when a hopefull cross into the box was turned into net, after striking a defenders leg and looping over the keeper with no Cwmaman player in the box.

A little frustrating after last weeks win, but we now go into a 'double header' with a very strong Merthyr Tydfil outfit in our next two games.

This was always going to be a tough game against Merthyrs U'19's academy side, 8 of our starting 11 were U'17's, but we are improving all the time and relished the challenge before us.

The first half was evenly contested, and after conceding a sloppy goal from a set piece, Pontyclun continued to take the game to Merthyr, with Tom Haley causing lots of problems in the 'lone striker' position.

Clun were rewarded when a free kick from Kyle Jones found Haley on the edge of the box, and he finished well to make it all square.

Just before half - time, Merthyrs keeper Marcus Klyne, (who had been playing really well in goal for the visitors), inexplicably stamped on  home striker Haley following an attack, and after consulting with his assistant he was sent off by referee Mr French. Nobody likes to see a player sent off, especially at this level, but unfortunately the officials had no choice.

H/T 1-1

The second half was a completely different affair. Pontyclun failed to capitalise on the extra man advantage, so much so that they only once tested the stand in keeper in the whole 2nd half. They were punished by the excellent Clingo and Cushen who took advantage of poor defending, and a sloppy pass, to score two opportunist goals for the visitors.

It was a stern lesson for the Pontyclun youngsters who probably thought that the game was won after the sending off, and hopefully some lessons were learnt.

A strange twist in the fixtures see us play Merthyr again, at their place, next Sunday KO 2-30pm.

3-0 was a bit harsh, and doesn't really reflect how the game went.

After conceding an early goal, and then losing another player through injury, it could have been a difficult afternoon for Pontyclun.

But this the team has shown a great spirit in it's first season, and so it was at Penydaren Park. We more than matched Merthyrs U19 'academy' team, with a performance that will give us all a lot of hope for our next 2 seasons at this level.

We are not getting the results our performances deserve, which is frustrating, but we are learning all the time which will hold us in good stead for the coming seasons.

I couldn't fault the effort of any of the team, in a good match to watch, well refereed by the officials, and with neither side getting a caution in the whole 90 mins.

Just like our last game here, we came away wondering 'how did we lose that' !

We are still a little bit naive, nice, and probably a little 'lightweight', but we are learning all the time, and as soon as we stop conceding soppy goals we'll be fine.

Great '30 yarder' from Adam, smart finish around the keeper by Andy, and a cool pen from our captain !

When you're bottom of the league, and you're up against the league leaders, the last thing you want is 7 players out, leaving just a 'bare 11' turn up.

But, for most of this game we were on top, only 2 well taken breakaway goals from Alan Wright (the only Porth player to score against us this season !)  both against the run of play, settled this game.

A missed pen, 2 more efforts shading the post, and a shot straight at the keeper (who had a very good 90 mins) were more than enough chances to get something from this game.

Frustrating I know, but at least we are going in the right direction. Nearly all our players have 2 more years in this league, which gives us a lot of hope for the future !

Well done.

Another game V Cwmaman, another 2-0 defeat, another frustrating 90 mins !

After a good first half where we had excellent early chances, a silly error 1 min before half time saw us go in 1-0 down at half time.

It's hard to put your finger on why we are conceding soft goals, we are more than a match for most teams, but we seem to gift goals at an alarming rate !

The 2nd goal was a howler, Tom Pascoe being dispossesed in the area, giving the home striker a simple tap in to make it 2-0.

At last !

We finally get the result our football has deserved.

Although we dominated the game throughout, we still gave away the obligatory 2/3 soft goals !

This time however, we managed to score 4 goals, from the numerous chances we created, to secure a well earned win.

Many thanks to the younger members of the squad who helped us out tonight when we needed them,(4 regular players were needed by the seniors), they were superb.

Goals from Tom Haley, Tom Pascoe and 2 from Ceiron Beer  sealed a great win.

Cambrian & Clydach arrived at Ivor Field knowing that a win would go a long way to securing the Welsh Youth League Central title.

Looking at the table they could have been forgiven for thinking that this would be a 'gimee' 3 points, but what the table doesn't show is how well Pontyclun have played this year without getting their just rewards.

The home team dominated the  first half and went in 2-0 up with goals fron Ceiron Beer and Tom Pascoe, the visitors could have no complaints, as it could, and should have been a lot worse.

At he start of the second half the 'Cluns young side conceded a soft goal from a corner (the lino on the far side judging the ball had crossed the line following a scramble), which has in the past signalled a collapse from the leagues newcomers, they then conceded a very dubious penalty, which was well saved by Steve Johnson in goal.

The home team had weathered the storm, and made the game safe when Andy Williams got the better of the two central defenders to make it 3-1 with a well taken goal.

After two promising wins, the most recent one actually a 3-1 win  against todays opposition, the squad was stretched to the limit with no fewer than 8 players from the previous encounter with Cambrian&Clydach unavailable for this game due to call ups to the seniors and a schools cup final.

Many thanks to those who came to help out, some having not played for some time, We needed to start well, but we conceded two sloppy goals in the first couple of minutes, both from corners, both free headers, and it looked like it could be a long night !

We showed a lot of character after that, and held out until seconds before half-time when we were again caught out at a corner, and went in 3-0 down.

In the second half we gave our subs a run out and eventually went down 5-0, but we showed a great team spirit, and never gave up, despite being up against it throughout.

After 2 narrow away defeats this season in the league and cup against Llwydcoed, where on both occasions we felt we deseved more, we finally got one over the boys from Aberdare.

After dominating the first half where we had several chances, and had 2 good penalty claims turned down, the teams went in 0-0.

It was looking like a typical cameo performance, i.e not taking our chances and then conceding silly goals !

But from a corner taken by Marcus James, captain Tom Pascoe headed in at the far post to give us a well deserved win, and end the season on a high !

Well done lads, looking forward to next season.

Youth team pre-season friendlies:

Tues 19th Aug V Creigiau FC ko 6-00 (Away, Trelai Park, Ely.)

Drew 2-2

Game played in terrible conditions. Considering we were playing a senior team I think we coped OK Took time to get going, but finished srongly and gained a creditable 2-2 draw.

Sun   24th August V Cardiff Corries ko 2-30 (Home)

Lost 3-4

After starting slowly and going a goal down to a direct FK, we eventually got our game together and (on another poor surface) came back strongly to lead 3-1. We then switched off and conceded 2 pens and another direct FK at the end. Good result against a well organised and experienced Corries team.

Sun   7th September V Dinas Powis ko 2-30  (Home)

Won 7-4

Talk about a game of 2 halves !
Slow start cost us (again!), gifted em 2 goals, but
after 20 mins we started to play. They scored the
third against the run of play, and to go in 3 down at
half-time no way reflected the game.
Showed great character to come back from that, and in
the 2nd half we played some great stuff with clinical
finishing, to score 7 goals against an experienced
team like Dinas Powis in 45 mins is a tremendous effort.
We're all still getting to know each other, but I
think the more games we play the better we'll get,
well done.

We played some tough teams pre-season, and we have more than held our own.

Looking forward to the new season.

Training 6pm Thursday , see you all then.

New season starts next Sunday (14th) (weather permitting!) away at Cwmaman Institute, KO 2pm

Draw for Saturdays 6-a- side.

We are Mc Whirter A / B , teams will be picked saturday.

Be at Pontyclun FC ground 11-11.30am for 12 o'clock KO

PONTYCLUN FC 6-A-SIDE TOURNAMENT, SAT 19TH JULY .