Pontyclun Football Club

Pontyclun FC Reserve Team Match Reports

Saturday 7th April 2007

Newport YMCA Reserves 4 v 0 Pontyclun Reserves

It was a wonderfully warm and calm day as we travelled down the M4 towards
Newport, looking for a turnaround in form after our midweek battering from
Llantwit Fardre.
In a changed team missing were Stuart Beasley, Matthew Martin, Dai Lewis, Ross
Youlden and manager Peter Shilton who was away watching son Sam playing for
Pontyclun Junior school in front of the Ninian Park Crowd.
Gary Dodd and Pepe took temporary charge for the day. The general was back in
goal and young Joss given a start in defence along side Darren and Simon. 
Wallace and Dave Bevan playing wingbacks.  The trio of Gee, Doddy and Poynter
were the midfield, with a youthful Ryan and Ceiron leading the attack.

The game kicked off to a high tempo seeing both teams looking for the early
advantage.  Newport gaining and early corner, which was a left footed in swinger
which seemed an easy take for the general but unfortunately he fell goal bound
dropping the ball at the advancing striker for a cheap goal.  We battled hard to
get back into the game and both teams had penalty appeals turned down, but
missed chances and a common lack of communication led to a week offside appeal
and the general being left one on one with a striker but pulled off an amazing
save defying the laws of gravity and managing to tip the looping header wide. 
Half time saw Newport with that goal advantage.

Halftime saw the changing rooms buzzing and if this could be taken out onto the
pitch maybe the we could get back into this game.
Newport seemed to start the brighter notching an early goal to make it 2-0. 
Slowly we found our feet and created a number of chances where, Ryan, Ceiron and
Wallace all missing from fair positions.  A breakaway from Wallace saw him
brought down in the box with what seemed like a clear cut penalty but was waved
clear.
Injuries to Poynter saw Wallace move into the middle and Dave Wallace come on at
right back, shortly after Pepe come on for Simon leaving and injured Darren Webb
seeing out the last 15 minutes with a dead calf.  Newport scoring 2 scrappy
goals through poor defending in the dying minutes, Wallace picked out a forward
run of Ceiron who seemingly beat the defender and keeper but hitting over from 6
yds, (the 6 halves are mounting up for his 18th  birthday still 2 years away). 
The final whistle came to the disappointment of everyone.  We need to pick
ourselves up after two heavy defeats and get back to winning ways as we seem to
have gone off the boil.  A freshen up is required as we don't want the season to
end on a low note after doing so well for most the season.  

Team; Jason Burton, Steve Wallace, Darren Webb, Liam Dodd, Simon Dunn, Dave
Bevan, Gareth Dunning, Mark Poynter, Ceiron Beer, Ryan Hill, Joss Read, Dave
Wallace, Guiseppe Mele.

Tuesday 3 April 2007.

Pontyclun Reserves 1 v 5 Llantwit Fardre

This was a local derby with both teams running into some form of late.  However
after a fabulous win on Saturday against Ely Rangers, we let ourselves down
badly.

A number of changes were again enforced, Pepe had to stand in between the
sticks, with Simon Dunn returning home for Easter and Ryan Hill stuck on the M4. 


Llantwit were far the better team and much hungrier all around the pitch. It was
no surprise when they scored a free kick was headed past Pepe going in of the
left hand post.  The second came right on half time we switched off when they
had a corner, they worked a short oner and easily crossed for another free
header to find the net.

We started slightly better in the 2nd half and pulled a goal back Ceiron beating
their keeper to Wallace’s in swinging cross to head it over the advancing
keeper.

This only inspired Llantwit and within 5 minutes regained a two goal advantage,
Pepe not claiming the ball and their forward poked it into the empty net.

Our heads went down as they piled on the pressure and to be fair it could have
been a lot worse than 5 in the end. We were totally out played and never came
close to the heights of our 4-1 win at Tonteg Park. 

This was our worst performance of the season and hopefully a lot of lessons will
be learnt, if you don’t work hard, communicate and do the basics correctly, in
this league you will get punished.

Man of the Match- Ceiron Beer

Team, Giuseppe Mele, Steve Wallace, Darren Webb, Stuart Beasley, Matthew Martin,
Dave Bevan, Gareth Dunning, Mark Poynter, Ceiron Beer, Liam Dodd, Dai Lewis,
Dave Wallace, Joss Read & Ryan Hill.

Saturday 31st March

Pontyclun Reserves 2 v 1 Ely Rangers.

We entertained the 2nd place tam in the reserve division and took all 3 points
with a fine team performance.  A number of changes were enforced Mark Scowcroft
promoted to the 1st team, so Jason (The General) Burton took over between the
posts.  We welcomed back Dave Bevan who had been in the 1st team  squad for the
last couple of weeks, Matthew Martin had to fill in up front as Ryan Hill was
stuck on the M4 coming back from a job in London and Steve Wallace who was fit
enough to start.

Captain Gareth Dunning decided to play against the strong wind in the 1st half
and we coped really well with the conditions knowing Ely would have the vast
majority of the possession.

They nearly scored from a corner but Steve Wallace hugging the post headed a
goal bound header off the line to everyone’s relief..Stuart Beasley, Mark
Poynter & Liam Dodd worked their socks off in the engine room not letting them
settle to any rhythm.  The defence of Darren Webb, Ross Youlden and Simon Dunn
won their fair share of the tackles and headers to prevent them scoring.

Steve Wallace then amazed everyone with a startling turn of pace to out sprint
their winger deep in our half to set up another attack.  The new frontline
Woodchip & Gee kept hunting for every ball ,not giving the defenders time to
dwell on the ball.

The 2nd half was a different story. The strong wind was right behind us as we
started to belief we could  cause an upset and put a spanner in their title
dreams. A through ball was latched onto by Woodchip who sprinted to beat their
keeper to the ball and from a tight angle calmly stroked the ball into the net
to the disbelief of their defenders.

The new father was delighted to notch his 1st goal of the campaign and with the
sleepless nights catching up on him, he was soon replaced, Ceiron Beer coming on
up front and Huw Frowen replaced the cramped up Wallace.

Mark Poynter who had sustained a neck injury in the 1st half was then replaced,
Gee moving back to his more familiar midfield roll and Joss Read played up
front.

This was an inspired management move as within minutes Joss found himself in
acres of space just inside our half , he raced forward and as the keeper
advanced calmed himself and his shot caught the keepers leg and hit the left
hand post and found the net, Joss’s 1st senior goal (6 halves will be yours).

Ely hit back straight away Frowen & Gee missing tackles on the right and as
their forward crossed, it someone squirmed under Bunn and found the net.

This lifted their spirits and they threw everything at us and the kitchen sink
but thanks to Bunn with a double point blank save and some generous referring
decisions  to say the least we held on in the monsoon conditions. 

Man of the Match- Stuart Beasley

Team; Jason Burton, Steve Wallace, Darren Webb, Stuart Beasley, Simon Dunn, Dave
Bevan, Gareth Dunning (Capt), Mark Poynter, Ross Youlden, Liam Dodd, Matthew
Martin, Ceiron Beer, Huw Frowen, Joss Read & Dave Wallace.

Pontyclun Reserves 4 v 1 Porthcawl Town Reserves

We observed a minutes silence before the game in memory of former player and 2nd
team manager Laurie Dodd who sadly passed away recently.

A number of changes were enfPorced again, in came Huw Frowen, Marcus McCormack,
Joss Read & Dai Lewis from the team which held Dinas in our last fixture.

In fairness the team played the first half like it had not played for a couple
of weeks and had to battle with the bumpy pitch and windy conditions, which did
not help our natural passing game.

Dai Lewis marshalled the defence of Frowen, Dunn, Read & Webb with great
authority, Gee, Marcus & Liam were pullin the strings in midfield with Ryan and
Cerion providing the pace up front .

Gee nearly opened the scoring the keeper just managed to block his effort, but
we broke the deadlock a cross by Liam was flicked on and Marcus arriving at the
far post stroked the ball home. However a lapse in concentration saw Porthcawl
nearly equalise right on half time but their striker shot into the side netting.

The 2nd half was a bit more one-sided as were poured forward time after time and
the 2nd goal came as no great surprise, Ceiron with a good cross found Ryan in
space, his first touch was good and he buried his shot into the net giving the
keeper no chance.

However, we let them straight back into the game Simon Dunn handling the ball in
the area and they were awarded a penalty. Scowy saved the original kick but the
ball rebounded back to their forward to tuck it into the net.

This seemed to lift us again and we restored our 2 goal advantage, man of the
match Dai Lewis hitting a screamer from 30 yards which went like a bullet into
the bottom left hand corner.

The tiring Frowen was replaced by Dave Wallace and soon brother Steve replace
the injured Darren Webb and player/manager Shilton replaced Ryan up front.

We nearly added a fourth, Gee missed a sitter from 3 yards blasting over the bar
when it seemed easier to score, then Shilton latched onto a loose ball and
unleashed a thunderous shot which smashed the crossbar with the keeper
motionless.

The 4th came with about 5 minutes to go, when a through ball was chipped over
his own keeper by the unfortunate full back.

No game next week, we play 2nd placed team Ely Rangers on 31 March 2007.

Team v Porthcawl

Mark Scowcroft, Huw Frowen, Darren Webb, Joss Read, Dai Lewis, Simon Dunn,
Gareth Dunning, Marcus McCormack, Liam Dodd, Ryan Hill, Ceiron Beer, Dave
Wallace, Steve Wallace & Peter Shilton.

Saturday 17th Feb

Pontyclun Reserves 2 v  2 Dinas Powys Reserves.

A number of changes again were enforced, Darren Webb promoted to the 1st team
after playing really well of late, Dave Lewis & Matthew Martin unavailable. 
However, we welcomed back fit again Mark Scowcroft (well sort of fit) skipper
Gareth (Gee) Dunning, Dale Morris & the Scarlet Pimpernel of Pontyclun Ryan
Hill.

We entertained high flying league leaders Dinas Powys who until this match had
won their first 14 games.  In the end we were 5 minutes away from inflicting
their first defeat and in the end had to settle for a draw and their first
dropped points.

They brought a strong squad and a number of supporters as their first team did
not have a game. They started like a house on fire and within the first 5
minutes scored. We gave the ball away cheaply, then Dale Morris was out muscled
and their forward crossed for their other striker to beat Simon Dunn and place
the ball past keeper Scowcroft.

The way they knocked the ball around you could tell how they were top of the
league.  The gulf between the teams was massive and we struggled to get in the
game.  They nearly made it two after another good move and great cross was
headed against the post with Scowy no where near it.

Our midfield Beasley, Dodd & Poynter then started to find their feet and played
some excellent football and you could see the confidence growing throughout the
team. We had a couple of half chances but Ryan Hill just failing to put his
chance away.

At half time the boys were buzzing and could not wait for the second half as we
believed we could get something out of the game. We started the better in the
second half and it was no surprise when we equalised Dave Bevan broke on the
left and clipped a great ball through for Ryan and he outpaced the Dinas defence
kept his composure and stroked the ball passed the keeper.

We were now starting to win the 50/50 tackles and were first to the second ball.
Dinas were starting to feel the pressure. We were then awarded a free kick out
on the right.  Wallace floated over the free-kick Dave Bevan headed it goal
wards but it ricocheted of a defender, Ryan was first to react and spun and hit
a left footer past the keeper to the delight of the home supporters.

This seemed to wake Dinas up and you could see they were desperate not to lose
their 100% record.  We had to replace Poynter with a back injury Jarod Morgan
replacing him and Ryan Hill who had run himself into the ground Cerion Beer
slotting in up front.

Dinas started to pile on the pressure and we lived a charmed life as they hit
the woodwork twice and Scowy tipped a free kick onto the foot of the post.

We thought we could hang on Ross & Dale keeping the lively Dinas strikers at
bay, but with five minutes left a corner was conceded Scowy punched the ball
away but unfortunately the ball was picked up and crossed in again and a sloppy
bit of defending saw their forward unmarked in the six yard box who headed it
past Scowy.

It was  gutting, but if you told us before hand we would get a draw we would
have probably taken it, but to concede a late goal like that was very
disappointing, but just goes to show how far this young team have come this
season.

No game this Saturday, we play Cwmbran Celtic away on 3 March.

Saturday 3rd Feb

Pontyclun Reserves 0 v 0 Cambrian & Clydach Reserves

We had to make a number of changes again due to injuries and work commitments. 
Out went Mark Scowcroft, Dan James, Martyn Davies, Ryan Hill & Ceiron Beer from
the squad.

In their place came in goal “The General” Jason Burton, Matthew (Woodchip)
Martin.  We fielded a new awe inspiring front pairing of Ross Youlden & Steve
Wallace and they worked well together closing down the defenders and holding the
ball up well.  Our wing backs Woodchip and Dave Bevan made some lovely forward
runs taking on the Cambrian defence but we did not create enough clear cut
opportunities.

We played much better than the previous week well but were unable to  break down
the Cambrian defence.  Wallace pounced on a rebound but was unable to finish the
keeper rushing out to block his effort.  Dave Lewis was a rock at the heart of
the defence along with Simon Dunn.

The midfield did well Mark Poynter, Liam Dodd & Stuart Beasley worked their
socks off and covered most of the pitch but on an uneven playing surface our
usual passing game suffered a bit.

A little bit of indiscipline by Woodchip nearly reduced us to ten men but he
seemed to calm down by half time and was all the better for concentrating on his
game.

Ross Youlden nearly opened the scoring with a scorching left foot volley, but it
just went past the upright with the keeper motionless. With 25 minutes to go
Joss Read replaced Woodchip at wingback.  We nearly conceded a goal but somehow
a Cambrian forward hit his shot against Joss on the line only for the ball to
loop up and float over the crossbar to the relief of everyone.  Jason Burton did
all that was asked of him and performed well considering it was his first
appearance of the season.

Peter Shilton then replaced the tiring Wallace up front and in the dying
seconds Tudor Davies replaced Stuart Beasley who had cramp.

With all the changes it was pleasing to have a clean sheet after conceding
sloppy goals of late.  There is no game this week for the reserves, but the
following week they entertain Dinas Powis who are flying in the league after
winning their first 14 matches.

Saturday 27th Jan

Bryntirion Reserves 3 v 1 Pontyclun Reserves

The reserves travelled to Bridgend to take on Bryntirion.  A few changes were
enforced captain Gareth Dunning & Matt James were out injured, Ryan Hill (work
commitments) and Joss Read (ill) were replaced by Simon Dunn, Martyn Davies,
Stuart Beasley and Dai Lewis.

After a electrifying opening spell it was 1-1 after just 4 mins, Bryntirion
scoring first 
Their winger scoring a cracker from outside the area. We equalised when an in
swinging free-kick by Steve Wallace was missed by the home keeper when under
pressure from striker Martyn Davies and the ball flew into the net.  We could
have conceded again but Scowcroft in goal kept us in the game with a couple of
great saves when one on one. 

Pontyclun were coping well with the home attacks until a free-kick was turned
passed his own keeper by the unfortunate Ross Youlden.  Dave Bevan had a couple
of excellent runs down the left side but we could not find our way past the
stubborn home defence.

We had to make another change at half time Steve Wallace departing to catch a
flight to Newcastle who was replaced by Dai Lewis and within minutes of the
re-start we had to replace the injured Darren Webb, Ceiron Beer replacing him.

We struggled to find our rhythm and our passing continuing to let us down time
and time again and it was no surprise when we conceded another goal when a
speculative cross was deflected by the hapless Youlden into the path of their
striker who slotted it past keeper Scowcroft.   Manager Peter Shilton then
replaced Mark Poynter for the last 15 minutes but the game finished in
disappointment and ended our winning streak.

Saturday we play Cambrian & Clydach at Home kick off 2.00

Saturday 20th Jan

Porthcawl Reserves 1  -  Pontyclun 3

Ceiron double seals win

Pontyclun reserves travelled to Porthcawl to play this reserve division east
fixture.  In blustery conditions it was the home side who started brighter and
played some neat football, but not creating too many clear cut chances.  The
Ponty defence was well marshalled by Ross (yogi) Youlden, Joss Read, Steve
Wallace and Darren Webb.  As well as keeper Mark Scowcroft who dealt comfortably
with everything that came his way.

Ponty always looked sharp on the break with the pace of Ryan Hill & Liam Dodd up
front with Dave Bevan & Dan James out wide but after some good build up play
they were let down by the final pass. Ponty took the lead when a quick through
ball by skipper Gareth Dunning released Dave Bevan on the left and as he ran
into the box, he was upended when through on goal and were awarded a clear cut
penalty.  Steve Wallace stepped up and dispatched his spot kick with some aplomb
sending the keeper the wrong way.

Ponty kept there lead until midway into the 2nd half, the home winger danced
through some weak challenges and his cross was stroked passed the helpless
Scowcroft.  This seemed to lift Ponty and they were unlucky not to regain the
lead,  Dunning’s mazy run and shot over the advancing keeper just went the wrong
side of the post.  Porthcawl were then reduced to 10 men after their forward
received a second yellow card for a foul on hard working Mark Poynter.

The substitutes were sent on to freshen things up with Adrian James & Stuart
Beasley stiffening up the midfield.  Ponty started to take control again and
with 15 minutes left the management sent on Ceiron Beer to make his senior debut
and were delighted as he scored twice in quick succession out pacing the home
defence to tuck the ball passed the home keeper. This sent the travelling
supporters away happy.  It was not the best of games but in the difficult
conditions a hard working win. The three points moving Ponty up to 3rd place in
the reserve division.

Next Saturday 27 January they travel to Bryntirion and the Welsh league are home
against Garden Village both games kicking off at 2.00pm.