Cambrian & Clydach 3-2 Pontypridd Town: Ponty-born Sam nets for ten-man Cam in thrilling comeback

Cambrian & Clydach produced a thrilling late comeback to stop relegation-threatened Pontypridd from ending their six-month unbeaten run at home.

Jones scored in the 95th minute in a five-goal thriller in a fiery contested Rhondda Cynon-Taf Derby at the M&P Group 3G as Cambrian returned to winning ways having picked up just two points from a possible nine.

Pontypridd led at the break thanks to Vaughn Fowler before youngster Scott Lewis inspired an incredible turnaround, despite playing with a man light after Carn Thomas’ dismissal.

Zac Iheanacho provided Pontypridd with an early lead as he turned in Vaughn Fowler’s goal-bound shot from a well-worked corner.

Liam Edwards drew Cambrian level with a glorious strike from 25-yards which left Cameron Clarke unable to reach his effort.

Vaughn Fowler restored Ponty’s lead five minutes from the break as Aiden Lewis’ shot stung the palms of Dan Bradley who could only palm into the path of the rushing Fowler who scored from close-range.

Liam Reed almost sought an immediate reply but his shot was fired just over the bar.

In the second half, Liam Shaw almost doubled Ponty’s lead as he made a marauding run into the box in which he was found by Matthew Hibbs. Ponty claimed for a handball for a penalty, but the referee waved away the protests.

Defender Shane Parry then headed just wide of the goal as Ponty sought a two-goal cushion.

Pontypridd’s unlikely victory became more likely when Carn Thomas was shown a second yellow carded after protesting to the referee.

Thomas presence was missed as Cambrian almost played themselves into danger. Bradley’s miskicked his clearance and Hibbs forced the Cam keeper into an important save.

Moments later, Gullick almost scooped an effort over Bradley as they looked to further extend their lead.

The weather worsened but Keetch and Shephard continued to swing in free-kicks, but Beddard continued to clear, with relentless pressure from Cambrian, despite the man disadvantage.

Pontypridd’s grip on the game slipped in the 85th minute as they allowed the ten men of Cambrian a leveller. The visitors napped on a corner kick and substitute Scott Lewis struck from close range.

Shephard almost put Cambrian in front as he forced Clarke to dive down from a tricky shot.

In the fifth minute of stoppage time, Cambrian completed their remarkable turnaround. A ball was played through the top to Samuel Jones who tucked it past goalkeeper Clarke, despite a slight touch from the Ponty goalkeeper.

Cambrian: Bradley, C.Thomas, Strinati, Evans, Crutch (C), Keetch (Grahame 88), K.Jones (Lloyd 45), Shepard, Reed, Edwards (Lewis 70), S.Jones.

Pontypridd: Clarke, Parry, Baldock, Shaw, Bloom, Iheanacho (Pilkington 64), Lewis (C), Fowler, Gullick, Albaarini (Hibbs 17) (Beddard 70), Kareem

(Featured Image: Alan Reed)