Pontypridd Town 1-1 Llantwit Major: Baldwin header secures valuable point for battling Pontypridd

A last-gasp header from Pontypridd Town debut Lewis Baldwin secured a draw with Llantwit Major at Aberaman Park.

Baldwin who signed from Carmarthen Town this week started for the Dragons and earned his new side a valuable point against stern opposition.

In a game which didn’t have many clear-cut chances,  a draw was a fair result on reflection, but Llantwit will be disappointed to concede so late, having seen more of the ball.

Anthony Rawlings gave Major the lead early on in the second half after scoring from a penalty, but Lewis Baldwin’s cushioned header levelled the game with the last touch.

Pontypridd chased the first goal and James Bloom almost opened his account for Ponty. Connor McKeary laid a short pass to James Bloom but his left-footed effort went over the bar.

A bobbly pitch wasn’t allowing teams to play football. However, Llantwit managed to create a good opportunity. Josh Jones eased past the Ponty defenders but Cameron Clarke made himself look big to deny the Llantwit attacker.

Pontypridd appealed for a penalty after Baldwin swung across, the referee waved away the protests.

A chance before the break saw Anthony Rawlings hit a shot into the side netting after a Nathan Renfree cross.

The visitors took the lead with the first chance of the half. The experienced Anthony Rawlings hit his penalty past Cameron Clarke to give the games its first goal.

Clarke made an important save to deny Llantwit and Rawlings a second. Vaughn Fowler was dispossessed and Josh Jones laid it to Rawlings for a clear-cut chance but Rawlings failed to take his chance.

Pontypridd chased an equaliser as Clarke’s save spurred them on. Vaughn Fowler flicked it on to substitute Kareem Leigh but his quickly-taken shot was saved by Lansdowne.

The Dragons continued their search for an equaliser. Josh Allen strayed the offside trap and headed over the bar as play continued, despite Davies being down in the box.

Allen had another opportunity as he beat the offside flag again but his trickling shot was saved once again.

Chances were coming at a minimum as Ponty battled on. In stoppage time, Baldwin moved forward and swung in a cross to Bloom who set himself up for an acrobatic shot which sailed just over the bar.

Llantwit failed to clear and Lewis Baldwin rose above to pinpoint a header past Lansdowne with an all-important header.

Pontypridd stay outside of the drop zone after Goytre drew with Afan Lido, whilst Llantwit Major drop down to sixth.

Pontypridd Town:  Clarke, Parry, Baldock, Shaw, Hillman (C), Baldwin, Lewis (Beddard 48), Fowler, Allen, Bloom, McKeary (Junior 48)

Llantwit Major: Lansdown, Davies, Goldsworthy, Hatley, Williams, Evans, Butler (C), Renfree, J.Jones, Rawlings, R.Jones

(Featured Image: Callum Ellis)