Pontypridd Town 2-1 Cambrian and Clydach: Ponty win, but not enough as they lose out on title
Pontypridd beat Cambrian and Clydach 2-1 at USW Sport Park, but the result was in vain after Llantwit defeated Undy Athletic to win the Cymru South.
A header from Corey Jenkins and an own goal from Jago Norton was enough to see Ponty over the line, but they had to survive a nervy final few minutes after a wonder strike by Jordan Smith.
Pontypridd have now secured second place in the Cymru South, while Cambrian and Clydach drop down to sixth, after starting the day in fifth.
From kick off, the Dragons were up for this one, pressing high and not letting Cambrian get out of their half much.
They were rewarded in the 18th minute with a well worked goal. Ian Traylor was bought down on the edge of the area, and from the resulting free kick, Lee Baldock looped in a ball which was headed back across goal by David Vincent, and Corey Jenkins was lurking at the far post to head it into an empty net.
Five minutes later the lead had doubled. A corner was cleared back to Baldock, and his low cross was deflected by Jago Norton, and beat the helpless Cameron Clarke.
Sam Johnson had a chance to put the hosts three up after the half hour mark. He was through on goal and his shot had beaten Clarke, but the post was Cambrian’s saviour this time.
The visitors’ best opportunity of the half came from Connor Davies, but his effort from range was comfortably saved by Steven Cann.
The vast majority of the second half offered nothing in the way of chances, both teams happy to sit back and see the game out.
However, with eight minutes to spare, Cambrian put doubt in the minds of Ponty fans and players as they got one back. A cross filed ball found Jordan Smith, who made a run towards the back post, and he produced an exquisite volley past Cann.
Yet, after a final few nervy moment, Ponty got over the line. However, with Llantwit’s result, the title won’t be heading to the valleys this season.
Ponty’s last game of the season will be away to Carmarthen Town, while Cambrian and Clydach will host Undy Athletic.
Player of the Match: Corey Jenkins
The winger only played 60 minutes, but he was the best player on the park. He made marauding runs and took on his marker at every opportunity, and he fully deserved his goal too.
Pontypridd Town AFC
Steven Cann (GK), Lee Baldock (Oli Dalton, 90’), Vaughn Fowler (Paul Morgan, 90’), David Vincent, Jordan Knott, Aiden Lewis (Gavin Beddard, 88’), Ian Traylor, James Saddler © (James Bloom, 90’), Christian Davies, Sam Johnson, Corey Jenkins (Troy Hiscock-Greening, 61’)
Goals: Corey Jenkins (18’), Jago Norton (O.G. 23’)
Yellow Cards: Christian Davies (40’), Aiden Lewis (45’), Ian Traylor (90’)
Cambrian and Clydach Vale
Cameron Clarke, Connor Davies, Tye Duggan, Jago Norton, Jarrad Wright ©, Dai Thomas, Craig Wilcox, Ceri Morgan, Liam Reed (Aled Willan, 80’), Shaiyon Johnson (Jordan Smith, 57’), Cameron Keetch
Unused Subs: Harry Webber (GK), Josh Owen, Cam Strinati
Goals: Jordan Smith (82’)
Yellow Cards: Cameron Keetch (41’), Connor Davies (90’)
