As-it-happened: Pontypridd United 0-1 Penybont
Kane Owen of Penybont celebrates his sides first goal scored by an own goal from his free kick. Pontypridd United v Penybont in the JD Cymru Premier at USW Sports Park on the 23rd December 2022. Credit: Lewis Mitchell
Penybont edged out Pontypridd United 1-0 at the USW Sport Park to strengthen their grip on a top-six spot.
Dave Vincent’s own goal was the only effort of the match in what was a largely uneventful spectacle. Bont dominated possession and had several chances, whilst Pontypridd only offered any threat in the latter stages.
Rhys Griffiths’ side are fifth and have two games in hand over third-placed Cardiff Met. As for the Dragons, they are five points adrift of safety, with a vital win for Flint Town United and a defeat for Aberystwyth Town.
The opening stages of the match were slow, and it took until the half-hour mark for the first meaningful opportunity. Nathan Wood outside of the box drilled a shot that hit the side netting.
Wood was providing the entertainment for an otherwise quiet opening, and went close once more. Kai Whitmore dribbled into the box and laid it to Wood, who shot over the bar.
Pontypridd almost broke the deadlock in a goalmouth scramble toward the half-time whistle. Jordan Knott’s long throw-in came into the box and Vincent slid a shot in front of a bunch of bodies after Ben Ahmun had teed him up.
Penybont opened the scoring just before the hour-mark, with a moment of magic from Kane Owen. A well-delivered free-kick from Owen came in and Vincent flicked a header into his own net.
It wasn’t until the introduction of Lewys Twamley, who is set to return to Newport County next month, that they looked to trouble the visitors. He dribbled into the box and drove a low shot that Absalom got down to. The Exiles winger then put in a cross that Danny Williams couldn’t turn home.
Pontypridd applied late pressure and had several opportunities, including a corner kick. In the last action of the match, there was an appeal for a penalty, but the referee stood firm and later blew the full-time whistle.
Pontypridd United: Ashley Morris, James Saddler (Lewys Twamley, 75), David Vincent, Jordan Knott, Ben Ahmun, Kieran Lewis, Lee Baldock (Danny Williams, 75), Joe Evans, Joe Hunt, Eliot Richards (James Bloom, 84), Clayton Green (C).
Yellow Cards: Lee Baldock 43’
Penybont: Kelland Absalom, Kane Owen (C), Ashley Evans, Daniel Jefferies, Kostya Georgievsky, Lewis Harling (Ryan Reynolds, 79), Nathan Wood (Tom Tweedy, 79), Kai Whitmore (Lewis Clutton, 72), Keyon Reffell (Sam Snaith, 67), Billy Borge, Shaun MacDonald.
Goals: David Vincent OG 54’
Yellow Cards: Sam Snaith 90+4
