Pontypridd United 1-3 TNS: As it happened
Pontypridd United take on TNS in the opening weekend of the Adran Premier at the USW Sport Park.
To say there is a rivalry between these two sides would be an understatement, and both know that, even though this is the opening weekend of the season, that a win would mean so much heading into the remainder of the season.
Pontypridd were pipped to fourth place by the Saints last season, and only missed out by one goal. James Fishlock’s side did go on to win the Conference Plate but will harbour strong top four ambitions. While Adran Premier Young Player of the Year Liv Franics has headed to Old Trafford to join Manchester United, Ponty have been incredibly busy in the window. Alana Murphy returns to the club, Meg Saunders joins from Swansea City, while former Wales international Nadia Lawrence is also part of the Dragons’ squad.
Read more: Adran Premier 2023-24 predictions: Cardiff City or Swansea City for the title? Wrexham for top four?
For TNS, after reaching the top four, they showed exactly what they could do with good results and performances against Cardiff City, Swansea City, and Cardiff Met. Greg Draper has also managed to retain the vast majority of this squad, which is a big boost heading into the new campaign.
A handful of new additions have come in from across the border, but the standout name that will be donning the green and white shirt will be Kirstie Kural, who joins from Adran North side Connah’s Quay.
The last time the two met in the Valleys, TNS stunned Ponty with a dominant 4-0 win. The scars and wounds the Dragons suffered from that still hurt, but they’ll be hoping to make amends on Sunday. For TNS, they’ve made no secret that they want to battle for a Champions League place, and a win to start the season would be the perfect place to start that journey.
