Pontypridd United have been relegated from the Adran Premier, despite drawing 2-2 with Cardiff Met.
In a game filled with drama and controversy, Ponty couldn’t find the all-important winning goal, and as a result, they will be playing in the Adran South next season. Their relegation is subject to the FAW’s Licencing criteria being met by the Adran North and South winners Llandudno and Briton Ferry Llansawel
Both sides opted to start with the same eleven that started their games last week, where Ponty drew with Barry Town, while Met were able to pick up a 4-1 win over TNS.
The home side made a bright start and were almost ahead inside ten minutes. Shannon Hindmarsh’s free-kick from deep bounced off the head of Tiggi Webb and into the six-yard box. There lurking was Erin Murray, but she couldn’t get a good connection on her strike, allowing Met to clear.
How the Archers would take advantage of that miss, as they went ahead three minutes later. Nieve Jenkins’ corner sailed over everyone, before clipping the inside of the post and going in. A bit of brilliance from the former Swan.
Met couldn’t take advantage of their lead and were under the cosh for the vast majority of the first half. Murray could have had a hat-trick in the opening half hour, but some uncharacteristic loose finishing were beginning to cost the Dragons.
But they kept battling and found their equaliser ten minutes before the break. Efa Preece Jones’ corner finding the head of Hindmarsh, who gave Daisy Farrow no chance of saving it. They had one, and now they needed another.
If Ponty were going to get something, Preece Jones would certainly be involved in it. The winger was having a great game and getting the better of the Met defence, but Farrow was equal to her efforts.
A strong half from the league’s bottom side, but they needed more in the second period.
For all their good work in the first 45 minutes, Ponty couldn’t quite get going for large swathes of the second half. Whether it be that final pass, the final shot or the final run, the ball just wouldn’t stick for them.
The Archers weren’t creating anything and couldn’t test Klaudia Wojtyczka at all, but they somehow broke through to find a second twelve minutes before the end. Emily Bayliss’ shot was parried by Wojtyczka straight into the path of Esme Kilburn-Thompson, who tapped home.
That goal proved to be the catalyst for a wild end to the game. Jasmine Turner raced through into the box and was fouled cynically by Webb. The Met skipper was red carded, but somehow, the referee awarded a free kick and not a penalty to the shock of everyone in the ground.
Ponty could feel hard done by with that decision, but that didn’t deter them as they found a leveller. The ball broke out to Lucy Attwood, and with the help of the crossbar, sneaked her strike over the line. With a player advantage, could the Dragons find the all-important third goal?
Despite a flurry of late corners, the hosts couldn’t get the ball over the line. It was certainly their best performance of the season, but it wasn’t enough, as their relegation to the Adran South was confirmed.
Next week sees Pontypridd welcome Barry Town to the USW Sport Park, while Met travel to face TNS.
Player of the Match: Shannon Hindmarsh
Efa Preece Jones and Nieve Jenkins both deserve mentions, but I thought Hindmarsh was brilliant. Her defensive positioning was great, but it was her danger from set pieces that made her a real problem for Met.
Pontypridd United
Klaudia Wojtyczka, Shannon Hindmarsh, Madison Williams (Katie Williams 78’), Jasmine Turner ©, Eliie Gunney (Holly Broad 88’), Efa Preece Jones, Mia Sherrard (Lauren Payne 78’), Ruby James, Lucy Attwood, Erin Murray, Lucy Jones
Unused Subs: Eleanor Brook, Caitlin Davies
Goals: Shannon Hindmarsh (33’), Lucy Attwood (84’)
Yellows: Madison Williams (78’)
Cardiff Met
Daisy Farrow, Sophie Davidson, Faith Mulenga, Tiggi Webb ©, Samantha Dziminowicz (Chelsea Cochrane 46’), Grace Corne, Molly Chapman (Number 14 70’), Emily Bayliss, Esme Kilburn-Thompson, Nieve Jenkins, Ellie Preece
Unused Subs: Carys Gittins, Sally Grimm, Kennesha Nanette
Goals: Nieve Jenkins (12’), Esme Kilburn-Thompson (78’)
Reds: Tiggi Webb (81’)
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