If any game symbolises the changes to the Welsh domestic system, then it surely occurred at the Rec this weekend. Ammanford and Pontypridd played out a highly entertaining 3-3 draw, in what was the first home game in all competitions that either side had played since the end of last season. But, despite the two points thrown away late in the game, the high-scoring affair captured the feelgood factor at Ammanford right now.<\/strong><\/p>\n

The talking points in the days preceding the game most certainly centred around Damien Broad’s resignation as Pontypridd boss after one win in six leagues that left the club rock bottom. But, come Saturday morning, all focus switched towards the town’s anticipation of the club’s first home game since promotion from Welsh League Division Two last season and their first Welsh League game in front of their new 250 seater stand.<\/p>\n

Despite the elements’ best attempts to ruin any sort of spectacle, little could dampen Ammanford’s grand day that exemplifies the upward trend of those clubs embracing the changes to Welsh football. In a game that started with the clear sign of a club dedicated to its promotion of youth, as the under 9 side were used as match day mascots, the football club are giving them something to aspire towards both on and off the field with the improvement of the facilities as well as the style of play and identity of a team battling hard in Division One.<\/p>\n

However, if anyone was going to try and spoil that party it was to be visiting forward Luke Gullick, and he came up when it counted in his first game as joint interim manager alongside fellow strike partner Gavin Beddard. The forward silenced the Black and White Army after just ten minutes, rising highest to head home from a corner.<\/p>\n

But, the Ammanford party was well and truly back on just four minutes later. In his home debut, youngster Alfie Stottor, who joined the club from Haverfordwest this summer, slotted home after a series of blocks and deflections after Liam Samuel crossed for Matthew Jones inside the Pontypridd area.<\/p>\n

Ammanford maintained their pressure, and striker Jones headed wide from a corner with half an hour gone.<\/p>\n

But, the tide turned in the second half of the first period, as Ponty retook the lead. From a quick throw in, they threaded a pinpoint pass that bisected Ammanford’s defence, and Gullick rounded Craig Morris to double his tally for the game.<\/p>\n

The interim manager’s first half performance was clinical, giving the visitors some hope that life beyond Broad could well be positive. But, life could have been better had the forward buried another chance on the cusp of half-time. As the Ammanford defence tamely offered up the ball in their final third, the dead eye shooter cut in from the left but his effort on goal was wayward.<\/p>\n

But, half-time offered the respite that the home side clearly needed. Following on from the half time entertainment provided by Ammanford’s next generation, the home side came out with a greater energy than they ended the first period with and it provided immediate impact on their performance, as Brett Enoch dazzled his way into the area and won a penalty.<\/p>\n

Liam Samuel stepped up and fired past the opposition keeper to bring Ammanford back on level terms.<\/p>\n

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51\u2019 GOAL! Liam Samuel buries the penalty, 2-2! pic.twitter.com\/3KAFeAhM8H<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Ammanford AFC (@AFCAmmanford) November 3, 2018<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n