Pontyclun 2-1 Cwmamman United

Cwmamman United staged a strong fightback to dominate the last 20 minutes and pull a goal back – but they also missed a penalty and failed to convert some good chances before losing 2-1.

The match started well for Cwm with both Ryan Hurlow and Kyle Ashford’s pace causing problems and forcing keeper Sam L’homme to make two good early saves.

The game then settled with Pontyclun playing a patient build up game, while Cwm relied on breaking quickly and freeing their wingers.

Defences were on top though and Nathan Davies and Terry Maynard were solid for Cwm in the centre of defence.

Most opportunities fell around the edge of the box and Pontyclun tried a lob over Nathan Mcneil which clipped the foot of the post.

Both sides were hoping to create more in the second half and it was Pontyclun who increased their intent.

A long cross in the 52nd minute was headed into the path of top scorer Joel Woodington, who steered it home.

Cwm were now under regular pressure and on the hour a low cross to the near post from Tom Holder was met by Woodington to make it 2-0.

This was the trigger for Cwm to inject some urgency and with Ross Morgan growing more influential and Elian Evans freeing Ryan Hurlow a lot more Cwm started to create good chances.

Hurlow was brought down on a weaving run but Calem Rees saw a firmly hit penalty well saved by L’Homme.

Cwm were not disheartened and kept the pressure on with Hurlow now regularly getting behind the defence.

Another great run saw him race into the box and steer the ball wide of the keeper, and Pontyclun now looked focused on survival.

In the 90th minute Cwm thought they had equalised but a great block on the line, and then a great save denied them a share of the spoils.

They will now look forward to welcoming AFC Porth this Saturday (ko 2.30pm).