Saturday 12 February 2000

Welsh League Division One

A definite game of two halves as Ponty shared the spoils with high-flying Maesteg at the Recreation Ground.

Manager Ray Pennock brought Chris Lovell back into the starting line up in place of the injured Lee Brown, whilst Youth team keeper Mark Snell was preferred to Adrian Barnsley.

The game got off to a flying start, as the visitors took the lead after 90 seconds. Chris Lovell was beaten for pace wide on the left, and the resultant cross was met by Neil Jeremy, who gave Mark Snell no chance with a powerful drive high into the net.

Pontardawe pulled level just seven minutes later. Chris Miller broke clear, headed the ball past the last defender, and cheekily sent a lob over Adrian Tucker in the Maesteg goal that was inch perfect. Ponty should have gone in front just three minutes later. After great work by Mark Emmanuel out wide on the left, a cross was swung in, and Anthony Winchester put the header inches wide. There was more to come, as minutes later, Andy Richards was left cursing his luck as his header from an inswinging corner cannoned off the bar.

Mark Snell was called into action after 36 minutes to make a fine save, and from the keeper’s throw out, Pontardawe created their second goal of the game. Anthony Winchester collected the ball, powered through the defence, and shot powerfully past Tucker to give the home side the advantage.

Maesteg levelled the game just before half time. From a corner, Dean Threllfall climbed highest to head home despite the best efforts of the defenders on the line. A very entertaining first period ended with the score at 2-2.

If the first period was full of chances, goals, and excitement, the second period was the total opposite. Chances were few and far between, the only highlights being a double save from Mark Snell on the hour mark, and two half chances for Ponty towards the end, Neil Waters going close in the area, and Keri Singh having a header saved on the line.

A disappointing second 45 minutes, especially as the first half showed so much promise. However, a valuable point for Pontardawe against one of the top sides in the division.

PONTARDAWE: Snell – Matthews - Emmanuel - Lovell – Singh – Morse – Waters – Richards – Miller – Winchester – Davies Subs: Quinn (for Winchester 85) - Jones – Moran