Photo Gallery Match Action

Welsh Football League Division One
Ely Rangers v Pontardawe Town
Date Tuesday 1st December 2009
Venue - Station Road, Wenvoe, Cardiff

Ely Rangers

Pontardawe Town
Steffan Davies
Carl Owen
Dale Otten

Pontardawe have endured a month of inactivity due to internationals and bad weather but they made up for it after just 4 minutes with a 7th goal of the season for Steffan Davies. Town had started the game on fire and swarmed all over Ely from the first whistle. Chances were coming thick and fast with Robbie Daniels and Dale Otten combining well on the right and Owain Williams ond Jon Coates on the left.

Ely were not looking threatening at all but after 22 minutes an Ely player impeded Town goalie, Ben Hopkins, on his line which prevented a certain save. Referee Ian Hollyoake awarded the goal despite Town's appeals. This was against the run of play but despite the setback Town once again began to put the Ely goal under pressure with Gary Taylor having an outstanding game at the heart of the midfield.

At 45 minutes Town deservedly regained the lead after Carl Owen was put through and he finished off in style.

After a close call in the opening minutes of the second half Town continued to dominate but the next clear chance went to Ely as they were awarded a penalty after 60 minutes following a tackle from behind in the box. The calls were for Ben to go to his right and, whether he heard them or not, that is what he did and pulled off an excellent save.

Another penalty was awarded just 8 minutes later, but this time is was to Town after Andrew Stokes was brought down in the box. Up stepped Dale Otten who hit a poor penalty by his standards but was on hand to put away the rebound.

As the game moved into the closing period Carl Owen was put through by man of the match Owain Williams but was brought down in the box. To everyone's amazement Mr Hollyoake waved play on and refused to listen to Town's appeals.

In the last 10 minutes both Chris Allen and James Pickup came on for Town to make their club debuts and Allen missed a chance to celebrate his debut when he headed over from close range.

In the final minutes Town's manager, Steve Price, was sent off by the referee after strong words were exchanged when the frustration of some inconsistent refereeing took its toll.

Pontardawe Town : B Hopkins, R Daniel, O Williams, R South, P Lenihan, A Stokes, G Taylor (C), D Otten, S Davies, C Owen, J Coates, C Allen (Sub), J Pickup (Sub), G Govier (Sub - Not Used), C Evans (Sub - Not Used), R Whitelock (Sub - Not Used)

Scorers : S Davies (4 mins), C Owen (45 mins), D Otten (68 mins, Pen)
Sending Off : S Price (85 mins)
Officials : I Hollyoake, R Preece, D Boyle