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Current Season 2010/2011
Match Dates with video highlights/photos available (in reverse order newest first):

 Afan Lido v Pontardawe Town - Classic Sportswear Reserve Cup Final 25th May 2011

Town were led out by captain Ian "Ianto" Jones and featured a a number of youngsters who have come through the successful Junior Section of the football club. Meanwhile Afan Lido featured a few first team regulars as they lined up facing the clubhouse in the first half.

Lido started the better on a bumpy pitch and Corey Thomas and Conor Harris started to cause concern for what seemed to be a nervy Town defence early on. Meanwhile up front Town's Liam James was starting to control the ball well bringing Tom Blizzard and Tom Blackburn into the game on the flanks. It was intriguing stuff but albeit a bit scrappy.

It took a bit of class to break the deadlock and this came from Town's Tom Blackburn after 23 minutes who picked up the ball just outside the Lido box and fired home an unstoppable shot as the Lido players complained about an injury to one of their players. The game had continued for just seconds after the Lido player had been hit in the face so they could not have expected referee Adrian Harries to blow up at that stage.

On 32 minutes youngster Josh Dorward hit the cross bar with a shot and the advancing Liam James's shot on the rebound was well saved by the Lido keeper. On 35 minutes Lido were back in it, and at this stage deservedly so, as Conor Harris slotted home a simple effort after a mix up in the Town defence. Was Corey Thomas offside though ? ..... probably but none of the officials saw this. 

Town responded well to this setback and after 41 minutes took the lead again when Tom Blackburn went down the right and unleashed an unstoppable shot across the goal to give Town a 2-1 lead at the break.

Just 5 minutes after half time an incident in the Town area resulted in Gareth Govier having to leave the field with a injured leg after what looked like a stamp from a Lido player which was missed by the referee. From this point the game became scrappy again with both sides failing to create any real chances. This changed after 78 minutes when Liam James tested the Lido keeper from close range and from the resulting corner, taken by Tom Blackburn corner which Stuart Hoskins met with great cross goal header, man of the match Josh Dorward was on hand to put Town 3-1 up with just 10 minutes to go.

A further 2 minutes later and Town were home and dry, or so we thought, when a Liam James cross was headed home by Liam Griffiths.  This sparked massive celebrations in the Town dugout and amongst our supporters which was slightly tempered by an improved performance from Lido which saw them sneak a goal back through Cerith Williams on 90 minutes.

But it was Town's night and as referee Adrian Harries's whistle blew for the end of the game the celebrations commenced. This was a great performance by Dan Thomas's team who deserved the win on the night and for their efforts all season.

Watch all of the match action, goals and the cup presentation here

The game was well managed  by referee Adrian Harries and his assistants Gareth Dowdeswell and Paul Meredith. The fourth official was David Morgan.

Amongst the photos below we show Ianto receiving the cup and Josh Dorward his man of the match trophy - video of the presentation and medals is included in the video footage of the game.

THE FUTURE IS BRIGHT.... THE FUTURE IS AT PONTY !!

Pontardawe Town : Dean Morgan, Gareth Govier, Liam Roberts, Craig Davies, Elliot Thomas, Ian Jones (C), Josh Dorward, Liam Griffiths, Liam James, Tom Blackburn, Tom Blizzard
Subs : Stuart Hoskins (for Tom Blizzard),  Gareth Lewis (for Liam James), Trystan Edwards (not used),
Christian Evans (for Gareth Govier), Arwel Rees (not used)

Manager - Dan Thomas /  Coaches - Marcus Evans and Jason Dykes

Bryntirion Athletic v Reserves in Reserve Cup Semi Final 10th May 2011

Ponty travelled east again to play Bryntirion for the first time this year since Bryntirion switched to Reserve Central. Bryntirion started well and for the first 10-15 minutes put Ponty under pressure. If the young Ponty side had any nerves, they did not show as they gradually put themselves back on the front foot. Ponty went ahead when Rhodri Dykes played a one-two with Tom Blizzard and slid a ball across the Bryntirion penalty area for Tom Blackburn to slot home after 22 minutes. Ponty grew in confidence with the back four of Rhodri, Elliott, Craig and Stokesy outstanding. Young Josh Dorward was also starting to find space to create problems for Bryntirion. half time came with Ponty 1-0 up and looking very good value for the lead.

Bryntirion never really got out of the blocks after the start of the half as the Ponty lads now took full control. Ponty extended their lead from Tom Blizzard with what must be a goal of the season contender (Gary Taylor and gareth Lewis must be worried by this late entry) as he volleyed home from 25 yards following a Ponty corner. The game was made safe when Josh Dorward nicked the ball from in front of the Bryntirion centre half and played it out to Liam James on the left. Liam held the ball up and set up Tom Blizzard for a shot on goal. Toms shot hit the far post and rebounded to where both defenders had gathered with the intention of clearing the danger. However Liam James followed up the shot and when it rebounded off the post, was on hand to tap home to make it 3-0 from fully 11 inches past two very bemused and disconsolate Bryntirion defenders.

This was truly an outstanding victory for a very young Ponty side who are getting better with greater confidence and self belief every game. The victory was only marred by what appears to be a serious injury to Stuart Hoskings who came on at half time after Ianto had picked up a groin injury. Ponty now face Afan Lido in the Final on the 25th May, ironically at Bryntirion where they will be looking for a repeat performance.

Watch all of the match action and goals here

Reserves v Briton Ferry Llansawel 7th May 2011

Ponty's last game of the season had to be played at Britton Ferry Llansawel due to cricket at the Recreation Ground to which all at Pontardawe thank Briton Ferry Llansawel to agreeing to host the reverse fixture.

Ponty started well with Gareth Lewis getting the first on 10 minutes with another left peg poke (see last game!!). Ponty were dominant and playing very neat flowing football with young Tom Blackburn again outstanding when he stole the ball just outside the box on 18 minutes, rounded the keeper and scored from an acute angle. Ianto completed the scoring in the first half for Ponty with a trademark tapin from within the 6 yard box to make it 3-0. Mention must be made of an outstanding performance yet again from Elliott Thomas who seems to be growing week by week into the centre half position - next year we are ordering XXXL shirts for him. Elliott and Craig Davies have formed a fantastic partnership throughout the season and proved that consistency at the back that has conceded so few goals again this season.

Ponty were forced into making a change at half-time due to an injury to Craig Davies with Ben Thomas taking his place alongside Elliott. Ben produced a great performance during the second half and slotted in alongside Elliott with ease. Ponty made another change midway through the second half bringing on Stuart Hoskins who had been gagging for a game. Stuart duly produced the goods with Pontys fourth on 65 minutes. Ponty did not have the second half all to their own - Briton Ferry Llansawel made a fight of it and got one back on 85 minutes and pushed Ponty for the remainder of the match but Ponty's back four held firm to seal second place and runners up in Reserve Division West with a deserved 4-1 win.

Elliott Thomas was voted "Man of the Match" by a large majority but surprisingly we could not find a single "Minge of the Match" nomination worthy of this accolade !

Watch all of the match action and goals here

Reserves v Garden Village - Wednesday 5th May 2011

Match report to follow but look out for a Gareth Lewis left peg tickle to win it for Ponty !

Watch all of the match action and goals here

Reserves v Garden Village - Wednesday 20th April 2011

Near neighbours Garden Village sat in third place with Ponty in second place ahead on goal difference at the start of this game. Ponty were looking to consolidate second spot and started well when the ever improving and influential Josh Dorward cut in from the right to smash Ponty ahead in the 10th minute. Another improving youngster Liam Griffiths got Ponty's second from just outside the box on 25 minutes. Ponty were in total control and looked comfortable. Ponty extended their lead through Christian Evans on 40 minutes with what must be another goal of the season contender. Half time came with Ponty looking very comfortable at 3-0 up.

Village dug in during the second half and proved much more difficult to break down and would have got a goal back mid way through the second half were it not for a goal-line clearance from Gareth Govier. Ponty from this point never looked in any real danger and got their fourth from the penalty spot when the ball bounced up and hit the Village defender on the arm. Substitute Trystan Edwards slotted the spot kick home on the 80th minute.

Ponty consolidated 2nd place with this 4-0 win but must now wait until the 7th May to play our next "home" game at Briton Ferry Llansawel. Ponty still face Village away in the return leg which has yet to be rearranged.

Watch all of the match action and goals here

Reserves v West End Saturday 16th April 2011

Local rivals West End visited Ponty with Ponty aiming to take another 3 points in their efforts to claim runners up spot in Reserve Division West.

West End started the stronger of the teams both physically and mentally as Ponty's young team struggled to get any grip on the game. West End went ahead on 20 minutes and that how it stayed up to the half time whistle.

Ponty started the second half slowly again but soon got going throgh goals by Tom Blackburn on 53 minutes and Liam Griffiths on 58 minutes. Ponty settled now and continued to create chances. Ponty now clearly on top after some baffling changes within the West End team saw Ponty get their third through Elliott Thomas on 63 minutes. Ian Jones chipped in with another tap in goal on 75 minutes following good work down the Ponty left with Tom Blackburn rounding the Ponty scoring off with a mazy run getting the fifth on 84 minutes. However, straight from the kick-off West End pulled one back to make it 5-2 to Ponty. The game was petering out when the referee sent a West End player off in the 90th minute for foul and abusive language which whilst to the letter of the law seemed a bit harsh.

Ponty reclaimed second place and must now look to secure another 3 points in their next game against second place contenders Garden Village on Wednesday 20th April at the Recreation Ground

Watch all of the match action and goals here

Reserves v Afan Lido Monday 11th April 2011 

Ponty once again had a bad start, conceding within 3 minutes of the start. Ponty settled and played the better football for the vast majority of the game. Lido were on the ropes for long periods, with the young Ponty side playing the ball around, stretching Lido all over the field. Ponty had several chances before Liam James got a scrappy goal to draw Ponty level with less than 10 minutes to go. In the failing light, Ponty pressed for the winner, which their play all throughout the game suggested they would get. However, how many times have a team clearly on top been subject to a sucker punch..... Lido broke with Elliott marking the Lido striker, only for the ball to bounce up and hit Elliott on the arm for a penalty with 2 minutes left on the watch. Lido probably were glad of this get out of jail card and slotted the ball home which for those watching the game was a very unlikely win against a young Ponty side gaining in confidence game by game. This was evident when young Josh Dorwood entered the fray mid way through the second half. His impact upon the game was immediate and he carried on where he left off against Abertillery Bluebirds in the Reserve Cup on Saturday.

The future looks bright for Ponty.

Watch all of the match action and goals here

Abertillery Bluebirds v Pontardawe Town (Reserve Cup Quarter Final) 9th April 2011

Ponty made the long trip east to play Abertillery Bluebirds in the quarter final of the Classic Sportswear Reserve Division Cup. Abertillery Bluebirds have a fantastic setup in a great location - the facilities are the envy of a lot of clubs.

Abertillery are a strong physical side with a lot of "old heads" amongst their ranks and it took a young Ponty side some time to settle and to come to terms with their more experienced hosts. Ponty had a chance from a corner when Gareth Govier volleyed at the far post only to see the fullback head clear on the line. Ponty continued to play the better football on a difficult pitch with Josh Roberts outstanding up front for Ponty giving the home defence a torrid time with his runs into space with pace but conceded mid way through the first half to go into the half time break 1-0 down having missed the chance to draw level from the penalty spot.

Ponty continued to play the better football and were knocking on the door on a number of occasions in the second half. Ponty brought on Liam James for that added extra threat up front midway through the second half. Ponty drew level from the penalty spot after Ianto had been pushed in the back and a confident Josh Roberts stepped up to slot the ball home with about 10 minutes remaining. It was all Ponty now and a flowing move saw Josh Roberts break down the Ponty left and square the ball for Liam James to slot home with 3 minutes left on the watch to make it 2-1 to the visitors. It was no more than the Ponty lads deserved on a very hot day.

Ponty march onto the semi finals and on this gritty display they will be amatch for anything that comes up against them.

Watch all of the match highlights and goals here

Newcastle Emlyn v Reserves 16th March 2011

Ponty seem to be making it a habit to play Newcastle Emlyn during mid-week and tonight due to the poor weather over the winter was no exception. One thing noticeable was the poor light provided by the floodlights - commented on by both management teams. The poor level of light has resulted in poor quality video with the camera struggling to focus at times.

Ponty started brightly but could not master the offside trap in the opening 20 minutes or so. Chances came and went for both sides before an innocent looking ball was only partly cleared by Ponty keeper Deano. Numerous times the ball has been put into row Z but on this occasion it fell nicely to the Emlyn striker who lobbed the ball over Deano from fully 20 yards out to give Emlyn the lead. This goal and the manner in which it was conceded was a shock to a strong Ponty side known for their tightness at the back over the seasons. Ponty went into the half time break 1-0 down. 

It probably would not be fair to call it a 15 minute half time break as within 5 minutes, Emlyn were back out on the pitch having responded to the referees whistle within the changing rooms to commence the second half. Ponty were out a couple of minutes after Emlyn as no doubt the management team wanted to make sure that the task ahead was fully understood by all Ponty players. Ponty pressed but could not find the opening, having been caught once again by the off-side trap. Disaster struck again for Ponty when Elliott played a ball within the box to Bungie, putting Bungie under immediate pressure. The Emlyn forward took advantage of this to fire home at the near post. Ponty now found themselves 2-0 down and their hopes of giving Lido a run for the championship looked severely dented. Ponty made a couple of changes  in an attempt to get back in the game. Ponty got their lifeline through Bungie who struck an unstoppable shot from 22 yards into the top corner with about 10 minutes left to play. Ponty now sniffed another and a battling performance off the bench by Liam James got Ponty some respectability when Liam hit home from close range with minutes left on the clock. Despite last minute pressure by Ponty the Emlyn defence held out and the game finished 2-2.

Man of the match went to Craig "Bungie" Davies. Look out for a first appearance in Ponty colours for some time by none other than Lee Brown who came on for the last 20 minutes as Ponty battled to get back into this game.

Watch all of the match and all of the goals here.

Neath Athletic v Reserves 9th March 2011

Having not played for the vast majority of the winter, the games are now coming thick and fast for the reserves. Ponty went into this encounter determined to avenge the drubbing handed out by Neath at The Rec in November last year.

Ponty started brightly and created a number of chances before Ian Jones latched onto a ball within the 6 yard box on 19 minutes to put Ponty ahead. Ponty relaxed now whilst Neath looked stunned. Chances came and went until Christian Evans slotted home at the far post on 45 minutes. A a cross from the right from Gareth Govier  was knocked on by Chris Allen to find Christian unmarked at the far post. Immediately from the restart the referee blew for half time with Ponty leading 2-0.

The second half saw a mini Neath fight back but the Ponty lads soaked up all of the pressure to see the game out for a great 2-0 win and another 3 points.

Watch all of the match action and goals here

"Man of the Match! was won by Ian Jones with "Minge of the Match" going to Elliott Thomas.

Reserves v Neath Athletic 20th November 2010

Ponty beat Neath home and away last season in claiming their champions title but it was not to be repeated at home today. This Neath side had overtones of Season 2008/2009 when they brought a very young and skill full side who played Ponty off the pitch and denied Ponty a shot at the title spot. History was to repeat itself here where a very young (16-18yrs old) Neath side produced a tremendous display to overwhelm the Ponty boys.

It started to go wrong for Ponty in the 35th minute when Neath went ahead. half time came with Ponty 1-0 down but things were to get much worse just after Ponty missed a glorious chance to pull one back when Neath got their second on 60 minutes. Shortly afterwards Ponty introduced some youngsters of themselves, brining on Josh Dorwood and Liam Griffiths for Gareth Govier and Luke Price. Things went from bad to worse when Ponty conceded the third on 75 minutes. Ponty now threw on Gazza Lewis for Trystan Edwards but still could not stop the Neath tide conceding the fourth on 77 minutes. The scoring and Ponty's miserable day were wrapped up when Neath got their fifth, heading in unchallenged on 85 minutes.

This was a shock to Ponty who now have a couple of weeks before the next game to pull themselves together and produce a combative display which they are well capable of.

Watch match highlights and all of the goals here

A DVD can be made available upon request.

Briton Ferry Llansawel v Reserves - Reserve Cup Rnd 1 6th November 2010

Ponty were drawn away in this first round tie but quickly got to work on a very uneven and bumpy pitch. Tom Blackburn carried on from last week, tormenting the Ferry right back and twisted him inside and out before shooting from 5 yards to open the scoring for Ponty on 5 minutes. Ponty tried to play creative football but the surface thwarted some efforts before Elliott Thomas got Ponty's second on 15 minutes, beating the Ferry keeper at his near post. Ponty now took almost total control and looked to be cruising when CJ Richards netted Ponty's third on 25 minutes from a header. Half time came with Ponty comfortably in charge and 3-0 up.

The second half saw a fight back from Ferry without really troubling stand in keeper Christian Evans who had a fantastic game coming out to claim numerous crosses and instil confidence in the Ponty back four. The second half saw a little niggle but this was more out of Ferry frustration than anything else on the level of control Ponty had on this game. Ponty's afternoon was rounded off when Tom Blackburn grabbed his second of the game and Ponty's fourth on 80 minutes. Ponty saw the remainder of the match out in total control for a very well deserved 4-0 margin.

Watch all of the match action and goals here

A DVD is available upon request

Reserves v Cwmaman United Sat 30th October 2010

The Ponty lads worked from early morning to make sure this game went ahead following heavy overnight rain - Dan and the lads did a tremendous job to ensure the pitch was playable for this Reserve Division West encounter against near neighbours Cwmaman.

Ponty started confidently on a very difficult surface - Gareth Govier opening the scoring after 5 minutes with a well struck shot which went under the keepers body to put Ponty ahead. Cwmaman struck back after 8 minutes when poor Ponty marking and defending left the striker with a clean header at goal which went past the town keeper Deano. Ponty kept on pressing, playing possession football at times with the ever influential Tom Blackburn getting around the back of the defence on a couple of occasions. Ponty went ahead on 35 minutes when Tom Blackburn took a VERY quick free kick just outside the penalty area (much to quick for the camera - sorry Tom) to take the Cwmaman keeper by surprise to put Ponty 2-1 up. This is how it stayed until half time.

Ponty started the second half well again, taking time in possession and playing the ball around well. This approach paid dividends when Matthew Hibbs went on a run into the Cwmaman box and slotted past the keeper to give Ponty a 3-1 cushion. Ponty should have gone on to get at least another goal but Cwmaman proved that they will be no pushovers again this season as they pinned Ponty back for long periods. Cwmaman deservedly got their second on 80 minutes to make it 3-2 and make Ponty work hard for the last 10 minutes. Ponty laboured at ties, making it much harder than it should have been during the last 10 minutes to hang on for a very welcome 3 points.

Ponty face Briton Ferry Llansawel in the cup next Saturday and will be wishing for a repeat of parts of today's performance.

Watch all of the goals and match action here

A DVD is available upon request

West End v Reserves Saturday 16th October 2010

Ponty made the short journey to near rivals West End in this Reserve Division West encounter and got off to a very slow start and were 1-0 down after just 2 minutes. Ponty went 2-0 down just 2 minutes later when the stand in keeper Gazza "the cat" Lewis brought down the West End striker in the box for as clear cut penalty as you will ever see. Ponty were rocking and just could not contain the movement and pace of the west End side. Nerves were frayed as West End hit the bar and post before Luke Price settled Ponty nerves when he headed home on 20 minutes from a corner. Ponty's cause was not helped with Liam James leaving the pitch early on with a twisted ankle. Ponty started to settle and play but they were further rocked when West End got their third on 35 minutes direct from a corner. Ponty knew they they had to get a grip on the game if they were to get anything out of this game but went into the half time break grateful that they only trailed 3-1 as it could have been much, much worse.

Ponty made a change at half time with Trystan going off to be replaced with Tom Blackburn and went close to reducing the deficit when they also hit the bar and post. West End hit back and made it 4-1. Ponty now seemed to smell the coffee and some pride could be seen when Rob Fulford nodded in from a corner to make it 4-2. West End were now on the back foot with Ponty playing some great football. Tom Blizzard on as a substitute made it 4-3 and the game was all now Ponty. It could surely only be a matter of time before Ponty drew level as they were now far the better side. Ponty's chance came but the ball hit the bar and went to safety. Ponty continued to press until the final whistle but after a very poor start, the lads must be encouraged by the shock that they gave West End who will undoubtedly be at the top of the league challenging for the title come the end of the season.

Watch match action and all of the goals here

A DVD is available upon request.

Afan Lido v Reserves 9th October 2010

Ponty visited good friends and neighbours in this Reserve Division West game. Afan Lido have had a great start to the season being unbeaten and sitting on top of the league.

This turned out to be a very tight affair with chances limited for both sides. The first half proved to be a midfield battle with Lido holding onto possession well with Ponty trying to hit them on the break. Both sides played some good football with probably Lido spurning the best chance of the first half when two players had the chance to put the ball in the net but miss-kicked for the Ponty stand-in keeper "The Cat" Lewis to collect safely. Half time came with the sides level 0-0.

The second half saw a bit more goalmouth action and Ponty had the chance to go ahead when Liam James was played through only to see his shot rebound off the post and into the grateful Lido keepers hands. Lido again had a couple of good chances to sneak it after Ponty made a couple of changes due to injury but Ponty held on with a very young finishing side to claim a valuable point against one of the sides likely to be challenging for Pontys title as champions come the end of the year.

Watch all of the match action here

Reserves v Ammanford 25th September 2010

Ponty went into this game wishing to make a statement as reigning champions, and make a statement they did. Paul Thomas settled what little Ponty nerves there were, netting after just 3 minutes. Further goals followed from Liam James on 28 and 33 minutes before Tom Blackburn made it 4-0 on 43 minutes. Ponty went into the half time break deservedly 4-0 up.

The second half started and continued, much as the first half had with Pontardawe making all the play. Ammanford were able to pass the ball around when they managed to gain possession but lacked that cutting edge that Ponty oozed. Ianto (Ian Jones) got the score line ticking away again for Ponty on 51 minutes, followed in quick succession by Liam James grabbing his hat-trick on 52 minutes, James Pickup making it 7-0 on 55 minutes with Tom Blackburn making it 8-0 on 59 minutes, with Tom Blackburn then grabbing his hat-trick and Ponty's 9th on 65 minutes. The expectant Ponty following had to wait until the 82nd minute for Arwel Rees to make it 10-0 with the performance  rounded off in the 85th minute by Ianto grabbing his second and Ponty's 11th.

This was a commanding display by Ponty and sets the groundwork for another successful season if this performance can be taken into subsequent games.

Man of the match award went to Ianto (Tom Blackburn was unable to make it back to the clubhouse) with Deano picking up "Minge of the match" and taking a very long 5 minutes to "down" his Guinness !!

Watch the match and all of the goals here