Photo Gallery Match Action

Welsh Football League
Reserve Division West
Pontardawe Town v South Gower
Date 10th October 2009
Venue - The Recreation Ground, Pontardawe

Pontardawe Town
Liam James (2)
Gareth Govier
Ian Jones

South Gower

Weather - dry and sunny
Pitch - firm

On an emotionally charged day for all from Ponty following the death of Peter James the day before, Ponty entertained newcomers to Reserve Division West South Gower for their first visit to the Recreation Ground. An impeccable minutes silence in honour of Peter was held before kick off.

The events of Friday were obviously on Ponty's players mind as they went into this match and within 8 minutes Ponty found themselves two goals down resulting from defensive slips. Ponty battled against a well equipped for life in Reserve Division West side in South Gower and eventually dragged themselves back into the game from a well taken goal from Liam James on 22 minutes. However, eight minutes later after Ponty gave the ball away again, South Gower went into a 3-1 lead. Ponty were up against it now and started to play some of football that they are capable of. Shortly after South Gower scored, Liam James got his second of the match with another well taken goal to make it 2-3. Ponty now went on to create some chances themselves but could not find the equalizer before the half time break.

Ponty started the second half with some fight and determination and created some opening but could not find the finish required. Then, Ponty got back on level terms after Owain Williams following a long run with the ball was taken down just outside the box. Gareth Govier stepped up and placed the free kick in the top right hand corner to level the scores. Numerous chances were created by Ponty with a goal being disallowed after Otty was alleged to have fouled the defender before lobbing the ball into the net. Ponty went looking for the winner and after a goal-mouth scramble Ianto put the ball in the back of the net to put Ponty ahead 4-3. Ponty now only had to hold the lead for 5 minutes and see the game out but South Gower were controversially awarded a penalty after Gareth Govier was adjudged to have handled the ball. Watch the video and judge for yourselves if it was deliberate hand to ball or ball to hand (or elbow in this case) - either way, the penalty was given and South Gower put it away to level the game at 4-4.

The game ended in controversy shortly after Ponty appeals for a penalty were turned down. On a highly charged day for Ponty it was probably the fight that Ponty showed to haul themselves not only back into this game but to take the lead that stood out.

The "Man of the Match" went to Ianto for his contributions during the game with Ianto also picking up the "Minge of the Match" award as well.

View all of the match action and goals here. A DVD of the whole game is available - let us know if you would like to purchase a copy of the DVD for £5

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