It has been a tough few weeks with results not going the way we hoped despite all the efforts the squad has put in

We therefore looked for a positive day in the first round of the FAW Welsh Cup but in the knowledge that Penrhiwceiber Rangers, our visitors, were going to be a real tough side to beat. This was added to by the absence of 4 key members of the playing squad.

We didn't have to worry though, because straight from the off the lads were excellent in all aspects of the game. Defensively solid, patient on the ball and in attack, with Josh Dorward having a barnstormer of a game, we gave our visitors no end of problems from the off. It was Dorward who instigated the first goal, as early as the 4th minute, when he found Jesse Meacock in the box and Jesse calmly slotted home from close range. The visitors were a good team, well organised and hard working, but they struggled to create any clear cut chances whilst, at the other end, Town could have easily extended their lead.

In the second half, playing against a decent wind, Town continued to look the more dangerous and it was Dorward again who broke through and, instead of going for goal himself, found the unmarked Meacock who slotted home his second of the game. The visitors got back into the game almost immediately though as Jack Thomas found himself unmarked from a corner and he headed home

Rangers then had a bit of a spell which rattled Town a little but this was shortlived as, in the 77th minute Steff Jenkins played a superb through ball which saw Jesse Meacock get his hat trick goal. Town then got their 4th with minutes to go when Rhys Benjamin's tenacity paid off and the ball fell to Will Thomas who smashed hit home for Town's 4th of the game

Congratulations to Josh Paynter who made his senior debut for Pontardawe Town after coming off the bench in the 73rd minute

Man of the Match (Sponsored by Harmony Windows Ltd)
Jesse Meacock