Progress in another cup Match Reports 22nd September 2022 From failed favourites against Hakin United on Saturday to victors over Cymru Premier side Pontypridd in the Nathaniel Cup MG Cup on Tuesday. The side played with far more purpose and looked solid at the back. While accepting this was nowhere near Pontypridd’s strongest side, we made changes from Saturday and for most of the game we were comfortable. At half time it was difficult to see how we would score but two goals in a two minute spell early in the second half sealed the result. It was a cagey start by both sides, plenty of long balls being played to no real advantage with neither keeper being troubled. The opening goal when it came was from a poor defensive header intended for the keeper but it lacked power. Liam Griffiths latched on to the ball and with the keeper committed and in no mans land Liam lobbed him with the ball just dipping under the crossbar to give us the lead. Encouraged by this we again attacked and won a corner which Sacha Walters took and the ball ended up in the back of the net. Opinion was it went straight in giving Sacha the goal although some felt it was an own goal, but the goal counted which was all that mattered. Spurred on by these reverses Pontypridd pushed forward but some resolute defending kept them at bay. Steve Cann made probably one save during the game and was largely unemployed. With 20 minutes to go Lido replaced Michael McCalmon and Jay Thomas with Josh Webber and Ioan Evans, adding pace to both flanks. Inside the last 10 minutes Liam McCreesh replaced Ben Keen to add a little more experience for the final minutes.
