Pontardawe Town 2-3 Gwynfi United

Saturday 25 March 2000

Welsh League Division One

A dazzling goal from Scott Conaty ten minutes before time gave Gwynfi the points in a hard fought encounter at the Recreation Ground.

Pontardawe made two enforced changes for this match, with Chris Rymer replacing the unavailable Simon Davies, and Andy Richards resuming midfield duties in place of Lee Moran.

Pontardawe nearly grabbed an early lead as Chris Miller collected the ball in the area, swivelled neatly, and hit a chip shot that the Gwynfi keeper brilliantly turned onto the bar. However it was the visitors who made the breakthrough by opening the scoring after nine minutes. A quick break saw the ball played into the area and in the confusion the ball rolled against the post and was scrambled home. Worse was to come, as after 24 minutes Gwynfi doubled their advantage, a superbly hit shot from Dean South deceiving Mark Snell and dipping into the net. The home side pulled one back before the break, Chris Rymer’s cross fooling everyone and ending up in the Gwynfi net. 2-1 to Gwynfi at half time.

Anthony Winchester should have levelled the game after 54 minutes, the Ponty striker’s shot bringing another good save from the Gwynfi keeper, whilst Mark Snell was called into action to produce a great stop from a Gwynfi free kick after 69 minutes. Two minutes later, Pontardawe were awarded a free kick for handball. Lee Andrews floated the ball into the area, and the ball was bundled home by Anthony Winchester.

However, it was not to be the perfect ending for Pontardawe, but it took one of the goals of the season to finally subdue them. On 80 minutes, Scott Conaty collected the ball and set off on a run at goal, eluding the chasing Ponty defenders. Conaty then struck a curling drive past the outstretched fingers of Mark Snell to score a wonderful goal that brought huge cheers from the Gwynfi fans, and appreciative applause from the home support. Five minutes from time, Keri Singh had an opportunity to square the match, but saw his effort deflected away by determined Gwynfi defending.

A defeat Pontardawe can ill afford, and leave them looking anxiously at the foot of the table.

PONTARDAWE: Snell – Evans – Andrews – Brown – Singh – Morse – Waters – Richards – Miller – Winchester – Rymer Subs: Quinn (for Andrews 81) – Emmanuel (for Morse 81) – Lovell (not used)