Pontypridd United
Match Report
Celtic succumbed to their 6th successive defeat in the past 5 years against Pontypridd United under the floodlights at the soleless USW Sports Park last Friday. Celtic’s injury list has swelled by the absence of the latest crocks Isaac Powell, who, along with Kian Bodenham and Tyler Broom, will be out long-term, and Callum Hodges who should be back next match. Better news was the return on the subs bench of the now fit Jude Bull.
The game itself was a lacklustre affair. Ponty had much the better of the game. A brilliant save by Iwan Hooper kept out a point blank shot on goal and at the other end Tom Meechan missed a great chance to open the scoring when he sliced a cross from Dominic Connor wide from close in when he was well-placed at the far post. Ponty duly took the lead on 35 minutes when Jarrad Wright rose unchallenged to head home Jamie Veale’s free kick.
In the 2nd half Ponty continued to dominate play and were denied a goal when a goal-bound shot by Griffiths ricocheted off Connor’s outstretched leg for a corner. In the 86th minute the hosts sealed the win with a scrappy goal. Jarrad Wright headed the ball into the 6-yard box. Celtic’s defence should have cleared and it was Liam Eason who reacted quickest to scoop the ball into the net.
Their win takes Ponty to 3rd in the league. Celtic are 12th, not helped by their poor away form (only one win in 6 on their travels this season) plus the 3 long-term injuries and the recent departures of Bonthron and Meaney. The hard road ahead is a great opportunity for the youngsters brought into the side to show their mettle.
MOM: Iwan Hooper – just shaded it from Mario van Dieren