Pontypool Veterans 4 Cardiff Continental 3 (From Free Press Series)

Pontypool Veterans 4 Cardiff Continental 3

4:10pm Monday 11th March 2013 in Sport

SINCE their well-earned victory at unbeaten AFC Llywdcoed over a month ago, Pontypool Veterans suffered an unwanted break in the fixtures due to the weather and then back-to-back defeats away from home in Merthyr and Cardiff meant a loss of momentum and confidence for the team.

However, Ponty finally got to play a fixture at Albion Road Playing Fields for the first time since September and hoped to use their home advantage for the long awaited quarter-final cup tie v Cardiff Continental for a place in the semi-finals of the Welsh Veterans Cup.

After starting brightly, Ponty were trailing 1-0 at the break and were also forced into changes early on due to injury which included a change of goalkeeper.

With the close score line providing a fighting chance, Ponty soon equalised after the restart through captain Wayne Nash and then minutes later a skilfully chipped goal from prolific striker Mark Walker gave Ponty a deserved 2-1 lead.

Another sweet strike from the left boot of Walker extended the lead with just 15 minutes remaining; however, this is when the match suddenly burst into life in what was a thrilling finale.

The visitors clawed their way back almost immediately and as they pushed more bodies forward Ponty were able to hit them on the break and after a few attempts the fourth goal finally came as Walker completed his hat-trick with a sublime finish inside the penalty box.

Keeping the neutrals interested in the freezing conditions, the visitors fought back again with another goal only this time Ponty held out to the final whistle to progress to the semi-finals for the first time in their short history.

Ponty must now travel as underdogs to high flying Abercarn next Sunday to reach the Welsh Veterans Cup Final.