Jonny Graham
7 Mar 2026
Following a three-match winning run, it was a poor showing from the Dragons as they were convincingly beaten 4-0 by Llantwit Major on a cold evening at the USW Sports Park.
It was a promising start from the home side; in the first 15 minutes, Ponty dominated possession and played some fluid football. It took a good save from Ryley Allen to deny Eli Phipps from close range after an inviting ball across the face of goal by Evan Cadwallader, while Jack Jones also struck just wide of the left post from 12 yards.
Llantwit Major eventually grew into the game, and Jack Bevan was played through over the top of the Pontypridd defense before being dispossessed by a strong covering challenge. Llantwit called for a foul and a free-kick, but nothing was given.
Towards the end of the first half, another strong save was needed from Allen in the Llantwit net as a venomous strike from Phipps was tipped over the bar. At the other end a few minutes later, Llantwit Major had their best chance of the half as Kofi Rowe did well out wide, before cutting inside to shoot. Rowe's effort was blocked by Dave Vincent, but the ball fell perfectly to Bevan on the right-hand side of the six-yard box, who placed his shot just wide of the far post.
A few half-chances went either way towards the end of the half, but there was nothing to separate the two teams at the break.
Moving into the second half, Llantwit Major were the much better side straight from the off. They created several dangerous chances and eventually got their breakthrough in the 60th minute after a good ball in from the left by Connor Goldsworthy was met in the air by Bevan from 10 yards out.
Just two minutes later, Bevan had his second of the game. Another ball into the box, this time from the right-hand side by Rowe, was tapped in from close range at the near post.
Pontypridd struggled to find a way back into the match as Llantwit Major held the majority of the ball. The visitors soon added a third, this time through Josh Jones, who was played through on the right-hand side of the box and fired a low effort across goal and in off the far post.
To finish the game off, the visitors made it 4-0 after another ball over the Pontypridd defence. Jones latched onto the through ball before lashing the strike home through Mike Lewis' legs.
It was a disappointing loss for the Dragons after an even first half and 50 minutes of being defensively sound. The team will aim to get back on track away to Treowen Stars AFC next Saturday.
Attendance: 217
Image Credit: Morgan Leigh Selby
