The League campaign was finally up and running this weekend for Cambrian's youth team. Both teams had something to prove after being eliminated from the Youth Cup.
Cambrian came out of the blocks early on, and Morgan Plant was a constant threat down the Cambrian right, creating three early chances that were snuffed out by a solid looking Pontyclun defence. Cambrian continued to turn the Pontyclun backline, with Lewis Jenkins lifting a shot just wide and a cut cross from Plant, saw Shaun Moss shoot over from 12 yards.
The opening goal came after 21 minutes, when Pontyclun failed to clear thier lines from a corner, a fed pass from Moss to Nick Price and a finish tucked into the far corner gave Cam the lead, although Price was clearly offside the goal stood. Harsh on Pontyclun.
Pontyclun were a threat on the break and played some flowing football to match thier constant workrate and endeavour. They were level when some neat counter attacking play ended with an excellent curling finish from 16 yards.
Cambrian got back in front just before half time, A long throw from Nick Price, flicked on by Moss leaving Jenkins a free header at the front post. Half time 2-1.
Second half, the game changed dramatically as Pontyclun showed why they are going to be a tough team to beat this season. They really took the game to Cambrian and caused endless threats up front. They drew level after some poor defensive play allowed the winger time, his deflected shot looping over helpless Keeper, Daniel Towell.
Minutes later Pontyclun took the lead for the first time in the match, this occasion it was a clear offside at the expense of Cambrian as the substitute striker was left with a simple finish and the linesman making up for his earlier mistake maybe?
It was soon 4-2 to Pontyclun when Cambrians slack defending allowed the striker an easy finish.
Changes were made to try to reduce the deficit with Parsons, Jones and Huntley introduced for Plant, Jenkins and Facey.
It was 4-3 on 76 minutes when a Nathan Parsons effort was excellently saved by the keeper, but his rebound fell to Huntley 18 yards out and he made no mistake with a powerful finish into the bottom corner.
Cambrian were dominating possession at this point, although still vulnerable at the back, only a last ditch tackle from Hutchinson preventing further misery. Cambrian's equaliser came on 84 minutes, when Nick Price delivered a whipped ball, Parsons met it at the far post with the keeper diving to parry the effort, Jordan Jones was on hand for a simple tap in.
The game was won at the death, again sloppy defending from Cambrian after failing to clear thier lines, this time a cleared header by Stuart Cutters falling straight into the path of a Pontyclun midfielder who easily placed the ball into the top corner.
Although the youth team is full of talent, sloppy defending and lack of determination is something not acceptable at Cambrian. The team will need to bounce back quickly if they are to make this season a successful one.
Team: D.Towell, S.Cutters, D.Facey(L.Huntley 71), J.Rees, G.Welsh, L.Hutchinson, S.Moss, M.Plant(N.Parsons 63), N.Price, L.Reed, L.Jenkins(J.Jones 67)
Subs Not Used: T.Barrett, D.Stanton