Pontypridd United 3-2 Connah’s Quay Nomads
- Stunning comeback sees Pontypridd United promoted to top-flight
- The Nomads scored twice at the end of the first half
- But the Dragons turned the contest on its head after the break
Pontypridd United completed an astonishing comeback to win 3-2 against Connah’s Quay Nomads and seal promotion back to the Genero Adran Premier.
It was Pontypridd who came out with far more intensity than the Nomads at the beginning of the game, and as a result, they created plenty of chances.
However, whatever they threw at Molly France, the Nomads keeper was equal to. Lauren Payne couldn’t find a way past her, neither could Leah Emanuel, but perhaps France’s best save came midway through the half to deny Faye Marshall.
It did take a bit of time for the Genero Adran North champions to get used to the tempo of the game, but they eventually found their groove and began to test the Ponty defence. Hannah Slack’s volley landed on the roof of the net, while Anna Marsh’s free kick whistled over the crossbar.
The most interesting battle of the day was between Polly Wild-McGregor and Amelia Forkings. The Nomads captain has been in scintillating form in front of goal this season, but Forkings was making a good attempt at making sure the skipper wouldn’t add to her tally, as she made two fine saves to keep the scores level.
But the number seven wasn’t going to be denied a third time, and with two minutes of the first half remaining she broke the deadlock thanks to a composed finish into the bottom corner.
Jordan Parry’s team were now in the ascendency and unbelievably found a second goal before the break. Spotting an opportunity, Poppy Kendrick-Jones saw Forkings slightly off her line, and the former TNS youngster proceeded to hit a delicious volley over her and into the net.
If the end of the first period had been a dream for Connah’s Quay, the start of the second was a nightmare, as Ponty scored two minutes into it. Madison Williams’ corner found the head of substitute Shannon Hindmarsh who powered home to reduce the deficit.
If one team looked the more likely to go on and score another goal it was Claire O’Sullivan’s side. Payne skipped round France but couldn’t squeeze the ball in from a tight angle, while Caitlin Seaborne couldn’t keep her header down.
At the other end, Wild-McGregor did have the ball in the back of the net, but the offside flag quickly muted Nomads celebrations.
But with 10 minutes remaining there was a team celebrating, and it was Pontypridd. Finding space in the box, Ponty’s taliswoman Nicole Fenton turned quickly before dispatching into the bottom corner.
Only a minute later, remarkably, the Dragons completed their turnaround. Emily Poole’s cross into the box found Quianna Wheeler, who was allowed to turn and find the corner of the net.
Despite a late push from Connah’s Quay in the dying embers of the game, it wasn’t enough, and it’s Pontypridd United who return to the Genero Adran Premier at the first time of asking.
