Ammanford were left heartbroken by injury-time drama as high-flying Pontypridd United claimed all three points at the Recreation Ground.
The hosts initially led thanks to goals from Hari Lawson and captain Adam Orme, but a brace from Daniel Griffiths coupled with a goal from Kieran Lewis turned the game in the visitors’ favour.
The win kept Pontypridd’s hopes alive of returning to the top flight at the first time of asking following their relegation last season.
On a cold, blustery afternoon in Carmarthenshire, the Dragons made the brighter start, dominating possession and posing a threat with their pace in attack. Ammanford goalkeeper Luke Martin was forced into action early, making two vital saves to deny the visitors. Orme made a crucial block inside the box to thwart a strong Pontypridd chance.
Against the run of play, Ammanford broke the deadlock. Lawson curled a sublime free-kick from a tight angle towards goal. The set piece deceived everyone including the keeper before finding its way into the top corner.
The goal injected confidence into the home side, who created further opportunities before the break. Orme fired just wide from distance and Lewis Reed played a through ball to Adam John, but the winger’s shot was comfortably gathered by Clarke in the away goal.
After the interval, Ammanford continued to attack with purpose and doubled their advantage within five minutes of the restart. A corner was cleared to the edge of the area, where Orme lashed a powerful effort through a crowd of bodies, sending it past Clarke for his first goal of the season.
Substitute Hari Lloyd almost made it 3-0 on the counter-attack, but it was Pontypridd who gradually gained control. Lewis fired over from 12 yards after a well-worked move down the right flank, before halving the deficit with a sublime curling shot into the far corner.
Just three minutes later, the visitors were level. Griffiths was in the right place to pounce on a loose ball and slot home, setting up a thrilling finish.
With time running out, Ammanford almost retook the lead when a set piece was headed back across goal by Nich Arnold, but Clarke was alert and smothered the ball with Reed lurking for a potential rebound.
In the dying moments, disaster struck for the hosts. Referee Tegid Richards pointed to the penalty spot for a coming together in the area, much to the disbelief of the Ammanford players and supporters. Euros Griffiths was booked for his part in the incident, but despite Martin getting fingertips to the penalty, Dan Griffiths’ strike was too powerful and found the back of the net.
To compound their misery, just seconds after the restart, Euros Griffiths received a second yellow card and was sent off, leaving Ammanford to finish the match with ten men.
