Gavin Jones netted his first league goal since re-joining Ammanford, earning a point against Pontypridd United to extend his side’s unbeaten start to the season at the Recreation Ground.
His late strike, arriving just six minutes from the final whistle, proved vital on an evening marred by a serious injury to midfielder Matt Delaney.
Back on home turf after a three-week absence, the hosts exchanged early opportunities with Pontypridd. Delaney came close to opening the scoring, while both teams fashioned clear chances midway through the first half. A goal-line clearance involving Euros Griffiths and Luke Martin denied the visitors, before Dan John tested Cameron Clarke with a fierce drive that was turned away.
The Dragons threatened again before the interval, with a corner causing problems. Seth Woodhouse reacted quickest to prevent a certain goal on the line before Delaney tidied up the loose ball.
Moments before the break, the match took an unfortunate turn. A robust but fair challenge left Delaney grounded, prompting referee Josh Howells to call a halt early to proceedings allowing the Ammanford medical team, led superbly by Charlotte Coombes, to administer the care required.
Having lost Delaney on a stretcher and Callum Thomas to injury at the break, manager Wyn Thomas was forced into a reshuffle, introducing four changes and adopting a revised setup for the second half.
Despite the adjustments, the visitors began brightly, carving out three excellent chances. Martin, produced a trio of outstanding saves to keep the scores level.
The deadlock was eventually broken with 15 minutes remaining. Although Martin had already denied one effort, the defence failed to clear the rebound, allowing Thomas Hillman to bag his maiden goal for Pontypridd.
Just when it seemed as if Town were going to fall to back-to-back league defeats, Jones made an immediate impact on his second debut.
Morgan Clarke’s powerful attempt was spilled by his namesake Cameron in the away goal, and Jones reacted quickest, slotting home from close range to restore parity and keep Ammanford’s unbeaten home record intact.
