Principality Building Society Welsh Premier, Saturday, January 20th.
CPD Porthmadog ... 1 Rhyl FC ... 2
Gareth Caughter 9' Lee Hunt 73',
Alex Hay 79'
When Saturday comes after the horror week imposed on Porthmadog by the FAW,
the league leaders Rhyl are hardly the opposition you want to see visiting
the Traeth. In the circumstances Porthmadog gave their usual, hard to break
down, performance and were disappointed to be defeated by the odd goal for
the third time in the six meetings between the two clubs this season. In
fact the home team held the lead for over an hour but the turning point came
with the introduction of Lee Hunt who scored within 4 minutes of coming on
the field.
Porthmadog had the strong wind on their backs in the first half and with the
first real threat on either goal went ahead after 9 minutes. Les Davies
found Clayton Blackmore on the edge of the box and the former Welsh
international lifted the ball cleverly over the Rhyl defence for Gareth
Caughter to hammer the ball past Gann from 10 yards. Though playing into the
strong wind Rhyl could have drawn level after 15 minutes when Cameron took
advantage of a momentary hesitation in the home defence but his shot was off
target. A good Port build up followed but Carl Owen fired Danny Hughes'
cross narrowly over the bar. Despite the wind the visitors enjoyed a fair
share of the play and Graves fired wide after Harvey had failed to get a
clean punch in the swirling wind. Carl Owen and Danny Hughes combined again
but the striker's header went straight to Gann in the Rhyl goal. Porthmadog
had a couple of chances with free kicks from the edge of the box which came
to nothing. At half time Porthmadog held on to their narrow lead.
The visitors dominated the possession in the second period putting the home
defence under considerable pressure but it was Gareth Caughter with a good
turn in the box who threatened the Rhyl goal after 51' but failed to get
sufficient power into his shot to really test Gann. Almost immediately
Harvey, for Porthmadog, had to pull off a fine save to keep out Powell's
powerful 25 yard volley. Following a couple of off target efforts by Cameron
and Murtagh Rhyl laid siege to the Port goal with a series of corners which
tested the home defence in the strong wind. They survived and with 69
minutes gone Hulse introduced Lee Hunt who turned out to be the match
winner. Five minutes after coming on the sub striker broke on the left and
though his 15 yard shot was partially saved by Harvey the linesman, much to
Rhyl's relief, signalled that the ball had crossed the line. Six minutes
later Alex Hay who was on hand to put the league leaders ahead for the first
time. He had an easy tap in when Harvey failed to hold on to Ross Stephens's
low 15 yard shot in a move set up by Lee Hunt. Though Aled Rowlands and Carl
Jones, making his debut, were introduced late on this time there was no last
gasp goal for Porthmadog and when Clayton Blackmore shot over the bar it
proved to be the home side's last opportunity.
Considering the off the field circumstances this was yet another brave
Porthmadog performance against strong opposition. However few will question
that the final score was a fair reflection of the play. This result gives
next Saturday's visit to Newtown added importance.
Porthmadog: Richard Harvey: John G Jones, Ryan Davies, Rhys Roberts, Mike
Foster: Danny Hughes (Carl Jones 82'), Clayton Blackmore, Gareth Caughter
(Aled Rowlands 82'): Jason Sadler (Gareth Parry 46'), Carl Owen, Les Davies.
Yellow: Les Davies 90'
Rhyl: Gann, Powell, Graves, Connolly, Horan, Brewerton, Hay, Cameron, Paul
Roberts (Hunt 68'), Ross Stephens, Chris Roberts (Murtagh 24').
Sub not used: Dylan Owen. Yellow: Paul Roberts 4', Horan 32
Attendance 302 Referee: Dean John
Gareth Williams
FAW Premier Cup -Tuesday, January 9th
CPD Porthmadog ...1 TNS ...3
Rhys Roberts 65' John Leah 27'
John Toner 81'
Greg Stones 88'
The final score line hardly reflected the closeness of this contest between
the two WPL clubs. Two goals from Toner and Stones in the last ten minutes
settled the game and also flattered the Saints who had been made to work
very hard for their victory.
After the heavy rain of recent weeks it was something of a miracle that the
game was played at all and was certainly a credit to chairman Phil Jones and
his assistants that such a good surface was produced. The Saints dominated
the early possession and quickly got their passing game going stretching the
Porthmadog rearguard. But apart from a dangerous cross by Courtney which was
headed back across the goal before being cleared the visitors did not
threaten in the final third. The goal which put the Saints ahead after 26
minutes came from a corner on the left which was passsed back to John Leah
30 yards out of goal and the midfielder caught everyone by surprise when his
thunderous drive flashed past Harvey into the corner of the net for a corker
of a goal. Soon after another set piece saw Ward curl his shot just beyond
the far post. Port gradually got more into the game but Ryan Davies was off
target from Mike Foster's corner. Doherty was then forced to punch away
under pressure from another Foster cross. Despite their possession, apart
from the goal, the Saints did not really test Harvey until the 40th minute
when he pulled off a good save to keep out Stones's 20 yard shot and again
another Stones effort which he touched over the bar.
Port opened well in the second period. With only a minute gone Carl Owen had
a header cleared off the line and Ryan Davies saw his header go past the
post. This was followed by a great run by Les Davies whose low cross flashed
across the face of goal. When the home side drew level after 65 minutes it
was no more than their play deserved. Ryan Davies forced Jason Sadler's
corner goal wards and with the Saints defence caught static Rhys Roberts got
the final touch to score. The Saints pushed forward seeking a winner but the
home defence remained firm closing down well and keeping real chances to a
minimum. Ward did have a good chance but his shot from 15 yards was wide of
the mark. The visitors then stepped up a gear and Harvey did well to keep
out a Hogan shot which he saw very late through a crowded box. In the 81st
minute came the breakthrough when Toner latched on to a King's header back
into the home box and coolly slid it past Harvey. Then two minutes from time
withPorthmadog battling to get back on level terms they were caught out by a
neat move down the right for Toner to cross from the bye-line and Stones was
on hand to apply the finishing touch.
Porthmadog can be pleased and proud of their performances against the
professional clubs this season having competed well on each occasion showing
that they have closed the performance gap on these teams during the present
season. We look forward to meeting the New Saints in the Welsh Cup next
month with some hope despite tonight's defeat.
Porthmadog: Richard Harvey: John G Jones (Geraint Mitchell 81'), Ryan
Davies, Rhys Roberts, Mike Foster: Jason Sadler, Gareth Parry (Aled Rowlands
60'), Richard Hughes, Danny Hughes: Carl Owen, Les Davies.
Subs not used: Chris Evans, Kevin Roberts.
TNS: Doherty, Courtney, Baker, Jackson, Stones, Leah, Ruscoe, Hogan (King
80'), Naylor, Harris (Toner 68'), Ward.
Subs not used: Beck, Kirkham (GK), Nathan Davies.
Referee: Brian Lawlor (Holyhead) Attendance: 239
Gareth Williams: www.porthmadogfc.com
Principality Building Society Welsh Premier -Saturday, January 6th
CPD Porthmadog ...1 Llanelli ...1
Carl Owen 90' Nicky Palmer 76'
Carl Owen's injury time equaliser gave Porthmadog a well deserved point in a
game of few chances where defences were generally on top. Following a
goalless first half it was Port who had looked the more threatening during
the second period. But it was Llanelli who went ahead a quarter of an hour
before the end thanks to a rather soft goal which came out of the blue and
took home supporters completely by surprise. Up to that point Llanelli had
not looked a huge threat with goal machine Rhys Griffiths, for the second
time this season, failing to add to his impressive goal tally against a
central defensive partnership which had looked its usual efficient self.
Llanelli started well forcing a couple of early corners the second of which
produced a shooting chance for Craig Williams whose volley flew wide of the
upright. The best early chance however fell to Porthmadog after 7' when
Jason Sadler and Les Davies created a clear opening for Gareth Caughter who
with only the keeper to beat failed to connect and the ball crept narrowly
wide. Llanelli enjoyed a good spell midway through the first half a good
cross by skipper Lee Phillips was headed over by James Thomas at the far
post. A minute later Gary Lloyd found Rhys Griffiths in the box and the
striker turned well but his shot was off target. Soon after Appleby fired
wide from 15 yards following a far post header by Rhys Griffiths. Carl Owen
for Porthmadog replaced the injured Gareth Caughter after half an hour.
Towards the end of the half Porthmadog came back into the game with Richard
Hughes going close from a Blackmore corner and later Les Davies broke well
on the left but his powerful shot was well blocked. It remained scoreless at
the interval.
Les Davies cut inside and struck a good shot early in the second half but
keeper Roberts saved well. Craig Williams, on the counter attack for
Llanelli, tested Harvey but it was Porthmadog who came closest to opening
the score when in the 63rd minute Les Davies broke on the left but his low
cross was touched past the post by Carl Owen. But with fourteen minutes left
it was Llanelli who took the lead when Rhys Griffiths's cross took a
fortunate deflection providing an unmarked Nicky Palmer with the simple task
of heading into an empty net. An away win seemed now to be the most likely
outcome with the full timers holding on for a much needed three points to
get their title challenge back on course. But not for the first time this
season Porthmadog proved that the game is not over until the final whistle
is blown. First Roberts needed to be at his best to keep out Sadler in the
79th minute after the striker had been put through by a Les Davies angled
ball over the defence. Then with Llanelli expecting the whistle to blow Rhys
Roberts, December's WPL Player of the Month, rose in the box to flick on
John Gwynfor's cross and Carl Owen applied the finishing touch with a shot
out of Roberts's reach into the corner of the net.
Once again Porthmadog have proved that they can battle it out with the best
in the league. A good omen for Tuesday? We shall see.
Porthmadog: Richard Harvey: John G Jones, Ryan Davies, Rhys Roberts, Mike
Foster: Gareth Caughter (Carl Owen 30'), Richard Hughes, Danny Hughes,
Clayton Blackmore: Jason Sadler, Les Davies.
Subs not used: Aled Rowlands, Kevin Roberts, Mark Cook.
Llanelli: Duncan Roberts, Dale Griffiths, Gary Lloyd, Richard Appleby (Neil
Thomas 66'), Stuart Jones, Wyn Thomas, Nicky Palmer, Lee Phillips, Rhys
Griffiths, James Thomas (Mingorance 58'), Craig Williams.
Subs not used: Fernandez, Thompson. Yellow: Wyn Thomas 34'
Referee: Brian Lawlor (Holyhead) Attendance: 188
Gareth Williams
Principality Building Society Welsh Premier -Saturday, December 30th
Welshpool Town ...3 CPD Porthmadog ...1
Calvin Davies 28' Jason Sadler 21'
Aden Shannon 32'
Steve Rogers 45'
The clash between two of the league's form sides saw the three man Welshpool
strike force each getting a goal before half time to cancel out Jason
Sadler's 21st minute opener for Porthmadog. All the scoring was over in the
first period with three of the goals coming in an eleven minute spell midway
through the half and the final goal which, as it turned out, settled the
match, came on the stroke of half time.
The visitors opened well giving substance to their supporters' pre-match
confidence and spurred on by a run of eight league matches showing only one
defeat. Early efforts by Les Davies and Clayton Blackmore were dealt with by
McGuigan in the home goal and Danny Hughes lifted his shot over the bar. The
home side's main threat at this stage came from Calvin Davies down the right
flank sending an early tester for Harvey, back after suspension, and on 16
minutes came even closer when his cross come shot struck the crossbar. But
it was Porthmadog who took the lead with a typical Jason Sadler goal after
21 minutes. His pace got him behind the defence where he latched on to a
neat through ball from Gareth Caughter and rounded McGuigan before tapping
the ball into an empty net. Sadler could have added insult to injury minutes
later when a chip from 30 yards caught McGuigan off his line but the ball
drifted narrowly over the bar.
The lead however only lasted for six minutes before the dangerous Calvin
Davies took full advantage of a weak clearance following a right wing corner
and blasted a fine shot just inside Harvey's left hand post giving the
keeper no chance. Porthmadog could have gone back into the lead two minutes
later following a Richard Hughes long throw when Danny Hughes found himself
with a clear shooting chance 15 yards out but he was off target. In
atrocious playing conditions where keeping a sure footing was proving
extremely difficult it was inevitable that errors would play a part. With 32
minutes gone the home side took the lead when Ryan Davies sliced his
clearance and the ball bounced to Aden Shannon who fired past Harvey from 8
yards.
Underfoot conditions were making the game something of a lottery and when
Harvey failed to collect a high cross Stokoe's shot flew just outside the
upright. ClaytonBlackmore whose shot through a crowded penalty box looked
goal bound was denied by the post. A goodbuild up by the visitors then led
to a Les Davies shot and another McGuigan save. This time there was a quick
counter attack from Welshpool and when two defenders went for the same ball
it rolled free to Steve Rogers who, on thestroke of half time, stretched the
home side's advantage.
The second half proved to be something of an anti-climax as the pitch cut up
even more. Porthmadog needed an early goal to get back into the game and
when Richard Hughes put the ball in the net after 54 minutes they thought
that this had been achieved but the scorer was ruled off side. Welshpool
came close to adding a fourth but Richard Harvey pulled off a fine diving
save to keep out Thomas following a good run past three defenders. Port's
best chance came after 71minutes when Les Davies put Sadler through but
McGuigan pulled off another good save. Harvey at the other end saved well
from Rogers and though there was a late header from Carl Owen this was
Welshpool's day. On a dreadful pitch they made fewer mistakes and took their
chances when they came.
Welshpool: McGuigan, March, Dowridge, Stokoe Hughes 79'), Brett Jeffries,
Keegan, Thomas (Thompson 67'), Cunnah, Rogers, Calvin Davies, Shannon.
Subs not used: Vernon, Jon Jones. Yellow: Cunnah 18', Keegan 55'
Porthmadog: Richard Harvey, John G Jones, Ryan Davies, Rhys Roberts, Mike
Foster: Gareth Caughter (Carl Owen 63'), Danny Hughes, Richard Hughes,
Clayton Blackmore: Jason Sadler, Les Davies.
Subs not used: Geraint Mitchell, Kevin Roberts, Mark Cook.
Referee: Phil Southall. Attendance: 228
Gareth Williams
Principality Building Society Welsh Premier -Tuesday, December 26th
Aberystwyth Town ...0 CPD Porthmadog ...1
Gareth Caughter 48'
The last time these Cardigan Bay rivals met was in the Premier Cup and
today's meeting proved to be a repeat of that score line with Porthmadog
once again on the right side of single goal margin. Gareth Caughter, who had
an excellent afternoon, was the scorer with a well taken 48th minute goal.
The home side started well and for the first twenty minutes enjoyed more
possession forcing the visitors back into their own half for long periods.
But as proved to be the case throughout the afternoon they failed to turn
territorial advantage into many worthwhile chances as the strong Porthmadog
defence reduced Aberystwyth to long range efforts and high balls into the
box. The back four were resolute throughout ably supported by a midfield
which closed down quickly and behind them Gareth Roberts, the replacement
for suspended Richard Harvey, looked safe under the second half aerial
bombardment.
Having weathered the early pressure it was Porthmadog who came back strongly
and looked the more likely to score. It needed a fine save by Karl Lewis, in
the home goal to deny Jason Sadler after 29 minutes, his clever lob was
touched over the bar. The home defence now looked stretched and under
pressure as they only cleared Clayton Blackmore's corner with difficulty.
Les Davies thundered a shot which grazed the crossbar from 25 yards and
Sadler again came close with a low shot. With 36 minutes gone Les Davies was
unlucky to see his low shot go the wrong side of the post and shortly after
an excellent Gareth Caughter cross was scrambled away by Karl Lewis under
pressure from Richard Hughes.
Only minutes into the second half and Porthmadog went deservedly in front. A
well judged Jason Sadler pass curled in front of the energetic Gareth
Caughter who cut inside his marker before coolly slotting his shot past
Lewis from 12 yards to the obvious delight of the large contingent of
travelling supporters who banged the drum and sang and waved their flags
throughout. Aberystwyth sensing that the game was slipping from them
redoubled their efforts and on 53 minutes debutant Gareth Roberts proved
himself with a fine diving save to deny Craig Jones. Soon after Roberts
again did well cutting out Stuart Roberts's dangerous cross. Burrows then
came close for Aberystwyth with a powerful header from Nick Evans's free
kick.
Port were also dangerous from set pieces and when Richard Hughes met a Mike
Foster free kick on 71 minutes it looked goal bound but Lewis, for
Aberystwyth pulled off a super save. Only a minute later, following Clayton
Blackmore's corner, it was Gareth Caughter in action again rattling a shot
against the home crossbar. At the other end Gareth Roberts dealt competently
with yet another Aber high ball this time from Matthew Roberts but then
needed the assistance of John Gwynfor who in the 78th minute spectacularly
cleared off his own line. Despite the efforts of Glyndwr Hughes and the
replacing of new signing Danny Barton with Geoff Kellaway there was no way
through the Porthmadog defence for Aberystwyth.
A second away win in succession was a satisfying sign that Porthmadog are
beginning to register the results which their play deserves. The
contribution of Clayton Blackmore in these back to back wins cannot be
underestimated as he used all his experience coolly organising the
successful midfield. A third away encounter awaits on the tricky slope at
Welshpool. See you there.
Aberystwyth: Karl Lewis, Nick Evans, Matthew Roberts, Aneurin Thomas,
Burrows, Sherbon, Glyndwr Hughes, Bari Morgan, Stuart Roberts, Barton
(Kellaway 67'), Craig Jones.
Subs not used: Gari Lewis, Sion James. Yellow: Aneurin Thomas 37',Matthew
Roberts 71',Dave Burrows 90'
Porthmadog: Gareth Roberts, John G Jones, Ryan Davies, Rhys Roberts, Mike
Foster: Gareth Caughter, Richard Hughes, Danny Hughes, Clayton Blackmore:
Jason Sadler (Kevin Roberts 90') Les Davies (Carl Owen 77').
Subs not used: Chris Evans, Mark Cook.
Referee: Steve Hames. Attendance: 652
Gareth Williams
Principality Building Society, Welsh Premier League -Saturday, December 16th
Port Talbot Town ...1 CPD Porthmadog ...2
Dean Johnstone 12' Jason Sadler 15'
Clayton Blackmore 42'
Port Talbot's Remax Stadium is an unlikely venue for Porthmadog's first away
win of the season. When you realise that they played for 86' with ten men,
goalkeeper Richard Harvey having been red carded after only four minutes,
you begin to appreciate the scale of this excellent performance. Things got
even worse after only 12' for Dean Johnstone rose well in the box to meet
De-Vulgt's right wing corner heading powerfully past emergency keeper John
Gwynfor Jones.
The incident which had such an effect on the game came when Lee John, for
the home side, chased a through ball towards the edge of the box. The
forward fractionally beat Porthmadog keeper Richard Harvey to the ball
touching it towards the goal but the keeper's momentum sent John clattering
to the ground. Referee Andrew Richards decided that, as Harvey was the only
player who stood between John and the goal, he deserved a red card. Harvey's
departure brought John Gwynfor into goal and travelling supporters feared
the worst. But though a goal down after 12 minutes the visitors struck back
and levelled things up only three minutes later. Les Davies set up Jason
Sadler with a perfectly weighted through ball and Sadler finished in style
with a low shot past former Wrexham keeper Rogers. The home side retaliated
with a couple of corners and following a good break Johnstone fired wide.
John Gwynfor was called into action after 27 minutes saving well from Chad
Bond. But after some end to end play Clayton Blackmore on 42 minutes took
advantage of space on the left and his 25 yard shot bounced awkwardly in
front of Rogers who could not prevent the shot finding the corner of the
net. Unlikely as it seemed the visitors went in at the interval 2-1 up.
Port Talbot having been geed up at half time came out determined to find an
early equaliser. They forced four corners in quick succession and John
Gwynfor had to pull off a smart save this time from a miscued header from
one of his own defenders. Porthmadog continued to play in the only way
possible for a team reduced to ten players they defended with discipline
with each player from the back to the front taking responsibility, keeping
their concentration for the full ninety minutes and protecting their rookie
keeper by keeping shooting chances to a minimum. In fact Clayton Blackmore
came close to a repeat of his first half goal but this time his shot flew
narrowly the wrong side of the post. A moment of panic, for Porthmadog, came
when Bond latched on to a Caughter back header but his finish was off target
and then sub Dane Williams struck a powerful shot just wide. But it was
Porthmadog who could have gone further ahead on 63 minutes when Richard
Hughes supplied Jason Sadler down the left and the speedy striker was only
denied his second by a good Rogers save.
The emergency keeper then dealt well with a dipping shot form Dylan Blain.
And as the home side pushed desperately forward to try and salvage something
John Gwynfor was in the action again cutting out a dangerous Lee John cross
and then going down at the feet of the same attacker to collect. That the
visitors held out for the victory is a great credit to their fitness, skill
and team spirit. It was truly a team effort but mention must be made of Paul
Friel, in his farewell appearance, giving another all action ninety minutes
and Clayton Blackmore, in his second appearance, brought all his coolness
and experience to bear on a difficult situation.
Port Talbot: Rogers, De-Vulgt, Dyfan Pierce, Craig Hanford, Matthew Rees,
Surman (Rose 46'), Blain, Mumford, Bond (French 62')), Lee John, Dean
Johnstone (Dane Williams 46').
Porthmadog: Richard Harvey, John G Jones, Ryan Davies, Rhys Roberts, Mike
Foster: Gareth Caughter, Paul Friel, Clayton Blackmore, Richard Hughes: Les
Davies, Jason Sadler (Chris Evans 73' Iwan Williams 89').
Subs not used: Geraint Mitchell, Mark Cook. Red card: Richard Harvey 4'
Referee: Andrew Richards (Trelawnyd) Attendance: 128
Gareth Williams
Principality Building Society, Welsh Premier -Saturday, December 9th.
CPD Porthmadog ...2 Cwmbran Town ...2
Jason Sadler 72' Sam Small 25', 77.
Carl Owen 89'
Porthmadog's cup form continues to elude them in the league. It was a case
of missed chances for the home team while crisis club Cwmbran put away the
only two chances that came their way. In the end Porthmadog were grateful
that Carl Owen's 89th minute equaliser gave them a share of the spoils.
The home side opened well doing most of the early attacking. It seemed just
a matter of time before they scored. But despite their depleted playing
resources there was no lack of spirit in the Cwmbran ranks as they battled
for every ball and chased and harried well in midfield making it difficult
for Porthmadog to build any worthwhile attacking moves. The home side did
find the net after 7 minutes but Jason Sadler was adjudged marginally
offside. Small for Cwmbran fired wide on a rare sortie into Porthmadog
territory. Though Cwmbran attacks were rare their goal was not really under
threat and in fact after 25 minutes it was the visitors who went ahead. This
came ironically enough from a rare mistake by Rhys Roberts the "Mr Reliable"
in the Port defence. Sam Small capitalised on the error and burst to the
edge of the box tucking a low shot inside Richard Harvey's right hand post.
The visitors could not believe their good fortune having now the extra
incentive of a lead to defend. This lifted the visitors and Harvey saved
well at his near post when Topper broke into the box on the left. Porthmadog
should however have drawn level on 32 minutes when good work on the left by
Les Davies resulted in the forward teeing up a perfect opportunity for Carl
Owen but the striker's shot was off target. Further opportunities came but a
well struck Gareth Caughter shot took a deflection past the post and a
defender under pressure headed Les Davies's dangerous cross on to the roof
of the net.
The second half continued as the first with Porthmadog very much in charge
but unable to end a goal drought that stretched back over three previous
games. On 55 minutes Carl Owen flicked on a Sadler cross but Gareth Caughter
racing in at the far post could not keep his header down. Further good work
by Sadler ended with a shot straight at the reliable Wesson. Next chance
came from a Mike Foster corner but Ryan Davies shot wide. Richard Hughes
came on in the 70th minute and almost scored with his first touch but the
battling defence scrambled his goal bound header off the line. The elusive
goal eventually arrived after 73' and it was a goal worthy of a far better
game than this had been. Les Davies and Jason Sadler exchanged passes in
midfield before Sadler broke in to the box to convert Les Davies's return
pass from 8yards. A minute later and Cwmbran could thank their keeper Wesson
that they did not drop behind for the first time in the game. The keeper
pulled off a fine save to keep out Gareth Caughter's shot. But far from
heralding further goals for the home side Porthmadog found themselves behind
again when a 77th minute shot from Leak took a deflection and rolled kindly
into the path of Sam Small who helped himself to his second of the afternoon
with a simple tap in. It was now a desperate Port who threw everything
forward in search of an equaliser. Richard Hughes fired over the bar from
long range. A brave dive by Wesson to gather Ryan Davies' downward header
seemed to have settled the game. But with a minute of the ninety left Mike
Foster's corner was headed on by Rhys Roberts and met by Carl Owen's
powerful volley which scorched through a melee of players to find the net
from 15yards.
Cwmbran having defended for most of the 90 minutes knew at the end that this
had been a job well done while Port will wonder how so much possession and
so many chances did not produce three points.
Porthmadog: Richard Harvey, John G. Jones, Ryan Davies, Rhys Roberts, Mike
Foster: Danny Hughes, Paul Friel (Richard Hughes 70'), Gareth Caughter, Les
Davies: Carl Owen, Jason Sadler.
Subs not used: Kevin Roberts, Chris Evans, Mark Cook (Y).
Cwmbran: Wesson, Jason Davis, Mouncher, Clair (Lee Morgan 83')), Collins,
Rhys Williams, Parkins, Leak, Sam Small, Goodridge (Ben Evans 73'), Topper.
Yellow: Geraint Goodridge.
Referee: Paul Thomas (Rhondda) Attendance: 196.
Gareth Williams
Loosemores Challenge Cup, Semi Final 2nd Leg -Tuesday December 5th
Rhyl FC ...4 CPD Porthmadog ...0
Lee Hunt 43'
Gareth Wilson 51'
George Horan 69'
Alex Hay 89'
Lee Hunt's goal for Rhyl two minutes before half time proved to be the
decisive moment in the game. Before this Porthmadog had more than held their
own in what had been an even end to end contest. But after the interval the
home side raised their game and with an accomplished second half performance
swept into the final. For the conquerors of TNS and Llanelli the current
league leaders just proved themselves a bridge too far.
Porthmadog knew that an early goal would make life very difficult for the
homes side and Paul Friel in the first minute fired a long range effort over
the bar. Rhyl struck back and a clever Cameron back heel created space for
Wilson whose first time effort likewise flew over the bar. With 16 minutes
gone Porthmadog could have gone ahead but John Gann courtesy of his legs
kept out Rhys Roberts's close range effort following Mike Foster's corner.
Kevin Roberts then tested Gann again with a low shot. Rhyl did get the ball
into the net after 27 minutes but it was disallowed for an earlier foul in
the box. With half time approaching Hay broke on the left and created a good
opening for Hunt but the striker screwed his shot well wide. Hunt however
made amends two minutes later taking advantage of a momentary hesitation in
the Port defence. He lifted the ball over the advancing Harvey and it
entered the net via the foot of the post.
With the wind on their backs in the second period the home side set about
securing the second goal -as an away goal would still give Porthmadog the
tie on away goals. Six minutes into the second half and Hay saw his shot
crash against the upright but it was only cleared as far as Gareth Wilson
who gave Harvey no chance with a superbly struck 25 yard effort. Seeing the
tie slipping away from them the visitors raised their game and Gareth
Caughter met a Chris Evans cross from the left but straight at Gann. Evans
again opened up the Rhyl defence with a low cross but Gann again saved this
time a side footed effort by Les Davies. Davies then turned supplier with a
good cross to the far post but Carl Owen's first time effort screwed wide of
the post. With 69 minutes gone the home side put the game well and truly out
of Porthmadog's reach when Horan rose well in the box to meet Graves's
corner and head well wide of Harvey. From here on in Rhyl controlled the
game enjoying the lion's share of the possession and making the visitors
suffer. Near the end they scored a fourth when Hay's cross come shot was
adjudged by the referee's assistant to have crossed the line.
A well deserved Rhyl win but a margin of four was probably more than
Porthmadog's performance deserved. Judging however by this evening's play it
will take some performance to prevent Rhyl taking the Challenge Cup for this
season. Once they have licked their wounds Porthmadog can reflect with some
pride on a good League Cup campaign. It is back to the bread and butter on
Saturday with the aim of picking up some much needed points.
Rhyl: Gann, Powell (Brewerton 79'), Graves, Connolly, Horan, Moody, Hay
(Dylan Owen 83'), Cameron, Hunt (Moran 81'), Murtagh, Wilson.
Yellow: Cameron
Porthmadog: Richard Harvey, John G Jones, Ryan Davies, Rhys Roberts, Mike
Foster: Kevin Roberts (Jason Sadler 69'), Paul Friel, Gareth Caughter
(Geraint Mitchell 79'), Chris Evans: Carl Owen, Les Davies (Mark Cook 88')
Sub not used: Barry Jones.
Referee : Lee Evans Attendance: 316
Gareth Williams.
