Huws Gray Alliance     -Saturday, 29 September
 
Flint Town Utd ... 1	CPD Porthmadog ... 3
                                           Graham Boylan
                                           Chris Williams
                                           Leon Newell

Porthmadog entered this game against 2nd placed Flint on the back of a run of 6
defeats. So on paper, it should have been a comfortable win for the Deeside 
team. Luckily though football matches aren’t played on paper!

The visitors started the game on fire and after just 2 minutes they had the 
best possible start when Grayham Boylan headed the ball into the net after a 
Flint defensive error. Port were in no mood to take the foot off the pedal and 
after 4 minutes Graham Austin's free kick went over the bar. Six minutes later, 
Mike Jones in goal for Flint made a brilliant save from a Dan Pyrs shot.

It wasn’t all one way traffic though. A shot by Shaun Beck was parried by 
Harvey and cleared by Austin after 15mins. Then on 20 minutes a throw-in by 
Flint had to be cleared off the Port line which resulted in a breakaway by Port 
- Leon Newell's shot going over the bar.

Port’s second goal came on 23 minutes after several good passes down the 
pitch from which saw Chris Williams's diagonal shot from 15 yards fly past the 
keeper into the net after yet another defensive error by the hosts.

The goal spurred Flint into action and on 33 minutes it took a great save from 
Harvey to keep out an Aaron Edwards shot. But a minute later they could have 
gone further behind when another defensive error lead to a goal line clearance 
from a Phil Williams shot.

Just two minutes before the interval, Flint thought they were back in the game 
when the scored from an indirect freekick. The celebrations were short-lived 
however when the referee Michael Grey disallowed the goal for being direct much 
to the frustration of the Flint manager.

Port had the last opportunity of the half when it took another great save to 
stop a Darren Thomas shot after a Port breakaway 44 minutes.

Flint came out fighting in the second half and Port were defending for most of 
the first 10 minutes. Even so another defensive error by Flint saw Boylan 1 on 
1 with the keeper but his shot went straight into the goalie’s hands.

After weathering the storm, the visitors could have finished the game off as a 
contest, with countless efforts on goal. Mike Jones had to save from Leon 
Newell's shot, Phil missed rebound after ball bobbled on the uneven surface 
while on the hour, a good pass from Newell found Graham Boylan but his shot 
went wide. Newell then saw two efforts go past the woodwork after assists from 
Chris Williams and Graham Boylan.

After 70 minutes it looked as if Port might rue the missed opportunities 
– Flint’s Sam Jones heading the ball into the net from a corner. 
With their tails up, the home side had the opportunity to draw level but Jon 
Rush shot over crossbar after 73 minutes.

It didn’t take long for Port go have more opportunities to regain the 
initiative. The keeper saved from a Dan Pyrs shot after 75 minutes and a minute 
later Graham Austin shot over crossbar from corner. 

The game was over as a contest on 77 minutes. After a Flint attack came to 
nothing, Port broke quickly with Leon Newell scoring his first goal for the 
club. A minute later, and Flint were down to 10 men after – Sam Jones 
receiving his marching orders after a second yellow card.

Today’s was an excellent and deserved win against high-flying opposition. 
Hopefully the confidence gained will turn round the season and will see us 
climbing up the table.

FLINT: 1. Mike Jones, 3. Ryan Davies, 4. Paul Williams, 5. John Davies, 6. 
Nathan Price, 7. Sam Jones, 8. John Hill (C), 9. Aaron Edwards, 10. Shaun Beck, 
11. Ryan Hedges, 14. Matty Harvey
Substitutes: 12 Jon Rush (On For Nathan Peate 62 Mins), 15. Paul Johnson, 16 
Mitch Roberts, 17 Adam Bailey

PORTHMADOG: 1. Richard Harvey, 2. Gruffydd Williams, 3. Chris Williams, 4. Dan 
Pyrs, 5. Ryan Davies (C), 6. Graham Austin, 7. Leon Newell, 8. Scott Sephton, 
9. Graham Boylan, 10. Phil Williams, 11. Darren Thomas
Substitutes: 12. Ceri James ( On For Phill Williams 86 Mins), 14. Gareth Parry, 
15. Campbell Harrison, 16. Mervyn Williams

Jane Roberts

Huws Gray Alliance     -Saturday, 22 September
 
CPD Porthmadog ... 2        Caersws FC ... 4
Darren Thomas 66            Mark Griffiths 9,51.
Ryan Davies 72                Grant Butler 75
                                  Graham Evans 94 (p)
 
The result, in this fifth successive league defeat for Port,  
was hardly a reflection of the play. But the major difference 
between the two teams was that Caersws took their chances 
while Port failed to take advantage of the opportunities 
resulting from some good approach play. Despite fighting back 
to level the scores at 2-2 Port went on to concede two further 
goals one at a corner followed by an injury time Graham Evans 
penalty giving all three points to the mid-Wales club.
Port started brightly and twice in the early minutes they could 
have gone ahead. Graham Boylan squared the ball for Phil Williams 
who blazed his shot over the bar when well placed. Moments later 
Leon Newell raced on to a fine Chris Williams cross field ball, 
but his angled shot went across goal and wide. Then against the 
run of play, with nine minutes gone, Caersws found themselves in 
front. Their first attack came when Mark Griffiths took advantage 
of a Ryan Davies slip to race on 20 yards into the box, round the 
advancing Richard Harvey and tap into the net. As Port attempted 
to strike back Dave Jones turned a low Darren Thomas shot round 
the post. But another defensive lapse allowed Mark Griffiths to 
put Neil Mitchell in on goal but this time Richard Harvey was down 
well to save. Twice then the dangerous Leon Newell tested the home 
defence, an angled shot following a good build up went staright at 
the keeper. But a second effort came when Newell was put through 
behind the Caersws defence but forced wide by keeper Dave Jones his 
angled shot went narrowly past the far post. The dangerous Mark 
Griffiths threatened the Port goal again after half an hour this 
time with a cross which scraped the front of the cross bar. Caersws 
held on to their 1-0 lead at the interval. 
Griffiths again threatened early in the second half when he cut 
along the edge of the penalty area and struck the the post with a 
low shot. Six minutes into the second period and Caersws doubled 
their lead and once more Port were punished on the break with  
Mitchell outpacing the defence down the right and from the byline 
he crossed low for the advancing Mark Griffiths to score his 
second from close range. Port responded with Chris Williams 
crossing to the near post but Graham Boylan’s header flew over the 
bar. Port were now looking for an foothold in the game and the 
influential Scott Sephton put Darren Thomas through, but Jones was 
down well again to save at the expense of a corner. Griffiths was 
denied a hat trick for Caersws just after the hour mark thanks to a 
good block by Grahame Austin. He had an even better oppportunity 
when he intercepted a poor square pass and look certain to score but 
somehow Richard Harvey kept it out and Ryan Davies completed the 
clearance. This seemed to spark the home side into more action and 
on 66 minutes Phil Williams low ball put Darren Thomas through and 
though his initial shot was blocked he followed up to score. The 
pressure on Caersws goal continued and a second came within six 
minutes when Darren Thomas chipped a free kick over the defence for 
Ryan Davies to score with a close range header. But the scores  
remained level for just three minutes as Iwan Lewis lifted a corner 
to the back post where Butler found the net with a header in off the 
post. Port had a couple of good chances near the end Craig Roberts 
fired over the bar and Phil Williams had a good shooting chance blocked.  
Graham Evans completed Port’s misery with an added time goal from the 
spot after Grahame Austin brought down Mitchell.   
Confidence in front of goal has drained away from Port but they hardly 
look like a bottom of the table team. Worrying today was the way the 
defence was caught too square by simple balls played over the top which 
was all Caersws needed to do to claim all three points.Disappointing also 
to concede so soon after fighting back to level the scores and to a 
carbon copy of the late goal from a corner at Guilsfield.
 
Port: Richard Harvey, Gruff Williams, Chris Williams, Dan Pyrs, Ryan 
Davies, Grahame Austin, Leon Newell, Scott Sephton, Graham Boylan 
Craig Roberts 67), Phil Williams (Aaron Richmond 83)( Jason Harvey 90). 
Subs not used: Mike Foster, Campbell Harrison.
Caersws: david Jones, Scott Williams, Jack Hughes, Grant Butler, Tom 
Richards, Tyrone McFadden, Iwan Lewis,Neil Mitchell, Graham Evans, Mark 
Griffiths, Robert Evans. Subs not used: Adam Jenkins, Peter Rees, Drew 
Reynolds. Yellow: Neil Mitchell 54.
 
Referee Scott Longley (Meliden)            Attendance: 154.
 

Huws Gray Alliance        -Saturday, 15 September
 
Guilsfield FC ... 2        CPD Porthmadog ... 1
Ryan Davies og 46        Graham Boylan 72
Marty Ziemann 89
 
Its crisis time at the Traeth as the club slumped to their 5th 
league defeat of the season and with Buckley and Llandudno both 
winning, it puts Port at the foot of the table. It is really 
difficult to fathom how a club that finished in 4th spot last 
season and ended the season with 9 straight wins has seen such a 
change of fortunes. But the table never lies and in a game where 
both sides were reduced to 10 men midway through the second half, 
Guilsfield plugged away to secure all three points with an 89th 
minute winner in a game where all three goals came in the second 
half.
 
The home side were first to threaten when Will Thomas was put clear 
into the Port box by a low through ball but Richard Harvey was off 
his line quickly going down at the forward’s  feet to save well. 
Despite having a fair amount of possession Port did not really 
threaten until 20 minutes had gone when Darren Thomas and Graham 
Boylan exchanged passes on the edge of the box but keeoer Littleford 
was down well near the foot of the post to keep out Darren Thomas’s 
low shot. Play was rather scrappy with neither side able to control 
the game in a blustery cross field wind. But towards the latter 
stages of the half Port did start to threaten as Grahame Austin got 
his head to a Darren Thomas cross but failed to hit the target. This 
was followed by a low 25 yard free kick from Darren Thomas which 
Littleford managed to push away at the foot of the post. Guilsfield 
struck back with an opportunist Danny Barton shot from 20 yards 
drawing another good save from Richard Harvey. With half time upon 
us Leon Newell came close to crowning his debut with a goal with a 
shot from 25  yards which scraped the bar.  It was goalless at the 
interval.
 
The second half got off to a dramatic start when Will Thomas broke 
down the left in the first minute he went past Gruff Williams and hit 
his cross from the byline towards the near post where it glanced off 
the head of Ryan Davies into the net for an own goal. The game continued 
to be scrappy with neither side able to get the upper hand. Midway 
through the half, in a rather tetchy game with too many heavy tackles 
going in, it errupted and forced referee Mark Farrington to take action. 
First Guilsfield captain James Henderson received his marching orders 
when he clattered Leon Newell to the ground. Port’s one man advantage 
lasted all of a minute as Newell was again pulled down in midfield and a 
huge scramble of 7 or 8players followed. It ended with Steve Kehoe 
receiving a straight red card. Post match evidence showed that Kehoe was 
more sinned against than sinning as his body showed that he had been 
stamped twice during the melee. Within 10 minutes of this incident Port 
were level when the home defence were opened up by a quick break down the 
left and Leon Newell slipped the ball inside for Graham Boylan to finish 
from 15 yards with a well placed shot across the keeper into the far 
corner.Guilsfield responded immediately and it needed a Gruff Williams 
header off his line to keep out the home side. Port now pushed forward 
and for a time they looked the more likely to score a winner and in fact 
were unlucky not to go ahead when  a 77th minute corner was only cleared 
as far as Gruff Williams whose 20 yard cracker looked goal bound but, 
with the defence beaten, it struck the post and bounced to safety. With 
time running out Guilsfield won a corner on the left which Will Thomas 
lifted to the far post where sub Marty Ziemann squeezed his header into 
the net. Despite forcing an injury time corner which fell free to Richard 
Owen the shot was 
lifted over the bar.
 
A series of losses has drained away players’ confidence and going down to 
a late winner does nothing to improve this. It is sgnificant perhaps that 
today’s result contrasts with what has happened on the last two visists to the 
Recreation Ground. Then Port were able to grind out odd goal wins in close 
contests, but today it was Guilsfield who did just that. The defeat apart from  
this was a poor game with the ball put up in the air far too much on a windy 
day. Both sides gave the ball away far too easily. Next up at the Traeth it is 
Caersws who are in an excellent run of form.
 
Port: Richard Harvey: Gruff Williams, Chris Williams, Steve Kehoe, Ryan Davies, 
Grahame Austin, Craig Roberts (Richard Owen 56), Scott Sephton, Graham Boylan, 
Leon Newell, Darren Thomas. Subs not used: Phil Williams, Mike Foster, Merfyn 
Williams (gk). Red; Steve Kehoe 62. Yellow: Leon Newell.
 
Guilsfield: Dave Littleford, Chris Cathrall, Nathan Leonard, Andy Ford, James 
Henderson, Jonathan Jones, Gareth Jones (Marty Ziemann 85), John Harris, Will 
Thomas, Danny Barton, Rob Cookson (ian Probert 65). Red: James Henderson. 
Yellow Andy Ford, Will Thomas.
 
Referee: Mark Farrington (Newtown)                

Huws Gray Alliance    -Tuesday, 11 September
 
CPD Porthmadog ... 0	Holyhead Hotspurs ... 3
		Mel McGuiness 23, 38.
		Jamie McDaid 85.
 
Two quality first half goals from Mel McGuiness had Port chasing 
the game from then on. And it was all very similar to their 
performance at Rhayader where despite plenty of possession they 
failed create enough scoring opportunities to gain a foothold in 
the game. Holyhead defended in numbers and broke with plenty of 
pace and directness with man of the match Mike Edwards providing 
the goal making crosses.
 
Aaron Richmond broke to the edge of the box early on only to be 
brought down on the edge of the box with the free kick coming to 
nothing. Port continued to make the early running with keeper Heald 
saving from Boylan followed by Scott Sephton firing over the bar 
from 20 yards. A shooting opportunity for Darren Thomas was blocked 
for a corner and from the corner Graham Austin headed across goal 
and wide. The visitors mounted their first real attack with a good 
break from Alex Jones and it needed a good tackle from Graham Aust
in to foil him. But with 23 minutes gone Hotspurs broke quickly from 
the back with Mike Edwards out pacing the Port defence down the left 
before delivering a low accurate cross for McGuiness to finish the 
move scoring from close range. Port responded when Darren Thomas’s 
cross field pass put Craig Roberts away down the right, he cut along 
the by-line but failed to pick out Boylan with his cross. McGuiness 
on 34 minutes threatened once more only to be foiled again by an Austin 
tackle. Three minutes later, with Holyhead growing in confidence, Mike 
Edwards forced Richard Harvey into a save and the same player then 
provided a cross which resulted in a second goal for McGuiness. Edwards 
with a cross from the right this time, picked out the smallest player 
on the pitch and his header found the net from close range. Half time 
with the visitors 2-0 ahead.
 
Port upped the pressure once more at the start of the second period and 
an early effort from Gruff Williams was touched over the bar by Heald. 
Port continued to push forward but failed to supply a good final ball 
into the box. The crosses lacked quality and the visitors defence dealt 
with the high balls into the box and anything else Port were ably to throw 
with worrying comfort. They forced several corners  and from one of these  
Aaron Richmond saw his shot from the edge of the box drift wide but overall 
the set pieces failed to provide any clear openings. Despite plenty of Port 
pressure Heald in the visitors goal was mainly untroubled. Ryan Davies 
fired wide following a well taken Craig Roberts free kick. With 5 minutes 
left the visitors made a rare second half break, this time down the right.
The ball was squared across the edge of the box until it reached Jamie 
McDaid free on the left of the box. He finished the move with a low shot 
which entered the goal off the foot of the post. All was now over and Port 
 had slumped to their 4th defeat of the season.
 
Once again Port have failed to turn pressure into goals or even goal chances. 
It is hard to understand how virtually the same team as last season have 
failed to repeat the form in which they ended last season.   
 
Port: Richard Harvey, Steve Kehoe (Phil Williams 79), Chris Williams, Scott 
Sephton, Ryan Davies, Grahame austin, Aaron Richmond (Richard Owen 69), Gruff 
Williams, Graham Boylan (Mark Jones 71), Craig Roberts, Darren Thomas. Subs 
not used: Jason Harvey, Mike Foster. Yellow: Steve Kehoe.
 
Holyhead: Ben Heald, Dean Garney, Kenleigh Owen, Luke Roberts, Alex Jones, 
Gareth Owen, Jamie McDaid, Mike Kelly, Jay Gibbs, Mel McGuiness, Mike Edwards. 
Subs: Curt Williams, Jon Peris Jones, Rhys Brown, Rory Courlander.
 
Referee: G W Jones (Bontnewydd)                Attendance: 171.

Huws Gray Alliance        -Saturday, 08 September
 
Rhayader Town ... 2        CPD Porthmadog ... 0
Jordan Cooper 50
Lance Jones 78
 
What a shocker! Port had plenty of possession but failed to 
create worthwhile openings for themselves as Rhayader defended 
in numbers hoping to punish Port on the break. Having said 
that the home side came into the match with a game plan which 
they stuck to. They maintained their shape throughout, conceded 
the space to Port but in their final third they were well 
organised and denied Port any clear cut chances on goal. On the 
few occasions there was a threat young agile keeper Eifion Price 
proved equal to the task. Rhayader mounted relatively few attacks 
but remained patient and when the chances came they took them well. 
A third defeat in succession leaves Port well off the pace in the 
table and with worries ahead as they seek an improvement in their 
early season form.
 
Port were on the attack from the start and after 5 minutes Darren 
Thomas worked an opening for Richard Owen but Price was down well 
at his near post to save. Rhayader responded with an 11 minute Dylan 
McPhee shot to the far post which had Richard Harvey back pedalling, 
but it drifted wide of the target. Port then went on to dominate 
possession. Steve Kehoe crossed low into the box but Craig Roberts 
under pressure fired wide. Graham Boylan then slipped a square ball 
for Darren Thomas whose low shot was well saved by Price diving to his 
right. With 20 minutes gone Graham Boylan broke free on the left but 
Price again pulled off a good save to keep out the angled shot. A 
couple of minutes later Grahame Austin met Darren Thomas’s corner, but 
the header went over the bar. As the half wore on Port, despite having 
plenty of the game, failed to find a way through a tight home defence 
with Hughes and Evans prominent. A frustrated Port trudged off at the 
interval with the game scoreless.
 
The second half started in the same vein. Richard Owen fired over the 
bar and Grahame Austin headed across goal and wide. Then with 50 minutes 
on the clock disaster struck for Port. The home side who had bided their 
time  broke suddenly down the left with Matthew Lewis and Christian Jones 
combining. An excellent cross from Lewis was met with a clean Jordan 
Cooper header hitting the back of the net from 5 yards. Craig Roberts with 
an hour gone tried to get Port back into the game with a good break to the 
bye-line but his low cross was cleared. This was followed by a Gruff 
Williams strike into the side netting. But with 12 minutes left, calamity 
struck a second time. Lance Jones nipped in between Richard Harvey and 
Grahame Austin as the latter attempted a back header. Jones then hooked the 
ball high over Richard Harvey and it dipped under the bar. Two goals down 
and the game was lost. Ryan Davies did test Price again with a header, and 
Aaron Richmond burst down the left past three defenders cutting into the 
box, but again the home defence was able to deal with the low cross. Though 
Mr Kolowski played 4 minutes of added time there were to be no goals for 
Port today.
 
Three straight defeats and the last two without a goal is very concerning, 
Where has the form which gave Port a run of nine straight wins at the end 
of last season? Too much seemed to depend on Darren Thomas for any real 
creativity, though that was later supplemented by some tricky committed runs 
from sub Aaron Richmond. Gareth Parry and Campbell Harrison will have an early 
opportunity to find an answer as Holyhead visit the Traeth on Tuesday.
 
Port: Richard Harvey, Steve Kehoe, Mike Foster (Jason Harvey 72), Dan Pyrs, 
Ryan Davies, Grahame Austin, Richard Owen (Aaron Richmond 62), Gruff Williams 
(Steve Sephton 84), Graham Boylan,Darren Thomas, Craig Roberts. Subs not used: 
Mark Jones, Merfyn Williams(gk). Yellow: Ryan Davies 37.
Rhayader; Eifion Price, Dan Goodman, Jordan Cooper, Gareth Hughes, Dale Evans, 
Adam Oakley, Matthew Lewis, Christian Jones, Rhys Thomas, Lance Jones, Dylan 
McPhee (Joe Wozencraft 87). Subs not used: Matt Morgan, Callum McKenzie, Luke 
Evans. 
 
Referee: Phil Kolowski (Wrexham).

Welsh Premier League Cup     -Tuesday, 04 September 2012
 
Rhyl ... 2        CPD Porthmadog ... 0
S Lewis 45
D Forbes 67

Rhyl gained a reasonably comfortable win over a weakened 
Porthmadog team. An opportunist Stephen Lewis strike 
from 30 yards on the the stroke of half time putting them 
ahead and consolidating their lead when David Forbes 
had a simple tap-in midway through the second half, after 
a defensive misunderstanding lead to a bizarre second goal. 
With such a long injury list Gareth Parry decided that 
caution was the watch word for the evening and kept Darren 
Thomas, Chris Williams, Aaron Richmond and Gruffydd John 
on the bench.
Rhyl dominated the opening half and, but for their own 
wastefulness in front of goal and some outstanding saves by 
Richard Harvey, they would have gone in at half time 
considerably more than a single goal to the good. Richard 
Harvey pulled of the first of a series of excellent saves 
when he went down at the feet of Marc Evans who had broken 
behind the Port defence. Three minutes later Paul McManus 
pulled out wide on the left but Richard Harvey with a diving 
save at his near post denied him. In a rare early attack for 
Port Graham Boylan won a throw  near the corner flag which he 
took quickly to find Jason Harvey and as the winger cut inside 
the ball was scrambled away for a corner. Rhyl did find the 
net after 20 minutes but it was ruled offside. Two minutes 
later Scott Beckett cut inside from the right but Richard Harvey 
diving low to his right pulled off another good save. A good 
Grahame Austin tackle then halted Beckett as he cut inside, 
from the left this time. With 25 minutes on the clock Harvey 
saved magnificently at his near post to divert a close range 
effort by Marc Evans, palming it away for a corner. Harvey was 
next down at the feet of Lewis as he burst clean through. Finally 
Rhyl did break through on the counter attack following a Port 
free kick. Stephen Lewis burst through the middle and 30 yards 
out spotted Harvey off his line lifting a huge shot over the 
eeper into the net. in injury time Lewis rose well at a corner 
but his header was over the bar. Port apart from a few free kicks 
rarely threatened. And after all that, just 1-0 to the home team 
at the interval.
The second half was a much more even affair. Six minutes into the 
half Halewood fired wide following a Beckett free kick. Port 
however looked more of a threat and Scott Sephton got his head to 
a Kehoe cross but did not really test the home keeper. Jason Harvey 
then created a shooting chance for Boylan who lifted his shot from 
defender Steve Kehoe and Richard Harvey left Kehoe on the ground 
holding his head and the ball bouncing kindly for Dave Forbes who 
tapped in the easiest of goals. Towards the end of the half Port 
launched a number of good attacks. Jason Harvey combined with Graham 
Boylan for Boylan to test keeper Mainwaring and when Mike Foster 
swung a free kick into the box Boylan rose well but his header went 
over the bar. Phil Williams, showing his usual energy after coming 
on, intercepted a Rhyl pass but again the shot went narrowly over 
the bar. In the final minute Ryan Davies could have scored a 
consolation goal for Port but after creating space for himself shot 
over the bar. 
Rhyl enter the last 16 of the competition while Port can move on to 
concentrate on league matches and improve on their inconsistent start 
to the season. It was good to see Grahame Austin and  Dan Pyrs back 
and let’s hope for better news on some of the other injured players.
 
Port: Richard Harvey, Steve Kehoe (Gruff Williams 79), Mike Foster, 
Dan Pyrs, Ryan Davies, Grahame Austin, Craig Roberts (Phil Williams 63), 
Scott Sephton, Richard Owen, Graham Boylan, Jason Harvey. Subs not used: 
Chris Williams, Darren Thomas, Aaron Richmond. Yellow: Steve Kehoe 75.
 
Rhyl: Ryan Mainwaring, Matt Woodward, Liam Benson, Greg Strong 
(Danny Tign 79), Steffan Halewood, John Leah (Mark Powell 55), Scott 
Beckett, Paul McManus, Stephen Lewis, Marc Evans (Tom Rowlands 84), Dave 
Forbes.  Subs not used: Danny Hughes, Russ Courtney. Yellow: Ryan 
Mainwaring 12, Dave Forbes 75, Stephen Lewis 83.
 
Referee: Mark Petch.

Huws Gray Alliance     -Friday, 31 August
 
Cefn Druids ... 2        CPD Porthmadog ... 1
Mark Harris 21(p)        Darren Thomas 35
Gareth Edwards 81
 
A late set piece winner from Gareth Edwards settled this hard, 
often bruising, contest played at a 100 mph in favour of the 
Druids. Based on the amount of pressure they applied over the 
90 minutes the home team probably deserved to take the three 
points. But on a night where it seemed that they might hold on 
for a point Port’s ever lengthening injury list had Ceri James 
and Ryan Connolly added to it before the half hour mark was 
reached. One win in four games leaves them with a lot of work 
to do to get back into the promotion race.
Both sides were at it hammer and tongs from the start with the 
Druids posing their first real threat after  only three minutes 
when the dangerous Mike Burke chased a long ball and got in behind 
the Port defence on the right but his angled shot from 15 yards 
went narrwoly wide. Port responded a minute later when a clever 
Darren Thomas ball, low into the box, found Craig Roberts who 
controlled well but failed to get sufficient power on his shot 
and Mullock saved comfortably. Play remained end to end and after 
19 minutes Aaron Richmond was within inches of Mike Foster’s deep 
free kick to the Druids back post. But two minutes later the home 
side got the break they needed to go ahead. When Adam Hesp  threw 
long into the Port box a melee ensued and when Robbie James fell 
to the ground referee Steve Hughes pointed to the spot. Mark Harris 
drove his penalty low into the corner of the net past Richard 
Harvey’s right hand. Druids were in the lead and it needed a well 
timed Ryan Davies tackle to halt Mike Pritchard as he threatened to 
increase that lead. But with 35 minutes gone Port got back on 
level terms when Darren Thomas took advantage of a defensive mix up 
between Edwards and Hesp to nip in and score an opportunist goal 
striking low past Mullock from 12 yards. Just before the interval 
Mike Pritchard had an opportunity to restore the Druids’ lead  when 
Rees Darligton put him through, but the angled shot went across the 
face of goal. The home side did get the ball into the net again on 
44 minutes only for it to be ruled out for a foul on the keeper. 
1-1 at the interval.
Early pressure from the home side at the beginning of the second half 
but Mike Burke fired his shot into the side netting and the same player 
was wide of the target when he met Adam Hesp#s long throw. At the other 
end Chris Mullock pulled off an outstanding point blank save to deny 
Port the lead. Darren Thomas’s cleverly flighted free kick was 
powerfully headed by Ryan Davies and looked a certain goal but Mullock 
brilliantly kept it out and it was scrambled clear. Burke was twice in 
the picture around the hour mark first having his shot blocked by Mike 
Foster and then putting Darlington in behind the defence but te full back 
fired across the goal and wide. Then it was Port’s turn again and when 
Craig Roberts crossed to the back post the dangerous Aaron Richmond 
raced in but failed to apply the final touch. Minutes later it was 
Craig Roberts turn to come close when he headed Darren Thomas’s near 
post corner over the bar.  Sub Tom McElmeel responded for Druids with a 
30 yard effort which Richard Harvey turned round the post. Then with the 
game looking as though it would end in a draw the set piece threat struck 
again. A high Darlington free kick was headed into the Port goalmouth 
where Gareth Edwards found the net with a close range header.  Port 
continued to push forward and more dangerous crosses from Chris Williams 
and Darren Thomas were gathhered safely by Chris Mullock who had an 
excellent game. There was one more incident before the 90 minutes were up 
when a cross from the left bounced awkwardly and struck Mike Foster on 
his hand. Once again referee Steve Hughes pointed to the spot and once 
again Harris struck his penalty to Richard Harvey's right but this time 
the keeper guessed correctly and pulled off an excellent save.
2-1 at the end in a tense exciting contest which was not decided until the 
closing stages. The game perhaps turned on Mullock's super save to keep 
out Ryan Davies' header. Had Port secured the lead at that stage they 
could have gone on to win the game.But eventually the Druids determined 
the pace of the game and Port too often appeared to lose  their 
composure and were  drawn into a long ball battle. 

Port: Richard Harvey, Ryan Connolly (Phil Williams 28), Chris Williams, 
Ryan Davies, Mike Foster (Richard Owen 89), Gruff Williams, Ceri James 
(Steve Kehoe 15),Aaron Richmond, Craig Roberts, Darren Thomas, Graham Boylan. 
Subs not used: Jason Harvey. Yellow: Ryan Davies 31 Graham Boylan 65.
Cefn Druids: Chris Mullock, Mark Harris, Rees Darlington Adam Hesp, Gareth 
Edwards, Robbie James, Steve Jones, George Hughes (Tom McElmeel), Mike Burke, 
Mike Pritchard, Warren Duckett.Yellow: Gareth Edwards 19, Mark Harris 78, 
Mike Burke 90
 
Referee: Steve Hughes.	Attendance: 207

Huws Gray Alliance        -Saturday, 25 August
 
CPD Porthmadog ... 3		Llanrhaeadr-ym-Mochnant FC ... 1
Ryan Davies 1		Alun Jones 12
Darren Thomas 19(pen) 
Graham Boylan 89
 
This was a game which Port should have  well and truly sewn up 
before the end of the first half. But creating and then wasting 
five or six gilt edged chances set up a frustrating second 
period where they could not relax until Darren Thomas finally 
set up Graham Boylan for the decisive third goal, and that a 
minute from the end of the 90 minutes.  Llanrhaeadr showing the 
usual spirit and no little skill were often allowed to break 
quickly and could have found an equaliser as they took advantage 
of some inaccurate 2nd half passing and a faiure to close the 
game down.
Port could hardly have wished for a better start with skipper 
Ryan Davies, at the back post, getting his head to Chris Williams’ 
corner and squeezing a header into the net just inside the back 
post. The early goal heralded a series of strong Port attacks. 
Graham Boylan screwed a shot narrowly wide, Aaron Richmond’s header 
was pushed for a corner and Darren Thomas found the back of the 
net only for the linesman to flag for offside. But some poor 
defensive work gave the visitors a foothold after 10 minutes and Joe 
Vaughn’s right wing cross was scrambled clear but the warning went 
unheeded and when the ball was played back into the box following a 
corner, Alun Jones took advantage and flicked a header inside Richard 
Harvey’s right hand post to level the scores. Port continued to 
threaten, especially from set pieces, and after 14 minutes Graham 
Boylan’s header, at a corner, flew over the bar. With 19 minutes gone 
Port regained the lead when referee M W Roberts pointed to the spot 
for a handling offence and Darren Thomas netted, sending keeper Lee 
Davies the wrong way. The goal was a signal for more Port pressure 
and a period followed when there were three more close calls for 
the Llanrhaeadr defence. Ceri James rose well in the box to meet a 
Darren Thomas cross but his header went narrowly outside the post. 
Richard Owen then broke on the right and Aaron Richmond drew a save 
at his back post from Lee Davies. A spectacular Darren Thomas looping 
header, when Mike Foster played a ball forward into the box, struck 
the foot of the post and before the interval Gruff Williams twice got 
himself into scoring positions but failed to hit the target. While 
these sweeping moves created, but failed to produce a goal, Alun Jones 
could have had a second for Llan when a good through ball put him in 
behind the Port defence. But though he managed an useful shot it 
drifted wide. There was also a couple of Kady Seabrokk free kicks 
one of which Richard Harvey had to get doen well to save. Half-time 
arrived with just the odd goal separating the two teams. 
In the second period it looked as though the frustration of the 
missed opportunities of the first half was effecting the Port 
performance as they gave the ball away and were opened up by some 
dangerous  Llanrhaeadr breaks and the result now looked anything but 
a foregone conclusion. To be fair the Daniel Stevens’ team looked 
composed bringing the ball down and building some threatening moves. 
Port were still creating the better chances but they lacked the 
fluency of the first half approach play. A Darren Thomas break from 
midfield with a good low shot going  outside the post was followed by 
Richard Owen netting but the goal was disallowed for an offence on the 
keeper. From a couple of Darren Thomas free kicks, first Ryan Ravies 
headed wide and a Richard Owen rocket was well saved by Lee Davies at his 
near post. Llanrhaeadr had their moments with Richard Harvey  again 
saving well from a Seabrook free kick and one dangerous break was halted 
by an excellent last ditch tackle by Ryan Connolly. But with seven 
minutes left, home supporters breathed a sigh of relief as Sam Jones’s 
angled shot crept narrowly outside Richard Harvey’s right hand post.  
With a minute left the Port’s third goal finally arrived and it was an 
excellent set up by Darren Thomas. He broke past two defenders to the 
by-line and pulled back a super ball for Graham Boylan to run on to and 
finish clinically.
Gareth Parry will be relieved rather than pleased to gain the first win. 
“It has been a frustrating start to the season, at times a bit of a 
nightmare. Today we created so many clear cut chances then failed to even 
hit the target, which lead to a difficult second half where we put 
pressure on ourselves,” he commented at the end. 
 
Port: Richard Harvey, Ryan Connolly, Ryan Davies, Mike Foster, Chris 
Williams (Grahame Austin 86), Gruff Williams, Ceri James (Steve Kehoe 64), 
Richard Owen (Jason Harvey 85), Aaron Richmond, Graham Boylan, Darren 
Thomas. Subs not used: Scott Sephton, Phil Williams. Yellow: Ryan Davies
 
Llanrhaeadr: Lee Davies, Tim Hardie (Hamish Clifton 71), Matt Tone, Josh 
Wood, Emyr Roberts, Rob Fox, Joe Vaughn (Dan Roberts 77), Sam Jones, Tom 
Evans, Kady Seabrook.
 
Referee: M W Roberts                        Attendance: 192. 

Huws Gray Alliance    -Tuesday, 21 August
 
CPD Porthmadog .... 1        Conwy Borough .... 2
Anthony Miley (og) 3            Mark Jones 10
                                Gruff Williams (og) 89
 
Agony for Porthmadog as a late late own goal delivered all three 
points to Conwy Borough after a second half which the home side 
had completely dominated. This was an exciting game played in 
remained the scoreline at the interval, but Port will feel that 
they should have clinched all three points with a strong second 
half performance. That they did not succeed can be put down to a 
magnificent performance by Terry McCormick, in the  visitors’ goal, 
who made numerous outstanding saves. He was backed up by a hard 
working back line and when several excellent chances did materialise, 
Port failed to punish their opponents.
 
Despite playing into the wind Port were first on the attack and 
led to a goal mouth mix up which ended with an Anthony Miley 
eflection going into the net off the keeper’s back! Two minutes 
later Port could have doubled the lead when Graham Boylan was put in 
behind the defence by Richard Owen but Terry McCormick pulled off an 
excellent save to set the tone for what was to happen later. But with 
only 10 minutes gone Conwy drew level and again it was a defensive 
rror which allowed Mark Jones to score against his old club. A mix up 
allowed him to put pressure on Mike Foster and, as Richard Harvey 
advanced from his goal, the Conwy forward took advantage of the 
situation to score with a confident finish. In the later stages of the 
half the stiff wind allowed Conwy to put pressure on the Port goal and 
when a 30th minute Eddie Jebb free kick swung dangerously into the box 
good defensive work by Ryan Davies and Gruff Williams, relieved the 
situation. Ryan Davies was soon in action again getting on the end of a 
low Eddie Jeb  cross to clear. With the strength of the wind increasing 
a right wing effort coming in on the wind was touched over the bar by 
Richard Harvey and soon after the Port keeper was in action again pushing 
away away a powerful Eddie Jebb free kick. But despite their territorial 
advantage in the latter stages of the half, Conwy did not create any 
clear cut chances and the home side could feel pleased that they had 
survived reasonably comfortably against the elements with the score at 
the interval 1-1.
 
Keeper McCormick was in action almost immediately after the restart. 
Graham Boylan got his head to a Mike Foster free kick and McCormick saved 
well at the expense of a corner. With the wind on their backs Port pushed 
forward and McCormick had to touch a Chris Williams free kick over the bar. 
It continued at this stage to be McCormick v Port, as a superb turn and 
shot by Graham Boylan drew a magnificent full stretch dive from McCormick 
to turn the ball round the post. Just after the hour Richard Owen created a 
good opening for sub Craig Roberts but with only the keeper to beat, the 
usually reliable forward, failed to get his shot away. The chances were 
still being created and just after the hour mark Graham Boylan squared the 
ball for Darren Thomas who drove powerfully but narrowly wide. Another good 
McCormick save at his back post from Boylan following a Foster free kick. 
It remained a fast and furious battle as Port battled for a winner, a good 
ooking 20 yard effort from Sephton was straight at McCormick. In the latter 
stages Conwy were able to break out from defence and Jebb  in particular was 
 threat. When it looked as though it would all end in a draw, a piece of good 
fortune or bad luck, depending on your preference, turned the game on its head. 
ebb lifted a high ball to Richard Harvey’s far post where Gruff Williams, who 
had turned in another excellent performance, directed his header back across 
goal but instead of the intended conceding of a corner, the ball struck the 
inside of the post and into the net.  
A major disappointment for Port with a performance which should have secured 
the very minimum of one point resulted in a defeat. The hard working Conwy 
will welcome a stroke of luck which enabled them to repeat last season’s 
victory at the Traeth.
 
Port; Richard Harvey, Gruff Williams, Ryan Davies, Mike Foster, Chris Williams, 
Ceri James (Mark Jones 89), Scott Sephton, Richard Owen ( Jason Harvey 78), 
Aaron Richmond (Craig Roberts 57), Darren Thomas, Graham Boylan. Subs not used: 
Steve Kehoe Ryan Connolly, Phil Williams. 
 
Conwy: Terry McCormick, Joe Williams, Lee Hammond, Peter Hoy, Anthony Miley, 
Josh Griffiths, Craig Griffiths, Todd Blayney (Leigh Craven 78), Stuart Frazer, 
Mark 
Jones (Josh Evans 82), Eddie Jebb (Mike Sharples 90).Subs not used: Matt Singleton, 
John Keegan. Yellow: Craig Griffiths.
 
Referee: J B Roberts.                            Attendance: 178

Huws Gray Alliance League    -Saturday, 18 August
 
Llandudno ... 2		CPD Porthmadog ... 2
Joe Morgan '29		Aarran Richmond '60
Dean Seager '67		Gruffudd John Williams '72


A hard fought league opener, with Llandudno dominating the opening half 
and deservedly going in a goal to the good at the interval. But Port were 
a totally different side in the second half with Ceri James controlling 
the middle of the field and setting up the attacking moves and probably 
should have gone on to claim all three points. Maesdu is however not the 
easiest of places to come to and considering the lengthy injury list, 
Gareth Parry will allthings considered be  pleased to come away with a 
point.

The home side could have been ahead in the first minute as a jittery Port 
defence allowed Dean Seager in on goal and the young striker did everything 
right, only to be denied by a fine one handed reflex save by Richard Harvey. 
The home side used the wind at their backs to good effect and backed up their 
use of the long ball with a willingness to chase and harry causing plenty of 
hairy moments at the back for Port. They forced a series of corners floated 
across from either flank by Lee Jones, each of which seriously tested the 
rearguard. It took over 20 minutes for Port to mount a serious challenge on 
the home goal and then it required a good save from keeper Dowd to keep out 
Darren Thomas’s low angled shot cutting in from the right. But Llandudno 
responded well with Tom Dix striking an angled shot over the bar when well 
placed. But a minute later and Llandudno were ahead when Joe Morgan at the 
back post met a Lee Jones corner with a bullet header which gave Richard 
Harvey no chance. Soon after Richard Harvey was in action again saving a 
dipping Dean Seager free kick. Port did show more threat towards the end 
of the half and new signing Scott Sephton met Darren Thomas’s corner with a 
header which went outside the upright and a good Aaron Pritchard run ended 
with a shot into the side netting. Just before the interval Llandudno could 
have doubled their lead when a good low cross by Tony Cann provided Lee 
Jones with a good shooting chance but the winger screwed a good opportunity 
over the bar.

The second half was virtually one way traffic in the opposite direction with 
Port now well in control as Ceri James dominated in a midfield that had been 
by passed in the first half. And interval substitute Mike Foster coolly 
marshalled things at the back. Darren Thomas crossed for Richard Owen whose 
ffort was deflected for a corner and Gruff Williams created space for himself 
in the box only to lift his angled shot over the bar. Pressure mounted as 
Graham Boylan got in behind the defence but failed to get his shot away and 
Ryan Davies had his powerful header cleared off the line. The inevitable 
equaliser eventually came on the hour mark and it was well worth the wait. A 
move developed from midfield, continued by Richard Owen whose angled ball 
freed Aaron Richmond and the little winger looked up and unleashed a superb 15 
yard shot across keeper Dowd into the top corner of the net. Scott Sephton was 
then narrowly off target with a header for Port and a Daniel Roberts’ header 
was gratefully scrambled away by the Port defence. Misfortune then struck for 
the travelling supporters when Port failed to clear their lines and the ball 
came to Dean Seager 30 yards out. The young forward struck a speculative shot 
goalwards and though there appeared to be little threat, it bounced over 
Richard Harvey and into the net. Port behind again continued to push forward 
and within five minutes they were back on level terms when Dowd could only 
push away Darren Thomas’s powerfully struck free kick and Gruff Williams was 
on hand to hook a shot into the net from close range. A super Chris Williams 
break down the left came close to giving Port all three points.  He cut the 
ball back for Darren Thomas whose thunderbolt whistled inches over the bar. 
In injury time Darren Thomas got his head to Ryan Davies’s forward ball but 
could not get sufficient power on his header.

A game of two halves and a result which Port would have  willingly to accept 
before hand. In the end however it was Llandudno who were holding on and 
pleased to hear the final whistle. Good Huws Gray ‘firsts’ for the Aaron and 
Gruff two of the younger members of the squad.
 
Port: Richard Harvey, Gruff Williams, Ryan Davies, Rhys Roberts (Mike Foster 46), 
Chris Williams: Ceri James, Scott Sephton, Darren Thomas, Aaron Richmond 
(Jason harvey 92), Graham Boylan, Richard Owen. Subs not used: Mark Jones, 
Gareth Parry, Merfyn Williams(gk) Yellow: Chris Williams, Graham Boylan, 
Ryan Davies.
 
Llandudno: John Dowd, Kevin Fields, sam Sininson, Paul Roberts, Daniel Roberts, 
Ben Hughes, Joe Morgan (Graham Roberts 78), Tom Dix, Dean seager Chris Melia 84), 
Tony cann (Peter Jones 92)
sub not used: Dave Guinn. Yellow: Joe Morgan, Kevin Fields.
 
Referee: Gareth Wyn Jones (Bontnewydd)                Attendance: 159.