|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
|
| Llanrhaeadr (h) |
Penycae (h) |
Cefn Druids (h) |
Rhaeadr (h) |
Llanidloes (h) |
HUWS GRAY ALLIANCE -Saturday, 12 April CPD Porthmadog ... 1 Josh Stadnicki ‘18. Llanidloes Town ......0 A single goal from Josh Stadnicki after only 18 minutes enabled Port to end the season with a win. This gives them an unbeaten 7 match final run in during which they picked up 15 points from the last 21 on offer. But this win could have been more emphatic but for the dismissal of Richard Harvey reducing them to 10 men for the last half hour and once more the good opportunities missed. The final minutes could have been a little more tranquil had player of the season, Eilir Edwards, converted his penalty opportunity. In the early stages Port controlled the possession but real goal opportunities were few. In the 7th minute John Owen put the visitors defence under pressure with a clever run to the by-line before crossing into the box where keeper Jones eventually was able to clear. Minutes later Owen threatened again coming close with a dipping shot which went narrowly over the bar. The goal came in the 18th minute when Llanidloes initially failed to clear an Eilir Edwards corner. Rob Evans played the ball back into the box and defender Josh Stadnicki netted his third of the season when his shot from 12 yards took a deflection, looping into the corner of the net. John Owen was a constant threat down the left and when he found Paul Lewis in the box it needed a goal line clearance to keep the ball out. Twenty five minutes had gone before the visitors managed a first effort on goal when Marc Probert powered a low shot from 18 yards; it needed a good save from Richard Harvey. Port responded with an Eilir Edwards effort which went narrowly over the bar. This was followed by a run across the edge of the box from Leon Newell ending with a shot which was pulled narrowly the wrong side of the post. Llanidloes pushed forward more in the latter stages of the first half forcing their only corner of the half and Gareth Mansell brought another save from Richard Harvey following a free kick from the edge of the box. But the interval was reached with Port remaining one goal to nil ahead. In the early stages of the second period Port twice could have increased their lead. Leon Newell fastened on to a knock down by Rob Evans and blasted goalwards drawing a good save from keeper Dave Jones. Minutes later a great flick from Paul Lewis put Carl Owen in on goal but this time the club’s top scorer lobbed over the keeper and over the bar. Having escaped the visitors pushed forward to win a corner which was cleared but then Richard Harvey found himself in the front line as he was forced into a last ditch save just outside his box and received his marching orders. Craig Papirnyk took over in goal which meant the withdrawal of Paul Lewis. The replacement keeper started his duties by clearing the ensuing free kick. The visitors now scented points to aid their HGA survival. They now enjoyed more of the territory as Port tended to defend in numbers and hold on to that they had. Nevertheless there were few worries for emergency keeper Papirnyk who was not tested sweeping up coolly at the back. The closest the visitors came to scoring was 7 minutes before time when Rhys Jones netted with a fine shot only to have it disallowed for offside. Their only other effort of note was a Rhys Jones header which went wide. Port could have eased the final stages had a penalty been converted when Carl Owen was brought down in the box. Eilir Edwards went for placement and Dave Jones flung himself across to save at the foot of the post. The best of Port’s other efforts came from John Owen whose low shot from 18 yards was well saved by keeper Jones. There were other good breaks down the flanks from Leon Newell and Gareth Jones Evans but lack of bodies in the box meant they were not taken advantage of. Despite the second half ‘incidents’ Port deserved to end the season with a win. Thanks to the wonderful noisy Daff supporters who helped to make it an entertaining afternoon and best of luck to Llanidloes in their bottom three shoot-out with Rhydymwyn next Saturday. PORTHMADOG: Richard Harvey, Gareth Jones Evans, Josh Banks, Eilir Edwards, Josh Stadnicki, Dilan Lomas, Rob Evans, Leon Newell, Carl Owen, John Owen, Paul Lewis (Craig Papirnyk 57). Unused subs: Gareth Parry, Gruff Williams, Phil Williams. Red: Richard Harvey. LLANIDLOES: Dave Jones, Harry Clarke (Gregg Brown 53), Josh Evans, Tom Sparey, Marc Probert, Dan Lewis, Ryan Clemson, Aston Heath, Jamie Breeze, Gareth Mansell, Rhys Jones. Unused subs: Matthew Savage, Ashley Owen. REFEREE: Peter Kewley. ATTENDANCE: 192. Huws Gray Alliance Wednesday, 9 April CPD Porthmadog ... 1 Rob Evans 30 Rhayader Town ... ..1 Rhys Thomas 65 This is the second draw in four days at the Traeth but in comparison with the excitement and thrills of Saturday’s 4-4 draw this one came very low on entertainment. A goal for Port in the first half was cancelled out by Rhayader’s second half response. Though Port created the better chances they found their passing game frustrated by a well organised Rhayader, quick to the tackle and closing down in midfield disrupting the flow of Port’s usual passing game. Port opened well and were soon on the attack. The first real opportunity came when Josh Stadnicki’s long pass found Gareth Jones Evans on the left and Leon Newell met his accurate cross but keeper Luke Evans saved well. Rhayader responded down the right and Tom Rowlands shot on the turn but straight at Richard Harvey. That, and a later free kick by Rhys Thomas which Harvey had to punch away, proved to be the mid-Wales club’s only efforts on goal in the opening half. Port did work a few openings with John Owen’s runs a threat. From one of these he cut across field and from 18 yards shot narrowly the wrong side of the post. Josh Stadnicki met a Dilan Lomas free kick but his header drifted wide of the target. Though they controlled much of the possession it took Port half an hour before they managed to get their noses in front. Again it was a break down the left which did the damage and with the visitors’ defence failing to deal with Paul Lewis’ cross, Rob Evans took advantage scoring from close range. More Port threats came later in the half. Good work by Paul Lewis, this time down the right, and a pull back for Leon Newell who’s shot from 15 yards was gathered by keeper Luke Evans at 2nd attempt. Gareth Jones Evans then fired across the face of goal before the same player crossed from the right and Rob Evans’ header looped tantalisingly wide of the angle. Port went in 1-0 at the interval having controlled possession but found the Rhayader defence a tough nut to crack open. Five minutes into the second half it took an outstanding one handed save from Luke Evans to keep out Leon Newell’s close range goal bound header. But now chances were few and far between as the strong tackling Rhayader defence continued to frustrate the Port attack. The visitors grew in confidence and venturing forward found an equaliser with their first shot on target in the second period. Good individual effort from Rhys Thomas who won the ball 25 yards out and broke into the box on the left firing and accurate low shot just inside the far post. Gareth Parry then brought on Craig Papirnyk into central midfield allowing Eilir Edwards to operate in his usual role higher up the pitch and almost immediately this had an effect. Edwards broke down the left and Rob Evans met the cross with a clean header which thumped against the crossbar. But Rhayader were pushing forward more frequently as they scented a possible victory. Tom Rowlands cut in from the left and his shot took a deflection which forced Richard Harvey into a smart save. A Rhys Thomas free kick tested the Port defence and Christian Jones found room in the box for a shot which curled narrowly wide. Port pushed forward now urged on by player/manager Gareth Parry and when Leon Newell turned well on the edge of the box he curled his shot wide. In the end both sides had to be satisfied with the draw which all in all was probably a fair result. This was a disappointing game which failed to reward the small crowd who had turned their backs on the joys of Sky football. But on the plus side Port’s unbeaten run extends to six games. PORTMADOG: Richard Harvey, Gruff Williams, Josh Banks, Eilir Edwards, Josh Stadnicki, Dilan Lomas, Rob Evans, Gareth Jones Evans (Craig Papirnyk 67), Leon Newell, John Owen, Paul Lewis (Gareth Parry 81). Yellow: Rob Evans 79. RHAYADER: Luke Evans, Matthew Lewis, Nevin Savage, Dylan McPhee, Robbie Owen, Christian Jones, Adam Oakley (Jordan McFadden 7), Gethin Jones, Rhys Thomas, Tom Rowlands, Jean Luc Avarel. Unused subs: Gareth Hughes, Gavin Samuel. Yellow: Gethin Jones 74, Nevin Savage 81. Referee: JB Roberts Attendance: 94. Huws Gray Alliance -Saturday, 5 April. CPD Porthmadog ... 4 Carl Owen 34 Eilir Edwards 37, 68 John Owen 55 Cefn Druids ... .........4 Craig Whitfield 7 Matty Owen 23 Robbie James 74 Nicky Ward 90+4(p) This game really did have everything eight goals, quality attacking football, commitment in bucket loads and unfortunately controversy. It is the best game seen at the Traeth this season and probably for many seasons. It was a huge credit to the Huws Gray Alliance with the champions retaining their unbeaten record on the road thanks to a highly contentious injury time penalty. Port started well with visitors’ keeper McGee failing to hold a well struck Eilir Edwards effort and a good move followed down the left with Leon Newell firing over the bar from 18 yards. But in the 7th minute the Druids showed why they are champions when they scored from their first attack. The ball was played down the middle behind the home defence Craig Whitfield controlled well breaking clear and scoring with a confident finish. A goal down Port continued to push forward and in the 13th minute a cracker from Josh Banks went inches wide of the post and this was followed with a John Owen run down the left and his cross was volleyed wide by Eilir Edwards. But despite this pressure Cefn gave another lesson in opportunism after 23 minutes when Matty Owen took advantage of Hesp’s long throw with an exocet through a crowded box to put the visitors two up. But Port heads did not go down sticking to their passing game and Leon Newell soon came close when he met a far post cross from John Owen. Pressure mounted on the Cefn goal and with two quality goals in 3 minutes Port restored parity. In the 34th minute Carl Owen found space in the box meeting an excellent Eilir Edwards ball to net with a header. Almost immediately it needed a good save from McGee to avert an equaliser when John Owen was through with only the keeper to beat. But there was not long to wait for the equaliser and when Eilir Edwards struck low from 20 yards this time McGee was beaten. On the stroke of half-time John Owen threatened to put Port ahead breaking behind the defence on the right but his angled shot was again save by the advancing McGee. The half-time score of 2-2 was not a reflection of the play but the quality of the champions’ finishing had given them parity. The Druids started the second half strongly and it needed a point blank save from Richard Harvey to keep out Steve Blenkinsop from close range. Harvey was soon in action again pulling off another outstanding save to deny Blenkinsop oncemore. But despite the early pressure it was Port who went ahead after 10 minutes of the second period with John Owen taking advantage of Druids’ attempts to pass around at the back, intercepting and driving in on goal to beat McGee with a clinical finish. A controversial moment followed which had a huge effect on the game. Ceri James was dismissed after receiving a second yellow card and though the first had been deserved the second was questionable. The decision lifted the Druids and Matty Owen was not far off the target with a well struck free-kick from 25 yards. As more niggle entered the game two Druids players went into the book. The champions scented an equaliser with Port down to ten and Blenkinsop was close meeting a Matty Owen cross. But in fact it was Port who went further ahead despite the handicap when Eilir Edwards’ high workrate and anticipation paid off winning the foot race and then skilfully cut inside and another great finish made it 4-2. Huw Griffiths moved quickly to introduce his subs and Lewis Jones made an impact down the left. With a quarter of an hour remaining the Druids made their strength at set pieces pay with Robbie James reacting first in the box to make it 4-3 from 12 yards. Port however continued to defend well and though stretched only a very long range effort from Ward could count as a threat. But with injury time upon us Cefn mounted one last effort. They forced three added time corners and just when Josh Stadnicki appeared to have cleared the last of these the referee pointed to the spot for what could only be described as the coming together of two opposing players. But as they say the referee’s decision is final and Nicky Ward levelled from the spot. If you can’t be champions yourself the next best thing is to match them over 90 minutes of thrilling football and by any measure Port did that today. We wish Cefn all the best back in the WPL and hope we can mount a challenge to join them next season. PORTHMADOG: Richard Harvey, Gruff Williams, Josh Banks, Ceri James, Josh Stadnicki, Dilan Lomas, Leon Newell (Paul Lewis 86), Neil Thomas, Carl Owen (Rob Evans 71), John Owen, Eilir Edwards. Unused subs: Gareth Jones Evans, Gareth Parry. Red: Ceri James 57 (2nd yellow). CEFN DRUIDS: Adam McGee, Adam Hesp, Gareth Edwards, Robbie James, Matt Owen, Steve Blenkinsop, Craig Garside, Gavin Cadwallader, Nick Ward, Craig Whitfield, Michael Jackson. Used subs: Ross Angers & Lewis Jones, Matty Hurdman. Unused sub: Jamie Haynes,. Yellow: G. Cadwallader , N. Ward, M Hurdman. Referee: Steve Hughes. Attendance: 159. Huws Gray Alliance -Saturday, 29 March CPD PORTHMADOG ....................... 4 Jamie Wynne (OG) '39 Ian Williams (OG) '48 Leon Newell '51 John Owen '63 PENYCAE ........................................ 2 Ian Williams '31 Paul Connolly '83 After the 5-1 drubbing at Penycae back in August, the Port players came into this game looking for revenge! And that’s exactly what they got! In control throughout, it was only in the second half that Port made their advantage tell. Port started the first half purposefully and it took only 4 minutes before a free-kick just outside the box presented the first opportunity. Carle Owen’s effort direct from the free-kick went just wide of the angle of post and bar. Penycae – who are currently in a relegation battle – also started the game in a fighting mood, forcing a couple of early corners but not testing Harvey in the Port goal. It was Port who were creating the best chances and after 15 minutes came three chances in a few seconds. The move started with a strong run by Leon Newell, his pass found John Owen in the box and the striker’s effort forced Ashley Roberts into save. From the rebound, Carl Owen’s acrobatic attempt was cleared off the line before the ball fell to Josh Stadniki and his effort went over the bar. With Port controlling possession, but failing to convert their chances, there was always a chance that Penycae could sneak a goal at the other end. Daniel Drazdauskas came close to doing just that after 23 minutes – his thundering 25 yard half volley came back off the post with Harvey rooted to the spot. Eight scrappy minutes later and Penycae went one better through Ian Williams. Good work down the right by Simon Everall stretched the Port defence and culminated in a cross which Williams met acrobatically, with the ball evading Harvey into the back of the net. Port reacted well to the goal, immediately forcing the visiting keeper into action. From a Leon Newell corner, Roberts saved a Dilan Lomas header from point blank; then from the rebound John Owen’s effort was tipped over the bar. Newell’s shot after the resulting corner then went just past the post. On 35’ minutes it was Carl Owen who went close, but his shot also went just wide after great work and a cross by the lively John Owen. It was more good work by John Owen which finally overcame Penycae resistance. His 39th minute cross from the left whizzed across the face of the goal and it was the unfortunate Jamie Wynne with the telling touch to put the ball into his own net. 1-1 at half-time. After the break it was once again Port who came out firing, and it took only 3 minutes for them to take the lead. Eilir Edwards’ corner from the right took a touch off a Penycae head into the back of the net – for the second own goal of the game. With Port now threatening to score on every attack, Leon Newell almost doubled the lead two minutes later. It took another good save from Ashley Roberts to push the shot past the post. It was just a stay of execution though; 6 minutes into the half and Port did score their third. This time Roberts could only parry Neil Thomas’s long range effort and Newell pounced to force the ball home. Just after, Josh Griffiths was thankful not to complete a hat-trick of Penycae own-goals – his header went inches past the post. With 63 minutes gone, the game was effectively over as a contest. This time it was an individual piece of brilliance which undid the visitors’ defence. John Owen picked up the ball on the left, well away from goal; his run beat 4 or 5 defenders and the well placed shot was fantastic, completely wrong-footing the keeper. Port then seemed to take their foot off the pedal for the remainder of the game. A Neil Thomas header, which was cleared off the line, was the only chance of note. To their credit, Penycae didn’t give up. On 79 minutes a short back-pass by Gruff Williams was pounced upon by Drazdauskas and his chip shot over the out-rushing Harvey seemed to be finding the back of the home net. A fantastic Josh Stadniki header, however, was enough to clear the ball off the line. Penycae did get a consolation goal seven minutes before the end of the game: Paul Connolly’s header from a corner finding its target. So a job well done today! Pleasingly, it’s the third consecutive win since the disappointment at Holywell. It’s good to see such a good reaction from the lads and it sets us up well to finish as high up the table as possible. Fifth place has to be the target now – that’ll surely take at least 6 or 7 points from the last three matches. PORTHMADOG: Richard Harvey, Gruff Williams, Josh Banks, Ceri James, Josh Stadnicki, Dilan Lomas, Leon Newell (Rob Evans 74'), Carl Owen, Neil Thomas, John Owen, Eilir Edwards (Paul Lewis 74'). Unused sub: Craig Papyrnik, Gareth Jones-Evans, Gareth Parry. PENYCAE: Ashley Roberts, Jamie Wynner, Paul Mazzarella (Danny Williams 71'), Ian Williams, Paul Connolly, Adam Bayley, Naim Arsan, Josh Griffiths, Simon Everall (James Jones 75'), Jamil Adam (Daniel Traner 59'), Daniel Drazdauskas. Referee: Iwan Griffiths Attendance: 114 Emyr Gareth. Huws Gray Alliance -Saturday, 22 March CPD PORTHMADOG ....................... 2 Craig Papirnyk ‘43, ‘49 LLANRHAEADR-YM-MOCHNANT ... 0 A pair of cracking Craig Papirnyk goals, one either side of the half-time break, were enough to secure the three points for Porthmadog. The margin of the victory, as in most of Port’s 10 league victories this season, could have been greater as they again enjoyed long periods of pressure and produced some quality passing movements especially into the stiff wind in the second half. Credit to Llanrhaeader for they also, under new manager George Hughes, came intent on passing the ball around and looked to hit Port on the break. Indeed it was refreshing to watch a game where the ball was worked around without resorting to constant long balls from the back. The game started tentatively with both sides trying to build slowly from the back and 10 minutes had gone before the first real goal threat came when Neil Thomas’s through ball found John Owen on the right of the box for Port. The forward cut inside firing a low angled shot which keeper Lee, at his near post, did well to keep out. As Port built up a head of steam they forced a series of corners all of which came to nothing. But with 19 minutes on the clock the home side should have opened the scoring. Following a well worked move down the left John Owen broke to the byline and his cross into the box picked out Craig Papirnyk but the finish went the wrong side of the post. Another break down the left this time saw Josh Banks cross to the back post where Neil Thomas lifted his shot over the bar from close in. The visitors were looking to hit on the break with Jack Edwards proving a real threat in midfield. His through ball created a good opportunity for Ben White but a poor touch at the vital moment meant that the chance was gone. With Llanrhaeadr breaking quickly Port were well served by their excellent central defensive partnership whose manouverability and coolness kept things under control. On the half hour mark Richard Harvey was called into action for the first time, saving well from Ben White who had been put through by Josh Wood. As the interval drew closer Port pushed forward in search of a goal and when a Dilan Lomas free kick reached Neil Thomas at the back post but he lifted his shot narrowly over the angle. A minute later Leon Newell drove low from 20 yards passing narrowly outside the upright. Two minutes before the interval Port at last opened up the Llanrhaeadr defence.Leon Newell’s long ball was well controlled by John Owen who again broke to the byline. As the cross came in Craig Papirnyk raced from deep and his excellent diving header found the corner of the net. Llanrhaeadr responded well and Jack Edwards forced Richard Harvey to push a dipping 20 yard effort over the bar but at the interval Port held a 1-0 lead. From the restart Port pushed on looking to extend the lead. Leon Newell’s cross cum shot had keeper Lee scrambling to clear but with the half only four minutes old the second goal came. John Owen again played a key role in the build up. Following his mazy run at the Llanrhaeadr defence the ball broke to Craig Papirnyk on the edge of the box. One quick look and he curled his shot away from the despairing hands of Lee into the corner of the net for a top class finish. The home side were now in the driving seat as they broke quickly at the heart of the Llanrhaeadr defence and under pressure free kicks were being conceded and two yellow cards shown. Gruff Williams was now playing an increasingly attacking role and Paul Lewis met his cross but the header flew wide. An excellent and sustained period of Port passing followed which ended with Connor Lee keeping out John Owen’s low shot. Despite their dominance Port had to be alert to the visitors’ counter attacks and when Iwan Matthews broke dangerously into the box down the left it needed a superbly timed Josh Stadnicki tackle to relieve the situation. This inspired Llanrhaeadr to look for something more from the game. Edwards tried a shot from 20 yards but failed to beat Harvey. The visitors’ best chance came when Wood got behind the home defence but, with only the keeper to beat, fired wide. Port responded with yet another run and cross from John Owen with Lee keeping out Neil Thomas’s resulting shot. With the three points safe a Neil Thomas effort narrowly the wrong side of the post brought the curtain down on a succesful 90 minutes. A second successive clean sheet for a good win against a team who despite their basement position have only gone down to single goal defeats against three top four clubs. PORTHMADOG: Richard Harvey, Gruff Williams, Josh Banks, Ceri James (Gareth Jones Evans 70), Josh Stadnicki, Dilan Lomas, Leon Newell (Carl Owen 79), Neil Thomas, Craig Papirnyk (Eilir Edwards 70), Paul Lewis. Unused sub: Rob Evans, Gareth Parry. LLANRHAEADR: Connor Lee, Jack Edwards, Joe Vaughan, Matthew Evans (Tim Baly 84), Emyr Roberts (Dan Kelly 84), Rob Fox, Nathan Prodger, George Hughes, Ben White, Josh Wood, Iwan Matthews. Unused subs: Marc Griffiths, Jamie Davies. Yellow: George Hughes 55, Joe Vaughan 58. Referee: M W Roberts Attendance: 136. |
|||
 |
|||