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| Prestatyn (LC) (a) |
Llanfair United (a) |
Gresffordd / Gresford (a) |
Bow Street (h) |
Caernarfon (h) |
Denbigh (h) | | Guilsfield (h) | Huws Gray Alliance -Saturday, 17 October 2015 Guilsfield FC.................. 3 Mark Davies 52’ Andy Ford 67’ Sam Litchfield 87’ CPD Porthmadog.......... 2 Leon Newell 12’ Asa Hamilton 17’ Despite going two goals up within 17 minutes, including one by new signing Asa Hamilton, Port found themselves on the receiving end of a strong Guilsfield second half fight back. Three second half goals, with Sam Litchfield’s winner coming three minutes from time, completing the home side’s come back and condemning Port to a fifth straight league defeat. Port got off to a rousing start with new signing Asa Hamilton at the heart of everything. He completed some determined work down the left down with a shot on the turn to test Littleford after only 4 minutes. Soon after Gruff Williams met a Stuart Rogers free kick but his header went over the bar. But the visitors did not have long to wait for a rare opening goal when they broke quickly from midfield with Leon Newell receiving on the right and cutting inside to finish with a perfectly struck shot across the keeper and into the far corner of the net. There was not long to wait for Port to double their advantage. Stuart Rogers’ through ball put Asa Hamilton in behind the home defence but he was forced wide by the advancing Littleford but the forward was determined to get his debut goal, turning well firing into the net from the narrowest of angles. Port supporters could hardly believe the luxury of such an early two goal lead. But the goal was also a signal for the home team to step up their game and following a period of pressure the ball was only cleared as far as Andy Ford whose 25 yard effort forced Richard Harvey into an excellent save. Jake Cook for Guilsfield then received on the right and cut dangerously across the edge of the box but his shot was sliced wide. Towards the end of the half Port threatened again with Asa Hamilton after further good work shooting straight at the keeper and when Cai Jones’ initial shot was blocked Iwan Lewis followed up but saw his shot loop narrowly over the bar. Near the end of the first half Port were unfortunate to lose scorer Leon Newell, injured in a tackle and had to be carried off. But at the interval the score remained 0-2. From the start of the second half it soon became clear that the home side were not going to sit back and accept the status quo. They clearly upped the tempo and soon the Port defence was struggling to contain a series of strong attacks. A good exchange of passes between Aaron Edwards and Mark Davies down the left created an opening for Davies but he fired over the bar when well placed. But a minute later Davies got his name on the score sheet when he raced in at the back post to meet an Aaron Edwards cross from the far right to net from close range. Guilsfield continued to play a high tempo game and the Port defence were being kept at full stretch with Chris Cathrall long throws also proving a test. Guilsfield pressure paid off and after 67 minutes the scores were level, sub Jack Richards played an angled ball across the face of goal for Andy Ford to supply the finishing touch. Port were now relying on counterattacks for opportunities to restore their lead. Stuart Rogers put through Eilir Edwards wide on the right and his low cross was scrambled away for a corner. Despite being under pressure for long periods Port did conjure up some scoring opportunities; Stuart Rogers miscued with the goal gaping and a good cross goal header from Julian Williams was not far off target. But it was Guilsfield who looked the more likely to break the deadlock as we entered the final minutes. With three minutes left a pass was neatly played back for Sam Litchfield whose first time shot found the corner of the net. The Port team is suffering a crisis of confidence as results have gone against them and with a rising injury list it is proving a difficult rut to break out of. It is disappointing that such a good start and an excellent debut performance from Asa Hamilton could not be crowned with a win.With a growing injury and unavailability list which includes Josh Davies, Rob Evans, Gwydion Ifan, Ceri James and Iolo Hughes, Port could have done without adding Leon Newell to that list today. PORTHMADOG: Richard Harvey, Jack Davies, Josh Banks, Gruff John Williams, Iddon Price, Iwan Lewis, Stuart Rogers, Leon Newell (Eilir Edwards 45’), Asa Hamilton, Cai Jones, Julian Williams. Unused subs: Craig Papirnyk, James Papirnyk. GUILSFIELD: Dave Littleford, Callum Bromley, Chris Cathrall, Andy Ford, Sean Jones, James Henderson, Jake Cook, Aaron Edwards, Adam Jenkins, Gareth Jones, Mark Davies. Subs (used) Jack Richards, Peter Rees, Sam Litchfield. Unused; Danny Barton, Nathan Leonard. Referee: Huw Jones. Attendance: Gareth Williams. Huws Gray Alliance -Saturday, 10 October 2015 CPD Porthmadog..................1 Julian Williams 37’ Denbigh Town......................2 Warren Duckett 1’, 45’ Tony Davies 45’+ Mark Roberts 90’ Another confidence shattering afternoon for Port, where again they played some really excellent football, had the major share of the play, yet ended up suffering a heavy home defeat against a physically strong, workmanlike and efficient Denbigh side who consolidated their place at the top of the table. The turning point in the game came in the final minute of the opening half when the visitors scored twice to turn a 1-1 scoreline into 1-3 going in at half-time. Denbigh got off to a flying start netting in the very first minute of the game when the experienced Warren Duckett capitalised on a misplaced defensive header to open the scoring. Then for four minutes Denbigh looked as though they could run away with the game as first Dunleavy cutting in from the right fired a shot from the edge of the box which was only inches over Richard Harvey’s bar and the keeper had to pull off a good save to deny Pierce at the expense of a corner. But gradually Port established themselves in the game and a good Port move saw Cai Jones cutting in from the right forcing keeper Elliot Power to make a good block at his near post. The home side then forced a series of corners as the pressure mounted on the Denbigh goal. A shot from Eilir Edwards which whistled inches wide of the post signalled that the equaliser would not be long coming. With 37 minutes gone Julian Williams jinked and twisted his way through on the right of the box and when he found a gap fired low just inside the near post. This was hardly less than Port deserved at that stage. With 40 minutes on the clock there was little to suggest what would happen between that moment and the interval as a good Port move enabled Eilir Edwards to cross to the far post but Julian Williams’s header flew wide. With time running out in the first half it needed a timely tackle from Gruff John Williams to keep out Dunleavy but in the 45th minute following a corner Warren Duckett scored his second with a looping header over Richard Harvey and just under the bar. In injury time things got considerably worse when Tony Davies surprised Richard Harvey and everyone at the ground lifting a free kick from inside his own half over the keeper but crucially under the crossbar. These closing minutes gave us an incredible turn around leaving home supporters stunned. 1-3 at the interval. Despite the setback Port started the second half positively as Ceri James had a good low shot deflected for a corner and Elliot Power had to punch away a Gruff Williams free kick. Disaster struck for Port on 64 minutes when Ceri James got his marching orders after receiving a second yellow to go with the soft one he had already received. With ten men it was a mountain to climb for Port but from the balance of play it hardly looked as though the visitors had the extra man. A good Port move had Cai Jones breaking down the right and cutting past a defender close to the byline to find Stuart Rogers at the near post but there was no change of luck for Port as Rogers saw his shot strike the post. After 15 minutes of ten against eleven, parity was restored when Kristian Pierce also received a second yellow. Into the last 10 minutes and Port continued to mount attacks, Eilir Edwards crossed low from the left just beyond Julian Williams and Williams himself crossed inches too far for Cai Jones. But with Port striving for a second goal, they left themselves stretched at the back and Mark Roberts received in space on the left and netted with an excellent finish in off the post to give a scoreline which hardly reflected the balance of play. But Denbigh will care little about that as they took their chances and rode their luck at times in an all round team performance. An afternoon of high frustration for the Port team and especially for Craig Papirnyk and his coaching team as Port’s poor league run continues, a run which for the greater part hardly reflects the quality of football being played. May be a more ruthless streak is now called for, to start turning performances into points. PORTHMADOG: Richard Harvey, Gwydion Ifan (Jack Davies 22’), Josh Banks, Ceri James, Iddon price, Iwan Lewis, Stuart Rogers (Rob Owen 85’), Eilir Edwards, Cai Jones, Gruff John Williams, Julian Williams. Unused subs: Craig Papirnyk, Sion Parry, Iolo Hughes. Red: Ceri James 64’ (2 Yellow) DENBIGH: Elliot Power, Anthony Mee (Anthony Williams 72’), Matty Hughes, Tony Davies, Mike Sharples, Dave McIntyre, Kristian Pierce, Jack Abraham, Carl Lamb (Mark Roberts 79’) , Warren Duckett, Anthony Dunleavy (Sam Jones 79’).Red:Kristian Pierce 79'(2 Yellows) Unused subs: Sam Jones. Referee: Dan Fogarty, Attendance 152. Gareth Williams. Huws Gray Alliance -Tuesday, 6 October 2015 CPD Porthmadog..................1 Eilir Edwards 33’ Caernarfon Town..................2 Jamie Breeze 73’, 87’ On a night of torrential rain Port and Caernarfon provided high entertainment and some quality football. It was that old cliché, the game of two halves, with Port on top in the opening forty five minutes and deserving to go in ahead at half-time. But in the second period Caernarfon stepped up the tempo, forcing Port to defend for lengthy periods and eventually completing their fight back with a late winner from Jamie Breeze, his second goal of the game The game was not short of excitement or controversy either, with Richard Harvey pulling off a great spot kick save and the controversy coming near the end when Cai Jones netted for Port but only after a lengthy discussion the referee upheld the linesman’s offside decision. The game first sprung to life following the early sparring when Cai Jones was put through by Eilir Edwards but he was forced wide and the chance was gone. With Port beginning to up the pace it needed a good defensive block when Iwan Lewis unleashed a powerful shot. Leon Newell was the next to threaten but a slight deflection took his shot narrowly wide of the post. A Nathan Craig free kick provided an outlet for Caernarfon but Gareth Edwards ballooned his shot over the bar and when Jamie Breeze broke on the left Richard Harvey went down well to cut out the cross. But Port were now increasing their grip on the game and looked the more likely to open the scoring. Good work by Leon Newell down the right set up Eilir Edwards whose clean strike was only inches wide of the post. Port continued to threaten but mainly with shots around the edge of the box and one of these from Leon Newell was only narrowly over Paul Pritchard’s crossbar. When the Port goal came it was indeed a shot from distance but this time a free kick wide on the right. Eilir Edwards’ well struck shot sailed over Paul Pritchard into the far corner of the net. At this stage it was no more than Port deserved and they should have extended this lead before the interval. A great cross field ball from Josh Banks found Leon Newell whose strike went narrowly wide. During this long period of Port pressure the visitors only managed one real threat when Richard Harvey pulled off a good save to keep out a Rob Jones sho, hit with power from 25 yards. The half ended with Port again threatening when Eilir Edwards went close again after being put in by Julian Williams. !-0 to Port at the break. For the second half Caernarfon introduced Jay Gibbs and this proved to be a significant tactical change. Now the visitors from the off stretched the play using the width of the pitch and increasing the tempo. Port were now being forced to defend and the balance of power in the game was shifting. It needed a big tackle from Josh Banks to stop Jamie Breeze who was through on goal and Rob Jones was not far off target when he cracked one from distance. A Port break out could have had a better result when a fine through ball from Gwydion Ifan put in Leon Newell who fired wide when well placed. This from Port provided only a brief relief from Cofi pressure. Following a break on the right Richard Harvey needed two attempts to keep out Jay Gibbs. Jamie Breeze was coming increasingly into the game for the visitors and when he picked up a loose pass in midfield his low shot was only narrowly off target. On 70 minutes it seemed as though the goal had come for Caernarfon, when a foul by Eilir Edwards was punished with a penalty. But Richard Harvey had other ideas saving Nathan Craig’s shot superbly, low at his left hand post. Despite this and further sterling defensive work from Port, the goal was inevitable. It came in the 73rd minute when following a short corner of the left Jamie Breeze met Nathan Craig’s cross and his header looped over Richard Harvey to level the scores. Despite further Caernarfon pressure their second goal did not come until three minutes from the end. It was a counter attack following a Port corner with Jay Gibbs breaking well down the left and crossing perfectly for Jamie Breeze to net at the far post. Even then the game was not over as Port stormed back, forcing a 90th minute corner with Cai Jones finding the net from close range after the ball seemingly came to him off a Caernarfon defender. The referee only disallowed the goal following lengthy discussions with the linesman, giving Caernarfon the victory in a tense finale, a victory which they gained on the back of an excellent second half performance. PORTHMADOG: Richard Harvey, Gwydion Ifan (Jack Davies), Josh Banks, Gruff J Williams, Iddon Price, Iwan Lewis, Stuart Rogers, Eilir Edwards, Cai Jones, Leon Newell, Julian Williams. Unused Subs: Iolo Hughes, Sion Parry, Rob Owen, Craig Papirnyk. CAERNARFON: Paul Pritchard, Joe Williams, Nathan Craig, Clive Williams, Gareth Edwards, Kevin Roberts (Jay Gibbs 46’), Gareth Jones Evans, Rob Jones, Jamie Breeze (Carl Owen 89’), Ellis Healing (Dan Brookfield), Jamie McDaid. Unused subs: Gareth Parry, Graham Austin. Referee: Iwan Griffiths Attendance: 444 Gareth Williams Welsh Cup Round One -Saturday, 3 October 2015 CPD Porthmadog..................3 Cai Jones 37’ Gruff Williams 44’ Cai Jones 73’’ Bow Street F C......................1 Ifan Burrell 27’ Though they dominated possession and territory, Port had to recover from being a goal down after 27 minutes to secure their place in the Round Two of the JD Welsh Cup. A brace from Cai Jones and a thumping free kick from Gruff John Williams ensured their safe passage into the next round. But before this was achieved they needed to overcome Bow Street’s strong determined resistance. Port started strongly spraying their passes and using the width of the pitch, and following a good move down the right, in the opening minutes, it needed an excellent Neil Evans block to stop Cai Jones getting an early goal on the board. A well struck Julian Williams free kick followed and it needed a deflection to take it over the bar. Keeper Steven Evans then saved well from Iwan Lewis at his near post. But despite this early pressure it was the visitors who came closest to gaining an early lead when Thomas Williams struck a good low shot from the edge of the box which unluckily hit the foot of the post. With 15 minutes gone Julian Williams crossed dangerously but there was no final touch and when the ball was played back into the box it needed a goal line clearance to deny the same player. Port continued to pressurise, and keeper Steven Evans managed a block at his near post when Leon Newell blasted an angled shot to the near post. Following another good Port build-up Iwan Lewis was not far off target from 20 yards. But despite all this pressure it was Bow Street who struck first blood when a through ball caught the home defence flat and Ifan Burrell kept his cool, taking advantage of the lack of cover to break into the box and score with a low shot from 16 yards. It took a further 10 minutes before Port were able to get back on level terms and it took an excellent move to open the visitors’ defence. A through ball from Josh Banks did the trick, finding Leon Newell on the left and the winger pulled back a quality ball for Cai Jones to finish with a first time shot. With Port now looking to take a lead into the interval Gwydion Ifan forced the keeper into a good save at his near post but with a minute left in the half Iwan Lewis, racing goalwards, was brought down on the edge of the box. Up stepped Gruff Williams to crack a beauty into the corner of the net. 2-1 to Port at the interval. The second half followed much the same pattern as the first with Port continuing to monopolise the possession but despite some well worked moves and dangerous crosses they did not really trouble the Bow Street keeper. The visitors were looking for any opportunities to hit Port on the break and after 54 minutes they almost capitalised on some poor defending when Ian Evans burst into the Port box and was only stopped by a great recovery tackle by Gruff Williams. If Port were going to increase their advantage Leon Newell looked the most likely outlet to break Bow Street’s resistance. First he thundered a shot which the keeper saved at his near post, then on 73 minutes lifted a cross to provide Cai Jones with his second assist. Cai rose well at the back post and his downward header found the net to give Port some needed breathing space. They could have gone further ahead soon after when Julian Williams broke behind the Bow Street defence but the forward failed to get sufficient power to find the net. Towards the end the visitors pushed forward but it was now too late and the closest they came was a header from Neil Evans which drew a good save from Richard Harvey. Though this was not the clear cut victory which Port’s territorial domination should have ensured, it was nevertheless a job done. There are two teams in every game and Bow Street certainly did not come to make things easy for Port. They defended resolutely and with their game plan aimed to hit on the break, Port were made to work hard for the win. It was good to see Sion Parry and Rob Owen, two who have shone for the young reserves, getting their opportunity today. PORTHMADOG: Richard Harvey, Gwydion Ifan, Josh Banks, Gruff J Williams, Iddon Price, Iwan lewis, Stuart Rogers, Eilir Edwards (Jack Davies), Cai Jones (Rob Owen), Julian Williams (Sion Parry). Unused sub: Craig Papirnyk. Yellow: Eilir Edwards. BOW STREET: Steven Evans, Iolo ap Dafydd, Steffan Richards, Steffan Davies, Matthew Penberthy, Stefano Antoniazzi , Thomas Williams, Neil Evans, Ifan Burrell, Lee Evans, Ryan Edwards. Subs: Ian Evans, Tomos Roberts, Steve Harrison< Pete James, Joe Williams. Yellow: Steffan Richards 41’. Referee: Kelvin Lewis Attendance:135. Gareth Williams GRESFORD ……………..2 Andrew Swarbrick 43’ Corey Smart 88’ PORTHMADOG……...1 Julian Williams 56’ For the second week running Port slumped to defeat against opposition they should really do better against. Like last week, it was again Port's inability to convert their chances, compared to Gresford's clinical finishing, that cost them. While Richard Harvey had little to do for most of the 90, Jon Hill-Dunt had a far busier afternoon, yet again, you did feel that Port could have created more from their superior possession. It took Port nearly quarter of an hour to have their first effort on goal. Leon Newell, who created much of Port's goal scoring opportunities, particularly in the opening 45, broke down the left before crossing in to Julian Williams who was very unlucky to see his effort on the half volley crashing against the bar. It was again these two players who combined for Port's next best chance on 32 minutes, Newell again crossing in from the left and Julian Williams this time heading goalwards, and after initially failing to get hold of the ball, Gresford custodian Hill-Dunt managed to hold on to it on the second attempt. Four minutes later, Hill-Dunt was again less than convincing, this time from a shot by Gruff John Williams, initially dropping the ball goalwards before somehow managing to scrape the ball off the line. Port's other first half chances fell to Stuart Rogers with a long range effort, and Leon Newell who had a decent enough effort after a pass from Cai Jones. Then, 3 minutes from the break came a warning for Port, and probably Gresford's first chance to take the lead. Owen Roberts dispossessed Iolo Hughes on the half way line, before darting forward and should have probably done better with only Harvey to beat. Then, right on the stroke of half time came the sucker punch. Some sloppy play in the Port mid-field gave Andrew Swarbrick half an opportunity to turn his marker and unleash a shot from 25 yards, for a well taken goal. The second half followed a very similar pattern to the first, with Port dominating possession but failing to be clinical enough in front of goal. Gresford's main tactic meanwhile was to launch long balls up the field. Port only took 4 second half minutes to record their first effort on goal when Leon Newell launched a long range effort, but it didn't really trouble the Gresford keeper. Then, on 56 minutes, Port were back on level terms. Stuart Rogers put an excellent through ball in the path on Julian Williams who coolly finished through the legs of the advancing Hill-Dunt. The home side caused more problems in the second half than they had before the interval. Swarbrick's shot went well over the bar on 58 minutes and a shot from Jonathan Peate had to be headed away from Gruff John from a Mike Latham corner on 69. On 71 minutes came one of Port's best chances to take the lead. A Cai Jones miss-kick reached Gruff John from a Julian Williams cross, but his shot at the near post was saved. Moments later, Port were again denied. This time it was another good pass from Leon Newell to Julian Williams, he tried to chip the keeper, but Hill-Dunt managed to get his fingers to it. Julian, who was Port's most dangerous player on the afternoon, had a further chance to give Port the lead on 81 minutes after dispossessing Jonathan Peate on the edge of the box, but his shot went inches wide. This proved to be Port's last real chance on goal, and again like the first half there were a couple of warnings before the Gresford goals came. On 82 minutes there seemed to be a foul on Gruff John, but the ref allowed Gresford to play on. The ball was launched forward and picked up by Owen Roberts, but Harvey did well to smother his effort. Again on 85 minutes there was a chance for the hosts to regain their lead, but Eddie Morris Jones's effort was wayward. Then, with just 2 minutes of the 90 still to play, Corey Smart fired home to give Gresford victory. Owen Roberts initial shot was cleared by Harvey, but only as far as Smart who scored with an excellent shot into the bottom corner from the edge of the box. Port were on top throughout the afternoon according to all the stats, all that is, apart from the only stat that matters - Gresford 2, Port 1. Porthmadog: Richard Harvey, Gwydion Ifan, Josh Banks, Iolo Hughes, Iddon Price, Iwan Lewis, Stuart Rogers, Gruff John Williams, Cai Jones, Leon Newell (Sion Parry ’85), Julian Williams. Subs not used: Craig Papirnyk, Sion Parry, Josh Davies, Milir Ellis, Jack Davis. Yellow: Gwydion Ifan ’26. Gresford: Jon Hill-Dunt, Jamie Price, Jack Mountford, Nathan Peate, Mike Latham, Josh Griffiths, Tom Wells, Corey Smart, Owen Roberts, Andrew Swarbrick, Lee Pheelan. Subs: Joe Garner, Eddie Morris Jones, Dean Bryan, Rhys Lloyd. Yellow: Josh Griffiths ’33. Iwan Gareth. Huws GrayAlliance -Saturday, 19 September 2015 Llanfair United..............5 Andrew Hughes 44’ Paul Griffiths 74' Chris Gethin 75’ Andrew Hughes 82’ Paul Griffiths 84 (p) CPD Porthmadog...........1 Julian Williams 28’ Llanfair United inflicted a heavy defeat on Porthmadog today, scoring four goals in the space of ten minutes, late in a game where Port enjoyed a huge territorial advantage and an enormous amount of possession. But despite these advantages the visitors found a tight organised home defence difficult to break down and when Port fired some useful shots from distance they found keeper Lee Andrew in outstanding form. Llanfair used a simple plan which they utilised well, defending stoutly and then hitting on the break with a willingness to shoot on sight. Port started strongly and their best early move came in the 13th minute involving Ceri James and Stuart Rogers creating a shooting chance for Eilir Edwards but keeper Lee Andrew showed signs of what was to come with a fine diving save low at his near post. As Port continued to dominate the early possession Ceri James came close with a low goal bound shot from 25 yards but again Andrew was equal to the situation with a full length dive. Another shot followed from Stuart Rogers but this time Andrew managed to push it against the post. With 28 minutes gone Port deservedly took the lead. Iolo Hughes at the back post headed into the danger area and the linesman signalled that Julian Williams’ close range header had crossed the line. But Port failed to build on the lead and gradually Llanfair began to settle into the game, though their chances were few and Richard Harvey only had one save to make going down at his near post to save an angled shot from Andrew Hughes. But with only a minute of the first half remaining Llanfair levelled the scores when Alun Hughes chased a diagonal ball down the left and his cross was met by Andrew Hughes, whose a well timed run allowed to head unchallenged past Richard Harvey. Surprisingly given the pattern of the game the scores were level 1-1 at the interval. At the start of the second period Port introduced Jack Davies and James Papirnyk in place of Rob Evans and Ceri James. They continued to pressurise the home defence and it needed a goal line clearance to keep out a Iolo Hughes header. A couple of Jack Davies efforts came close, one was deflected wide of the post and another struck the crossbar. Lee Andrew was again in action just past the hour mark going down well to save from Eilir Edwards. But the pressure failed to produce a goal as the home defence held firm. Increasingly Llanfair looked a threat on the counter attack and from one of these on 64 minutes Alun Hughes lifted his shot over the bar when well placed. With Port still searching for the elusive second goal increasingly found themselves light at the back and missing their midfield organiser Ceri James. On 74 minutes Paul Griffiths capitalised on defensive hesitation and dispossessed Iolo Hughes sliding the ball past the advancing Richard Harvey to put the home team ahead. But worse was to come for Port as a minute later Chris Gethin fastened on to a long ball to break behind the defence and finish in style from 8 yards. Port continued to fall for the counter attack sucker punch as the ball was spread wide to the left for Andrew Hughes to fire low and well wide of Richard Harvey. Port’s cup of woe was full when Llanfair were awarded a penalty for a hand ball offence and Paul Griffiths scored from the spot. A comprehensive defeat for Port, in a game where they should have been three up in the first half hour, but eventually paid the price for their failure to turn pressure into goals. There was on the other hand some excellent finishing from Llanfair who scored five from far fewer opportunities. PORTHMADOG: Richard Harvey, Gruff Williams, Josh Banks, Iolo Hughes, Iddon Price, Iwan Lewis, Ceri James (James Papirnyk 46’), Stuart Rogers, Julian Williams, Rob Evans (Jack Davies 46’, Steve Jones 79’) Eilir Edwards. Unused subs: Gwydion Ifan, Sion Parry. LLANFAIR: Lee Andrew, Rhys Stephens, Alun Hughes, Paul Griffiths, Ryan Davies, Steven Andrew, Ben Jones, Richard Ainsley, Chris Gethin, James Davies, Andrew Hughes. Used subs: Mat Bumford, Geraint Jones. Unused: Toby Evans, Josh Astley. Referee: Rob Jenkins (Guilsfield) Gareth Williams. Huws Gray League Cup -Saturday, 12 September 2015 Prestatyn Town..............4 David Hayes 13’ Mike Parker (p) 57’ Jack Kenny 70’ Jack Davies (og) 90’ CPD Porthmadog............3 Iolo Hughes 26’ Cai Jones 35’ Julian Williams 77’ An own goal three minutes into added time edged Port out of the Huws Gray Cup after an exciting end to end and very open contest. Both teams took their turns enjoying periods of dominance and had even a reasonable number of the chances created been taken, the game could easily have ended with a 7-7 or 9-8 scoreline. In the end, despite scoring three excellent goals, Port found themselves victims of a barrage of high balls into their box as they also conceded a penalty in addition to the own goal. From the start it was end to end attacks with a stiff breeze blowing down the pitch. On a quick counter attack Eilir Edwards broke one on one with the keeper Mike Jones who was just able to palm the ball away. While minutes later Jordan Davies, for the home team, in space down the left fired an angled shot which Richard Harvey did well to stop. Prestatyn drew first blood on 13 minutes when a Chris Davies corner was headed back across goal and Dave Hayes’s shot from 15 yds was deflected past Richard Harvey. Soon after, the Port goal again came under threat when Jack Kenny’s flashing shot struck the bar. Despite going behind Port continued to threaten and keeper Mike Jones was forced to save with his legs from Cai Jones who had been put through by Eilir Edwards. Gwydion Ifan was then played in on the left of the box but his shot drifted wide of the post. But a minute later Port deservedly levelled the scores when Iolo Hughes fired a cracker from 20 yards, the defender’s second in successive games. The chances continued to come at either end, Anthony Williams blasted over the Port bar when well placed, while Stuart Rogers was not far off target when played in by Cai Jones. Then 10 minutes before the interval Port went ahead. Iwan Lewis did well to win the ball in a central position and it was released to Cai Jones who finished in style from 20 yards. Both sides were prepared to shoot on sight and Eilir Edwards was not far off the target from 18 yards. At half-time it remained at 2-1 for Port. At the start of the second half Prestatyn, with the wind on their backs, launched an aerial bombardment on Richard Harvey’s goal, using their trio of tall front men to good effect. One of these, Mike Parker, came close five minutes into the half when his header struck a post. But despite the aerial pressure it was a kick from the spot that levelled the scores for Prestatyn. Iolo Hughes was adjudged to have fouled and the referee dismissed appeals that the offence had happened outside the box. Mike Parker netted the resulting penalty. The contrast in styles could not be more marked as Jack Kenny came close with a couple of headers for Prestatyn and Port’s passing style set up one of the best moves of the game starting with Ceri James in midfield, down the left for Josh Banks to cut the ball back to Stuart Rogers whose goal bound shot was turned round the post at full stretch by Mike Jones. Eventually the Port defence creaked under the high ball and a couple of misplaced defensive headers gave Jack Kenny the opportunity to head past Richard Harvey. But only a few minutes on and Port were back on level terms. Again it was a move which had its origins in midfield and was worked down the left where Stuart Rogers broke into the box and cut his pass back for Julian Williams who netted with the cleanest of strikes from just outside the box. Following this goal Port looked the more likely to find a winner. Two balls across the face of goal screamed out for a final touch. First Julian Williams rounded a defender and from the narrowest of angles on the right was only inches from the far post and then Jack Davies from the other flank crossed low and the slightest of touches would have provided the all important goal. But with time running out Port were forced into a goal line clearance and then in the third minute of added time the aerial route provided the home team with a winner. A high ball came in from the left and Jack Davies’s attempted defensive header glanced into the net. A cruel way to exit the League Cup after an exciting contest. PORTHMADOG: Richard Harvey, Gruff Williams, Josh Banks, Iddon Price, Iolo Hughes, Steve Jones (Ceri James 64’)Iwan Lewis, Stuart Rogers, Gwydion Ifan (Julian Williams 46’), Cai Jones, Eilir Edwards (Jack Davies 82’) Unused subs: James Papirnyk, Josh Davies. PRESTATYN: Mike Jones, Tom Kemp, Jack Lewis, Dave Hayes, Paul O’Neill, Gareth Wilson, Mike Parker, Jordan Davies, Jack Kenny, Chris Davies, A Williams (Lee Beattie 71). Subs: J Fisher-Cooke, C Murray, C Shackleton. Referee: Phil Rozkowski. Gareth Williams |
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