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| Llandudno Junction (h) |
Rhyl (a) |
Caersws (h) |
Connah's Quay (WC) (a) |
Airbus (a) |
Holyhead (h) |
Guilsfield (a) |
Ruthin (h) |
Huws Gray Alliance -Saturday, 24 March Match Sponsor: Jim MAXWELL, Harlech CPD Porthmadog.....................2 Meilir Williams 83’ Sion Bradley 90’ +2’. Ruthin Town............................0 Two goals and a clean sheet might give the impression that this was a reasonably comfortable victory but, in reality, this was anything but comfortable. With 10 minutes remaining, most home supporters would have been resigned to picking up just a point and on edge just in case Ruthin might nick it. But just as last weekend at Guilsfield, this group of players showed they have the spirit and determination to make things happen and, though not on the top of their game today perhaps, they kept going to the last and Meilir Williams and Sion Bradley took their chances really well. Ruthin were up for the today’s challenge and started strongly, playing some neat passing fooball. Two minutes into the game skipper Ilan Hughes lifted a dangerous free kick which Richard Harvey came for but failed to hold in the crowded box, and a huge scramble ensued and it was a relief to see it cleared away. The visitors forced an early corner and Gwion Owen tested Richard Harvey with a shot from the edge of the box. Gradually Port got into the game with Sion Edwards a threat down the left and from one of his crosses Joe Chaplin rose well but saw his header go wide. Neither side was able to dominate and it soon became clear that clear scoring chances were going to be rarity as both sides closed down quickly and defences were going to be in charge. Sion Edwards’ crosses looked like being Port’s most likely outlet and Joe Chaplin met another of these to test Ryan Goldston with a downward header. Tom Taylor met a corner from the same player but his glancing header flew wide. A short free kick, again from Edwards, gave Julian Williams a chance on goal but his angled shot hit the side netting. The best of the first half chances fell for Sion Bradley from an Iddon Price free kick but he pulled his shot narrowly wide. Ruthin, after their strong start had then been penned back for long periods, now threatened again towards the end of the half with Richard Harvey going down well at his near post to keep out a low shot from Gwion Owen. It remained goalless at the interval in what had been a rather niggly first half punctuated by a series of free kicks and injuries. The second half started in much the same vein as the first with defences in charge and neither keeper being overworked. We reached the hour mark before there was a real threat on goal and it was defender Tom Taylor who came close to breaking the deadlock when he met Sion Bradley’s corner and was unlucky to see his header strike the bar. Ruthin responded with periods of strong pressure and the home defence was being seriously tested but marshalled by Tom Taylor they came through without conceding and, like at Guilsfield, they denied their opponents any serious opportunities. Underlining the competitive nature of the game, Ruthin manager Chris williams was banished to the stand after one complaint too many. With time running out, finally Port managed to break forward with pace and quality. Joe Chaplin used his strength and skill to break down the left, held off a tackle and outflanked the visitors defence before pulling back an excellent ball for Meilir Williams who raced forward and beat the the advancing Goldston with a cool finish under pressure. This vital goal brings Meilir’s total up to 10 goals, the 5th Port player to reach double figures this season. Now it was a case of holding on to claim the three points. Sion Bradley clearly thought differently and when Ruthin gave the ball away 25 yards out in added time. he pounced, burst past a defender and fired a low shot just inside Goldston’s right hand post. There was still time for Julian Williams to cut inside and come close to adding a third. Then, the late late show was over and Port had stretched their run to six wins in the last seven. Manager Craig Papirnyk summed up the afternoon’s events like this: “ Tough game today at the Traeth , credit to Ruthin who made it very difficult for us. We found a way to win and that’s credit to the Port lads in the end . Thanks also to the supporters another great turn out.” PORTHMADOG: Richard Harvey, Tomos Emlyn, Sion Edwards, Iddon Price, Tom Taylor, Ceri James, Gareth Jones Evans (Meilir Williams 22’), Cai Jones, Julian Williams, Joe Chaplin (Jake Jones 87’) Sion Bradley. Unused subs: Dan Roberts, Ifan Emlyn, Craig Papirnyk. Yellow: Tom Taylor 61’. RUTHIN: Ryan Goldston, Craig Wilkinson, Tomos Roberts, Will Ashley, Kevin Evans, Ilan Hughes, Jordan NcCarter (David Finnie 87’), Osian Davies, Llyr Morris, Gwion Owen, Garmon Hafal (Wil Owen 72). Unused subs: Martin Williams, Isaac Edwards. Yellow: Tomos Roberts 59’, Ilan hughes 86’. Referee Dan Fogarty Attendance: 236 Gareth Williams Huws Gray Alliance Saturday, 17 March Guilsfield FC.............................1 Adam Jenkins 28’ CPD Porthmadog......................3 Julian Williams 37’ Sion Bradley 73’, 86’ Port recorded a second victory in the space of four days with a magnificent performance at third placed Guilsfield. It was a performance which showed several different aspects of Port’s playand all at their very best. There were three top quality goals and when Port went down to 10-men, still with 32 minutes remaining, the spirit of the whole team, the defensive organisation, which was such a credit to the management team, and the inspirational leadership of the experienced duo of Ceri James and Sion Edwards saw Port through when the pressure was enormous. Sion Bradley’s superbly taken brace sent the travelling support into ecstasies and gives Sion a remarkable 5 goal tally for the week’s two games. The game was played in a mixture of sunshine and heavy snow showers on a pitch which looked remarkably good despite the vagaries of the March weather and was a real credit to the club. With a stiff breeze on their backs the home team started strongly but it was Port who should have gone ahead after just three minutes. Sion Bradley set it up with a good break down the left. His cross found Joe Chaplin free in the box but failed to put away a great opportunity. Port could have been punished for this lapse when following a Cathral long throw, Ceri James needed to clear off his own line to keep out a Sam Litchfield shot. After overcoming the early threat from Guilsfield, Port went on to create the better chances and on 14 minutes Cai Jones was not far off target with a shot from he edge of the box and 10 minutes later Cai Jones turned supplier with a cross for Joe Chaplin who was very unlucky to see his angled effort strike the far post. But despite having the better chances, Port could not afford to relax against a team whose approach play showed exactly why they are so well placed in the table. Despite creating the better chances Port found themselves behind after 28 minutes. It was a quality goal with Jake Cook the creator with the neatest of chips over the Port rearguard for the dangerous Adam Jenkins to run onto turn inside and beat Richard Harvey from a tight angle. Guilsfield held the lead until 7 minutes before the interval when Julian Williams gave Port the equaliser they deserved, racing towards the near post to meet Gareth Jones Evans’ corner rising well to head past Lee Andrew. All square at the inerval 1-1. The second half opened in a heavy snow shower but within two minutes the home team could have gone ahead when Adam Jenkins’ free kick from wide right found Andy Ford wide on the left and his excellent shot was only narrowly wide of the far post. Port responded with a Sion Bradley 30 yard rocket which struck the post and Cai Jones, following up, headed into the net only to have it ruled offside. Then came the event which could have taken the game away from Port. Following a second bookable offence Rob Evans received his marching orders and Port were left to play for over half an hour with 10 men. Long periods of heavy, often relentless pressure followed, with Port being pushed back by attack after attack. But the defence kept its shape, remained magnificently organised and cleared their lines time after time. Clear chances were kept to a minimum as the 10 worked their proverbial socks off and when Guilsfield did get through Tomos Emlyn and Ceri James (again!) were perfectly placed to clear off the line. On one occasion the post came to their rescue when following a corner Chris Cathrall rattled in a shot against the upright. A draw would have been a marvellous result in the circumstances but Sion Bradley had other ideas. Twice he spearheaded two excellent Port counter attacks to provide Port with the goals that gave them the three points. After 78 minutes he raced onto a perfectly weighted Joe Chaplin through ball, ran on to round the keeper and score a great goal. Then with four minutes remaining he repeated the performance, this time running onto another excellent through ball. this time from Cai Jones. He outstripped the over committed Guils rearguard to seal the unlikely victory. Sion who is in such a fantastic vein of form turned supplier for Meilir Williams but keeper Andrew was out quickly to save and at the end Cai Jones and Sion Bradley combined again but this time the shot went narrowly wide. What a game and what a performance! What about man of the match? No just men of the match -all of them. If my arm is twisted it has to be Sion Bradley at the front and Ceri James at the back. It was a great game remarkable for its quality play from both teams in such variable conditions and a credit to the standards reached by the Huws Gray Alliance. A proud Craig Papirnyk commented at the end of a remarkable afternoon, “I cannot commend my Porthmadog players enough after that performance in horrid conditions and down to 10 at one of the toughest places in the league, showed great resilience and character, well done lads Diolch / Thanks to the supporters #Desire #Determination “ Thanks to the Guils for their warm welcome as always. PORTHMADOG: Richard Harvey, Tomos Emlyn, Sion Edwards, Ceri James, Iddon Price, Rob Evans, Gareth Jones Evans, Cai Jones, Sion Bradley. Joe Chaplin (Meilir Williams 74’), Julian Williams. Unused subs: Jake Jones, Josh Banks, Craig Papirnyk, Iwan Lewis. Red: Rob Evans (2 yellows), Joe Chaplin 66’. GUILSFIELD: Lee Andrew, Callum Bromley, Jack Richards, Stuart Rogers, Sam Litchfield, Robbie James, Jake Cook, Andrew Ford, Jack Harris (Danny Barton 74’), Chris Cathrall, Andrew Jenkins. Unused subs: Curtis Weetman, Gareth Jones, Nathan Leonard. Referee: John Jones (Mold) Attendance: 70. Gareth Williams Huws Gray Alliance -Wednesday, 14 March Match Sponsor: PIKES Newsagents, Porthmadog CPD Porthmadog.............................. 4 Joe Chaplin 24’ Sion Bradley 38’, 75’, 78’. Holyhead Hotspurs............................2 Jamie McDaid (p) 41’ Alex Boss 45’ A convincing win for Port tonight as they overcame the ring rust of six weeks without kicking a ball in anger to get their season back on the road. The win came, thanks to an excellent all -round team performance which more than made up for one or two enforced absences. For the outstanding individual performnce of the night we look to Man of the Match Sion Bradley, who completed his second hat-trick of the season with three top quality goals and took his tally for the season to 14. The Hotspurs, who had already recorded a couple of wins over Port this season, started strongly with the stiff breeze on their backs and they produced the first real threat of the evening in the 10 th minute when John Littlemore got on the end of a useful Dean Garney cross to force Richard Harvey into a good save at his near post. Gradually Port got themselves into the game with Sion Bradley and Joe Chaplin giving the visitors defence plenty to think about. Bradley running on to an excellent ball from Sion Edwards fired narrowly wide of the far post and later it needed a smart save from Connor Roberts to halt Julian Williams when he burst on to a Sion Bradley through ball. Gradually pressure was mounting on the islanders defence and a good run from Chaplin, down the right, opened them up and Sion Bradley netted his first from 12 yards. Port now enjoyed a good period of play and with 38 minutes gone they deservedly went further ahead and againit was a top quality goal. A cross from Julian Williams to the near post was superbly controlled by Joe Chaplin and in one movement fired Port’s second from 10 yards. Then with the home support expecting to see their team coast to a comfortable interval lead the game was turned on its head. First Dean Garney broke threateningly into the box on the right and as he prepared to cross he was brought down by Josh Banks. Referee Ashley Jones pointed to the spot and Jamie McDaid, on his retrun to the Traeth, sent Richard Harvey the wrong way to reduce the arrears. The Hotspurs pushed forward now and on the stroke of half-time Alex Boss levelled the scores. Following a corner the winger had his initial shot blocked but the Port defence failed to clear and the ball came back to Boss who threaded a shot through a crowded box which crept inside the far post with Richard Harvey patially unsighted. Unlikely as it seemed Holyhead had grasped the opportunity to get themselves very much back in the game. Port came out strongly after the break and a couple of Gareth Jones Evans corners produced heading opportunities for Josh Banks and Iddon Price which failed to hit the target. The closest Hotspurs came in the early stages of the second period was a good effort from distance by Tomos Clarke whose shot drifted narrowly wide of Richard Harvey’s back post. Port responded with the energetic Chaplin volleying a Gareth Jones Evans cross wide of the post. Then it was left to Sion Bradley to take proceedings into his own hands and more than make amends for a glaring first half miss when Joe Chaplin put him in on goal. In the 73rd minute Sion Bradley received from Julian Williams but still with plenty to do. Then a superb Bradley turn totally wrong footed the Hotspurs defence and he fired low into the corner of the net. Just three minutes later the home supporters were treated to another super strike from Sion Bradley -this time from a free kick. From 25 yards he beat both the wall and a stranded Connor Roberts to complete a truly brilliant hat-trick and seal the win for Porthmadog. In the closing stages there was another piece of close control from Joe Chaplin to threaten the Holyhead goal while Mel McGiness was unlucky to see his effort strike the post after a good turn in the box. But in the end it was a good win for Porthmadog who were fully deserving of the three points. The win lifts them two places in the table and they must now concentrate on closing the gap on the top six. PORTHMADOG: Richard Harvey, Tomos Emlyn, Josh Banks, Ceri James, Iddon Price, Sion Bradley (Jake Jones 71’), Gareth Jones Evans, Rob Evans (Cai Jones 63’), Joe Chaplin (Meilyr Williams 87’), Julian Williams, Sion Edwards. Unused sub: Craig Papirnyk. Yellow: Rob Evans 27’, Josh Banks 59’. HOTSPURS: Connor Roberts, Harry Lewis, Kenleigh Owen, Corey Jones, Alex Jones, Tomos Clarke, Alex Boss, Dean Garney, John Littlemore (Mike Kelly 84’). Mel McGinness, Jamie McDaid, Unused subs: Rees Brown, Kyle Murphy, Mervyn Williams, Campbell Harrison. Yellow: Tomos Clarke 62’, Corey Jones 78’. Referee: Ashley Jones Attendance: 159 Gareth Williams Huws Gray Alliance Saturday, 03 February Airbus Broughton .................6 A Fosu Mensa 34’ Leo Riley 38’ James Hooper 44’ Ryan Edwards 51’ Steve Tomasson 74’ Oli Lanceley 88’ CPD Porthmadog...................0 It was sackcloth and ashes time for Port at the Airfield today as they suffered a nightmare defeat which no one had seen coming. Recent form suggested thet they could enter this game with more than a little confidence but on the day they were never at the races. Airbus maintained their excellent home form scoring three times in the last 11 minutes of the first half and though Port saw more of he ball in the second period they failed to effect the scoreline, as the home team added a further three goals making it six goals and six different scorers for a conclusive victory. Airbus were at it from the off with Richard Harvey out to deny Leo Riley bursting into the box after just two minutes. The early pressure continued as a poor clearance allowed Fosu Mensa in on goal but his shot took a deflection for a corner. The closest Airbus came to an early goal came with Leo Riley rattling the post with a shot from the edge of the box. Pressure continued, with Port penned into their own half for long periods and the defence was at full stretch putting in block after block to deny the rampant visitors, It was surprising perhaps that we had to wait until the 34th minute for the opening goal. It came when Alfons Fosu Mensa got the slightest of touches to James Hooper’s right wing cross to the near post to put it past Richard Harvey. Pressure continued and four minutes later Leo Riley broke at pace behind the Port defence and finished with a shot across Richard Harvey into the far corner. Port had held out for 34 minutes but by half-time they found themselves 3-0 down as James Hooper took advantage of some lax defending for a simple finish with only Richard Harvey to beat. During the opening half little was seen of Port as an attacking force. Cai Jones met a Sion Edwards free kick wide out on the left but his header went wide and there was a run from Julian Williams cutting in from the left tested debutant keeper Dave Roberts at his near post. That apart and a crossfield ball from Tom Taylor which eluded Cai Jones it had been one way traffic. In the second half Port did have more possession and pushed forward in the hope of getting themselves back in the game. But that only left them open to Airbus counter atacks, who were able to add three more goals to their tally. Just six minutes into the second period and Port’s task had become all but impossible as the home side added a 4th goal. Ryan Edwards broke through the centre and into the box to find the net from16 yards. Port pushed forward looking to take something from the game, Sion Edwards early in the second period had crossed from the left but Josh Banks’s header went over the bar. Cai Jones did put the ball into the net but was ruled offside. But though Port had more possession they failed to trouble new keeper Dave Roberts, In a rare piece of action he raced out to gather as Tomos Emlyn put Rob Evans in on goal. Things got worse for Port after 74 minutes when Steve Tommason headed Airbus;s 5th meeting a free kicj from the left finding the net from 8 yards. For Port bringing on Sion Bradley had an impact and his excellent turn in the box and powerful shot deserved better than thudding against the post, But had it gone in, it would have been at best a consolation goal. Just before the end Oli Lanceley netted a 6th with Richard Harvey getting a hand to the shot but unable to keep it out. When referee Andy Harns blew the final whistle it was a relief for the Port contingent. It is hard to offer any kind of explanation for such a result. While Airbus were exultant, Port were left to lick their wounds and hope that this was indeed a one off freak inexplicable result which football some times throws up. It left stunned manager Craig Papirnyk to give his, as ever, honest assessment “Poorest we've been for a long time, no excuses only my sincere apologies to the travelling Porthmadog faithful.” PORTMADOG: Richard Harvey, Rob Evans (Meilir Williams 79’), Josh Banks, Ceri James (Tomos Emlyn 46’), Dan Roberts, Tom Taylor, Ifan Emlyn, Iwan Lewis, Cai Jones (Sion Bradley 63’), Julian Williams, Sion Edwards, Unused subs: Jake Jones, Craig Papirnyk. Yellow: Sion Edwards 42', Rob Evans 72’. AIRBUS: Dave Roberts, Danny Taylor, Nathan Quirk, Steve Tomasson, Curtis Strong, Sanogo, Aboubacar, Ryan Edwards, Kristian Platt, James Hooper, Leo Riley, Alfons Fosu Mensa. Used subs: Blake Robinson, Oli Lageley. Unused: Andy Coughlin (gk), John Davies, Steff Edwards. Yellow: Kristian Platt 30’. Referee: Andy Harms (Rhyl) Attendance: 205 Gareth Williams Welsh Cup Round 4 Saturday, 27 January Connah’s Quay ..................................3 Michael Bakare 10’ Michael Wilde 34’, George Horan 85’ CPD Porthmadog..................................1 Joe Chaplin 8’ The final scoreline might suggest that this was a comfortable Cup win for the Welsh Premier club but in fact Port remained in this game, with more than a shout, until the 85th minute when a George Horan header finally put paid to their Welsh Cup dreams. In fact Port had got away to the best possible start with a goal after just 8 minutes but unfortunately, that lead lasted all of two minutes before the Nomads took advantage of a free kick to draw level. By half-time Michael Wilde had put the home team in the driving seat with a close range effort. Throughout a strong second half performance, Craig Papirnyk’s boys kept the hopes of their large travelling support well and truly alive until Horan made it safe for the Nomads. Port had the first use of a strong wind blowing down the pitch but as so often happens it led to over hitting long balls which left Joe Chaplin and Julian Williams chasing lost causes. However it was Port who drew first blood when after just 8 minutes they caught the Welsh Prem’s 2nd placed club by surorise. Sion Edwrads curled a long free kick into the box where a flick on reached Iwan Lewis who played in Joe Chaplin in space on the left of the box and the leading scorer did the rest from 10 yards. But unfortunately the advantage did not last and, in the 10th minute, referee Lee Evans awarded the Nomads a free kick inside the D and Michael Bakare, who had a big influence on proceedings in the opening half, beat the wall and found the net to level the scores. Bakare continued to effect events as, in addition to taking all free kicks and corners, he also provided the assist for Michael Wilde’s goal which put the Nomads in front. He broke left cutting along the byline and his low cross to the near post was turned in by Wilde from close range after 34 minutes. Apart from the goals both sides had chances in the opening half, though neither side really came to tems with the wind and a difficult surface making play rather scrappy for much of the time. There were efforts from Jonny Spittle and Michael Pearson for the home team but neither hit the target while dangerous striker Michael Wilde failed to convert a Declan Poole cross. For Port, the busy Julian Williams headed a Josh Banks cross wide after he himself had broken well down the left and Williams again turned his marker 20 yards out but his well struck effort went narrowly wide. Leading 2-1 at the interval the home team came out strongly at the start of the second half and within two minutes sub Ryan Wignall had struck the outside of the post meeting Bakare’s deep cross and again, as the Nomads pushed forward, Horan was wide with a header. But Port responded strongly with Ceri James having an increasing influence on the game from midfield. Twice Sion Edwards crossed dangerously, once from the left with Joe Chaplin heading wide and once from the right with Julian Williams at the near post coming close to heading in Chaplin’s header across goal. Twice also Sion Bradley broke from midfield making strong runs, with his first being halted by a timely block and, when Cai Jones put him through, Bradley lifted his shot over the bar from 18 yards. But play was end to end now with both teams looking to hit on the counter. Wilde for Nomads raced into the Port box just after the hour, but shot wide when well placed. Port remained in the game and were matching the Welsh Prem club who were searching for the goal to make the game safe. Danny Harrison tried one from distance but Port held on and the defence, marshalled by the excellent Tom Taylor, survived a barrage of long throws from Andy Owens. Then with five minutes left George Horan settled the game, meeting Nathan Woolfe’s corner with a powerful header. Port might be disappointed with the result but can be pleased with the quality of the performance and the effort put in; for long periods matching an experienced, organised Nomads outfit. It was real team performance, with on this occasion special mention going to Tom Taylor and Tomos Emlyn at the back, Ceri James in midfield and Julian Williams up front. Craig Papirnyk summed up the day like this: “Lots of positives to take from that performance, proud of my players for the way they played , can't thank the travelling @CPDPorthmadogFC supporters enough ! They made it a great atmosphere and got behind the team all game good luck to @the_nomads in the next round.” PORTHMADOG: Richard Harvey, Tomos Emlyn, Josh Banks, Ceri James, Dan Roberts, Tom Taylor, Iwan Lewis (Rob Evans 77), Sion Bradley (Cai Jones81), Joe Chaplin, Julian Williams, Sion Edwards (Gareth Jones Evans 64’). Unused subs: Meilir Williams, Ifan Emlyn. Yellow: Josh Banks 74’, Julian Williams 88’. CONNAH’S QUAY: John Danby, Michael Pearson, Kai Edwards, Jonny Spittle, George Horan, Danny Harrison, Michael Wilde, Andy Owens, Declan Poole, Jay Owen, Michael Bakare. Subs: Ryan Wignall, Nathan Woolfe, Sean Smith, Joe Heath, Jake Phillips. Yellow: Nathan Woolfe 90’. Referee: Lee Evans Attendance: 241, Gareth Williams Huws Gray Alliance -Saturday, 13 January Match Sponsor: Reg Chapman Hafod Wen, Harlech. CPD Porthmadog..............................2 Gareth Jones Evans 28’ Joe Chaplin 34’ Caersws FC........................................0 Port gained their third straight win today and a dounle over Caersws, with another confident performance. It might have lacked the edge of your seat tension of last week’s win at Belle Vue, but it still means another three points which edges Port closer to the teams immediately above and, with a game in hand over Rhyl and Airbus, they have put themslves in a strong position for further progress up the table. Both the goals came in the space of 6 minutes in the first half and, though there were opportunities for more in the second half, the two proved enough to get the job done and send the supporters home happy. Port opened strongly and they came close on two occasions in the first ten minutes. Good build up play created an opening first for Sion Edwards at the back post which he fired into the side netting and immediately after Julian Williams came close when he cut across from the right and came very close with an angled shot which went wide of the far post. But though Port were dominating the early possession a poor defensive header allowed Luke Sherbon in on goal but he lifted his shot over the bar. Port then struck twice just before and just after the half hour mark. A good break down the left by Sion Edwards led to the first goal. His measured cross was coolly headed wide of keeper Callum Hawthorne to open the xcoring. Six minutes later Port doubled their advantage and again it was a Sion Edwards assist. He received an excellent crossfield ball from Gareth Jones Evans and his low pull back was fired in by Joe Chaplin for his 20th goal in league and cup games this season. In between the two Port goals Caersws should have scored. Tom Taylor’s attempted crossfield ball in his own penalty area landed at the feet of Luke Sherbon unmarked and in front of goal. It seemed he must score but his shot lacked power and Richard Harvey saved comfortably. Julian Williams should have added a third when Caersws, this time, gave the ball away in their own half. He broke one on one with the keeper but Hawthorne blocked and gathered the attempted chip. Towards the end of the half there were efforts from Iwan Lewis for Port and a free kick from Elliot Jones for Caersws which were only narrowly off target which left Port two goals to the good at the interval. Port continued to dominate possession in the second half but failed to add to the two goals. Both teams did get the ball into the net, Caersws netted after 65 minutes and Meilir Williams for Port after 74 minutes, but both were ruled out for offside. Port had the chances to extend their lead but on two occasions Callum Hawthorne pulled off two good saves to deny Sion Edwards, Edwards unleashed a cracker from the edge of the box on the left which the keeper did well to tip over the bar and he followed this with a powerful strike from a narrow angle on the left but again Hawthorne’s touch was enough to prevent a goal. Meilir Williams came close with virtually his first touch after coming on as sub and though the keeper failed to hold the shot, he was able to recover and scramble it clear. Port continued to pile on pressure and create chances and a good run by Meilir Williams on the left created an opening for Cai Jones who lifted his shot over the bar when well placed. Late in the game Meilr Williams again came close to netting his 10th goal of the season, when he met Thomas Emlyn’s cross, only to see it go narrowly wide of the target. While the scores remained a t 2-0 Caersws knew that a goal from them would throw the game open and they threatened to do this on a couple of occasions. It needed two good Port blocks to keep out the visitors late on. The ball was worked across from the right for Craig Harris cutting in from the left but his shot was well blocked by a persistent Thomas Emlyn and in the 81st minutes Dan Roberts blocked out a Lance Jones effort from close range. Three points and a clean sheet marked another solid afternoon’s work for Port ahead of next week’s visit to 3rd placed Denbigh Town. Manager Craig Papirnyk commented on at the end on Twitter, “Miserable day for the supporters but still another great turn out by the @CPDPorthmadogFC faithful, with some goals to cheer for, and a home win #MuchAppreciated #Diolch” PORTHMADOG: Richard Harvey, Tomos Emlyn, Josh Banks, Dan Roberts, Tom Taylor, Gareth Jones Evans (Rob Evans 65’), Ifan Emlyn, Iwan Lewis, Joe Chaplin (Meilir Williams 55’). Julian Williams, Sion Edwards (Cai Jones 70’). Unused subs; Sion Bradley, Craig Papirnyk. Yellow: Josh Banks 69’, CAERSWS: Callum Hawthorne, Jake Parr, Aron Hughes-Jones (Phil Jones 81’), Elliot Jones, Ryan Davies (Dave Lloyd 81’), Graham Jones, Rhydian Davies, Lance Jones, Steve Blenkinsop, Luke Sherbon, Craig Harris. Unused subs: Graham Evans, Dylan McPhee. Yellow: Elliot Jones 51’. Referee: Arron Jones (Deganwy) Attendance:217. Gareth Williams Huws Gray Alliance Saturday, 06 January Rhyl FC..................................4 Alun Webb 25’, 28’ Alex Titchiner 41’ Tom Taylor (og) 57’ CPD Porthmadog...................5 Sion Bradley 9’ Joe Chaplin 40’, 59’, 70’ Sion Edwards 80’ Once again Port were involved in a high scoring game and what end to end excitement, with the game swinging one way and then another until a super, super strike from Sion Edwards finally settled the game in Port’s favour. A hat-trick for Joe Chaplin on his return from injury, a missed penalty after just three minutes, all added to the tension and entertainment for the supporters but it was not a good day to be a defender as both teams were so intent on all out attack. From the off play was end to end and Richard Harvey after just two minutes needed to pull off a good early save to deny Mark Connolly. But a minute later it looked as though lady luck was favoring Port, with referee Ashley Jones catching most by surprise by pointing to the spot for a foul on Sion Bradley. But this positive break turned quickly to disappointment as home keeper Rory Crowther made the correct decision diving to his right to save Julian Williams’ penalty. But the attacking nature of the game continued and with 9 minutes on the clock Julian redemed himself when his excellent flick over the defence allowed Sion Bradley to burst to the edge of the box and beat the advancing Rory Crowther with a top quality lob. Port then continued to threaten the home goal with Julian Williams and Joe Chaplin both coming close. Then midway through the half Rhyl grew more and more into the game and it was their dangerman Alun Webb who turned the game in Rhyl’s favour with two goals in the space of just three minutes. The first was an excellent Rhyl move with Ben Collins splitting open the Port defence with a fine angled ball which Alun Webb, racing in from the right, to finish from close range at the back post. Then Webb proved a further threat when Rhyl counter attacked and he raced down the right before cutting inside and firing low past Richard Harvey to put Rhyl in front. Play continued to be even and on 40 minutes Port drew level. The goal was set up by Gareth Jones Evans who received on the right of midfield before finding Joe Chaplin on the ege of the box but with still quite a bit to do. Chaplin held off two defenders, rouded the keeper and finished coolly. But the scores remained level for only a minute as Rhyl charged forward, this time Webb was the supplier and Alex Titchiner applied the finish from 8 yards. The home team went in at the interval 3-2 ahead. The second-half continued in much the same vein. But despite early Port attacks it was Rhyl who opened a two goal advantage when, after 57minutes, hesitation in the Port goal mouth with Jordan Barrow’s low cross turned into his own net by Tom Taylor. This event spurred Tom Taylor into action and he burst upfield from deep in his own half before splitting the Rhyl defence wide open with a ball to Sion Edwards on the left. Edwards quickly switched it inside for Joe Chaplin who netted from 8 yards. Play continued end to end but Port were looking the stronger as the game entered the final 20 minutes. Joe Chaplin’s persistence gained him his hat-trick goal when he put keeper Rory Crowther under pressure and the keeper’s attempted clearance struck him and Joe reacted quickly to take full advantage and score from close range. Port were level again but now had the scent of victory in their nostrils. But it still took a quite remarkable goal to settle the issue. Sion Edwards received the ball some 40 yards out in space. He took a quick look up, spotted the keeper off his line, and proceeded to lift an incredible lob over Crowther and into the back of the net. Sion’s first gaol for the club left the travelling support in ecstasies. Port held on and in the end deserved to take all three points. Craig Papirnyk, whose substitutions worked a treat, commented on twitter: “ All credit to the the Port players for that result today , going 4-2 down is hard enough but credit to the boys , they stuck together , didn't give up and turned it around, fantastic 3pts ! Great support again as well.” PORTHMADOG: Richard Harvey, Tomos Emlyn, Sion Edwards, Iddon Price (Dan Roberts 45’), Tom Taylor, Josh Banks, Gareth Jones Evans (Ifan Emlyn 72), Iwan Lewis, Julian Williams, Joe Chaplin (Rob Evans 85’), Sion Bradley. Unused subs: Cai Jones, Meilir Williams. Yellow: Josh Banks 66’, Tom Taylor 76’. RHYL: Rory Crowther, Tony Davies (Jason Jeffries 24’), James Brewerton, Sam Downey (Tom Hartley 77’), Been Collins, Alex Titchiner, Jordan Barrow, Danny Holland, Mark Connolly, Alun Webb, Stewart Carroll. Subs: Luke Wilmott (gk), Aaron Pomeyie. Yellow: Mark Connolly, Alun Webb, Stewart Carroll. Referee: Ashley Jones Attendance: 254. br> Gareth Williams Huws Gray Alliance -Saturday 30 December Match Sponsored In Memory of Bernie Smith CPD Porthmadog...................... 7 Ifan Emlyn 10’ Iain Bennett (og) 14’ Julian Williams 65’, 67’, 80’. Gareth Jones Evans 70’ Sion Bradley 89’ Llandudno Jumction .................. 0 For the second time this season Port hit the Junction with a seven goal haul. There was a hat-trick in the space of just 15 second-half minutes for Julian Williams and great individual goals from Ifan Emlyn, Gareth Jones Evans and Sion Bradley. Ifan Emlyn, as well as his quality goal, turned in a man of the match performance prompting from midfield and involved in almost everything throughout the 90 minutes. This was a game where Port started off strongly and finished with a bang, scoring five times in the last 25 minutes but the part in between was perhaps less entertaining. But there were three valuable points at stake and this result moves Port up two places in the table. Port started strongly and the early play was concentrated in the Junction half. There were several early chances and after just 4 minutes Sion Edwards’ excellent cross was headed over by Iwan Lewis. But there was not long to wait for the first goal and when the ball broke to Ifan Emlyn on the edge of the box the fans were treated to a superb strike which hit the net just inside the far post leaving the keeper stranded on his line. Four minutes later Port doubled their lead when another dangerous cross from Sion Edwards put the Junction under pressure and Iain Bennett’s attempted relieving header ended in the back of his own net, Port had the bit between their teeth and Julian Williams came close after receiving from Cai Jones and then Cai himself should have incresed the lead when he put a close range xhance over the bar. Then after having totally dominated the first 25 minutes Port appeared to take their foot off the pedal and the game became increasingly scrappy and niggly. This continued to the end of the first half though with Junction not threatening at all, apart from a shot cum cross from Joel Hewitt which went high towards the back post, forcing Richard Harvey to back pedal and palm the ball away to safety. The half ended with Port holding a two goal advantage. The second-half started in the same vein as the first with play remaining scrappy, with little purpose. In fact Dean Seagar got the ball into the net forJunction after five minutes of the second-half but it was ruled offside. If this was the wake-up call needed, Port certainly responded as they totally changed gear and in the last 25 minutes found the net five times, totally dominating proceedings. Julian Williams got the ball rolling again when he received from Ifan Emlyn on the right, cutting inside and beat Keighan Jones at his near post with a well struck effort from 16 yards. Two minutes later and Julian Williams netted again. It was that man Ifan Emlyn again leading the charge down the centre and supplying Julian, whose initial attempted through ball rebound to him and he scored with another well placed low shot. The third goal in five minutes was a real beauty with Gareth Jones Evans breaking to the edge of the box on the right and his superb strike curled inside the far post. We had to wait 10 minutes for the next goal and for Julian Williams to complete his hat-trick. Sion Bradley provided the assist finding Julian in plenty of space in the box and the result was goal number six. They say that the best wine is kept to the last and, on an afternoon of some great strikes, arguably, this is what Sion Bradley did. He raced down the left touchline, then cut along the byline before pulling out to make the angle and fired low into the far corner of the net. This goal makes Sion Bradley the 4th Port player to reach 10 goals for the season with Julian Williams’ hat-trick taking him to 12 goals. Well done to Craig Papirnyk for giving young U18s player Math Roberts his debut and what an excellent late debut it was. He showed that he has talent and the confidence to create an impression and he really did impress supporters with his intelligent contributions in his first appearance. Well done Math we look forward to seeing you again soon. A great moment too, for U18s coach Sion Eirian, who tweeted, “Days like today make my job worthwhile! This lad has worked so hard since joining the academy! Delighted for him!” PORTHMADOG: Richard Harvey, Leon Doran, Sion Edwards, Tom Taylor, Josh Banks, Ceri James (Meilir Williams 46’) Ifan Emlyn, Gareth Jones Evans (Math Roberts 86’), Cai Jones (sion Bradley 60’), Iwan Lewis, Julian Williams. Unused subs: Iddon Price, Craig Papirnyk. Yellow: Iwan Lewis 60’, Ifan Emlyn 62’, Julian Williams 76’. LLANDUDNO JUMCTION: Keighan Jones, Joel Hewitt, Liam Jones, Dan Roberts, Kieran Davies, Iain Bennett, James Landsdowne, Sean McCaffrey, Dean Seager, James Hobson, Bryan Roberts. Used subs: Ethan Hysmen, Denley Smith. Yellow: Bryan Roberts 38’, Sean McCaffrey. Referee: John Jones Attendance: 242. Gareth Williams |
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