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Liverpool AFC (h) |
CPD Pwllheli (h) |
Connah's Quay Town (a) |
Y Felinheli (a) |
N.F.A. (h) |
Amlwch Town (a) |
Llanrwst Town (h) |
CPD Rhyl 1879 (a) |
Holyhead Hotspurs (h) |
Corwen (h) |
FC Queens Park (a) |
Nantlle Vale (h) |
Conwy (a) |
Airbus (h) |
CPD Y Rhyl (h) |
Conwy (h) |
Trearddur (a) |
St Asaph (h) |
Llangefni (a) |
29/11/2024 Lock Stock Ardal North West : Lleoliad / Venue: Cae Bob Parry (k.o 7.45pm) LLANGEFNI .......................2 Cameron Jones 52'' Aron Hughes-Jones78' CPD PORTHMADOG ...................4 Danny Brookwell 6' Rhys Alun 22'(p),41'(p) Aled Williams 84'(og) One of football`s most irritating clichés is ‘ game of two halves’. Well, this nerve-shredding encounter between 1st and 2nd placed clubs in Tier Three was undeniably one of those. Played in front of 312 noisy supporters under the lights at Cae Bob Parry, the match belonged mainly to Port in the first half, whereas Llangefni dominated the second period and the hosts may well feel hard done by to have failed in their attempt to earn a share of the spoils. Port started very well indeed and succeeded in penning the hosts in their own half for much of the opening 15 minutes or so with Josh Banks and Rhys Alun a constant thorn in Cefni`s side down the left flank. With five minutes on the clock, Port unsurprisingly took the lead. Midfielder Ryan Williams found Jake Jones in space on the right and his cross was parried by keeper Gethin Hughes into the path of the dangerous Danny Brookwell. The Port striker controlled the ball well before calmly firing a low left-footer into the corner of the net to settle the loyal travelling supporters` early nerves. Gradually, Llangefni were beginning to find their feet but any hopes of an early revival were dashed when referee William Gareth Parry pointed to the spot after a burst into the box by Rhys Alun was foiled as he was brought down by Cefni`s gloveman Gethin Hughes. The same player brushed himself down before dispatching a well-directed shot into the corner of the net well beyond Hughes` despairing dive and after a mere 20 minutes, Port were already two goals to the good. Much to their credit, the Islanders grew more and more into the game and manufactured their first scoring chance on the half hour mark when the skillful Osian Jones missed the target with a close range header from a well-floated cross. A minute later, Cefni`s Aled Wyn Williams let fly with a strong effort from distance with the ball going straight into Farebrother`s grateful arms. This good spell of pressure from the hosts continued as another shot from the Ynys Mon men narrowly missed the target. Ironically, however, Port soon extended their lead when they were awarded a hotly disputed penalty after Hughes was again adjudged to have brought down the onrushing Rhys Alun . I have to be honest and say that the award seemed rather harsh from our position high up in the main stand but Port`s hard-working officials insisted:- “ Oh yes! It was a clear penalty!” Oh well, far be it from me to even imagine the merest hint of bias on their behalf….perish the thought! After facing plentiful accusations of somewhat Phelps-ian behaviour, Rhys Alun picked himself up before slamming the ball again past the luckless Hughes to give the visitors a 0-3 cushion, and, as the protests continued, Llan`s first aid man Sion Roberts was red-carded for some rather uncharitable observations. It was then that Llangefni started to turn on the style. With half time looming, Osian Jones twice came close to narrowing the deficit. Firstly, his high dipping drive was tipped over masterfully by Farebrother. Then, a minute before the interval, he easily evaded Jake Jones before sending a shot against the post. Port were riding their luck at this point just before the half time whistle and were very fortunate to preserve their generous 0-3 lead. Llangefni threw caution to the wind in the second half and played some really good attacking football. Barely five minutes in, they deservedly reduced the deficit when a free kick was awarded on the edge of the box and a well-directed cross by Caio Inch was headed home by Cameron Jones as he outjumped Farebrother. Port had lost their cohesion by now and were providing little or no threat in attack. They started to go long (not their style!) and passes simply refused to reach their target on the sticky surface. Llangefni, on the other hand, were on fire as they conjured up several enthusiastic attacks and on 78 minutes, it was 2-3 courtesy of a wonderful looking cross-cum-shot by Aron Hughes-Jones which looped high over Farebrother before nestling on the inside of the side-netting. In a rare attack for the visitors at this stage, a weaving run by Sion Williams ended with a good shot which was deflected for a corner. Another corner arrived shortly thereafter and this one came with a piercing sting in its tail as a gorgeously dangerous in-swinger by Port`s very own Elis Puw was met by a thumping header by Josh Banks which took a deflection off defender Aled Williams and into the roof of the net. Yes, it was horribly against the run of play, but, as Boris Johnson would have it :- ‘Them`s the breaks!’. And….cue delirious celebrations by players and supporters alike. Da iawn, Port. Da iawn wir. It wasn`t always pretty but it was ultimately a great away win. It ended 2-4 by the way …..Phew! Port are still on top of the league with 34 points and a very impressive goal difference of +29. Next Saturday, we welcome Connah`s Quay Town to Y Traeth in another league encounter. This will be a very tough encounter against the first team to take points off us so far this season. Daliwch ati, Port annwyl! Llangefni:- Gethin Hughes (gk), Aled Williams, Cai Griffith, Alun Roberts, Sion Trefor Jones, Caio Inch, Osian Jones (Jack Smith 59`), Harry Hughes, Aron Hughes-Jones, Cameron Jones (J. Stanley Williams 59`), D. Jones (Ifan Mansoor 73`) Melyn / Yellow :- Gethin Hughes (22`), Aron Hughes-Jones (38`) Coch / Red :- Sion Roberts ( Cymorth Cyntaf / First Aider 42`) Porthmadog:- Oliver Farebrother (gk), Nathan Williams, Josh Banks, Gruff Ellis, Iddon Price ( Jack McConville 72`), Caio Evans, Jake Jones, Ryan Williams, Rhys Alun ( Elis Puw 77`), Cai Jones, Danny Brookwell ( Sion Williams 65`) Melyn/ Yellow :- Oliver Farebrother 55`), Rhys Alun (79`) Dyfarnwr/ Referee :- William Gareth Parry Cynorthwywyr/ Assistants :- Jonathan Mark Ervine, Paul David Scholes Torf / Attendance :- 312 Adroddiad / Report :- Treflyn Jones 15/11/2024 : Lock Stock Ardal North West Lleoliad / Venue: Y Traeth (k.o 7.45pm) Noddwr y Gêm / Match Sponsor: JOHNSON’S HOTEL LINEN Noddwyr y Bêl / Match Ball Sponsors: DAVE HOLLANDS, KENT CPD PORTHMADOG .................7 John Littlemore 1' Cai Jones 7', 26'. Rhys Alun 9', 73', 85' Sion Williams 90+3' ST ASAPH CITY ....................2 Josh Brown 35' Jake Walker 55' Following their first defeat of the season last weekend, Port headed into their clash under the Friday Night Lights needing somewhat of a morale boost against a St. Asaph City side who felt like they’d thrown 2 points away last weekend, only drawing 2 - 2 against bottom side, Menai Bridge Tigers, having held a seemingly comfortable 2 – 0 lead. 38 seconds into the game, said morale boost was administered, courtesy of a strong run & inch perfect cross by Rhys Alun Williams onto the head of John Littlemore. Any early nerves & talk of a slow start amongst the Port faithful were eased straight from the off! With only 6 minutes on the clock, Kurtis Pearson hit an absolute beauty of a crossfield pass to release Danny Brookwell down the wing & having managed to keep the ball in play, his cut back found Cai Jones on the 18 yard line & his strike nestled perfectly in the left hand corner. The perfect start was complete, when a 3rd goal was added with only 9 minutes on the clock – yet another relentless Port attack saw a cross reach Rhys Alun at the far post & he finished excellently from close range. The opening 15 minutes was about as one way traffic as is possible & with Port already 3-up, they set about a chaotic spell, where they hit the post THREE times in as many minutes! Rhys Alun’s mazy run & shot hit the far post, before the rebound hit the opposite post & a further chance was cleared off the line. Within a minute, a curling effort from about 20 yards out also hit the left hand post. Hughie Foulkes, the young keeper for St Asaph pulled off a stunning save from a Cai Jones strike following a lay off by Jake Jones. However, the gloss was taken off a golden opening period, when after 23 minutes of relentless Port attacking, John Littlemore was carried off the pitch with a suspected calf injury & with already a lack of centre-forwards, Sion Williams (a player accustomed to plying his trade at CM) came on & a change of system to be implemented. Despite this setback, there was to be yet more joy for Port, as a breakaway led to Cai Jones being in 1-on-1 against the young keeper & he finished expertly into the bottom corner to score his second of the match & Port’s fourth in 25 minutes. Further chances were not put away as a blistering opening half-hour came to an end. 34 minutes were on the clock & finally some true attacking intent from the visitors leads to ending any hope of a clean sheet for Ollie & the Port backline – to be fair, it was strong work down the wing, & a cross led to a free header across goal that was tapped in at the far post by Josh Brown. This led to a somewhat tense final 10 minutes of the first half, as the visitors grew in confidence & Port were seemingly guilty of taking their foot off the pedal led to several chances at the Port goal, one needing a strong save from Ollie. However, it was to be 4 – 1 to Port at the break. After such a chaotic first half, there was bound to be a quiet spell & the opening 10 minutes proved to be so, before it was kick started by a stunning pass down the Port right hand channel & a cross which led to a strike by Jake Walker hitting the upright, before he headed the rebound in & some nails being chewed by the Port faithful?! Nothing really of note happened afterwards until the 70th minute, when control was wrestled back by the home side, with Rhys Alun beating the offside trap to bury his 2nd of the match & Port’s 5th. 13 minutes later, Rhys completed his hattrick, when he once again got the better of the offside trap & with the keeper miles off his line, he controlled the ball & expertly went past 2 defenders, before prodding it in from the 18 yard line to complete a wonderful performance & a much-needed confidence boost for himself. Perhaps the best was saved for last, as a 90th minute corner was headed back across goal & laid off to Rhys Alun, who managed to pull of a scorpion kick pass into the path of first half sub, Sion Williams, whose strike was rifled like an exocet into the top right hand corner! Despite the odd worry, I don’t think the 7 – 2 scoreline flattered Port, as they played some breathtaking attacking football at times during this match & their reward is a 5-point lead at the top of the table going into that huge clash against Llangefni in two weeks’ time. Next weekend sees Port back in League Cup action at home to Y Felinheli. Porthmadog: Ollie Farebrother, Jake Jones, Josh Banks (Nathan Williams 46'), Gruff Ellis, Iddon Price (Jack McConville 74'), Kurtis Pearson (Caio Evans 67'), Rhys Alun, Ryan Williams, John Littlemore (Sion Williasm 25'), Cai Jones, Danny Brookwell. Unused subs: Kian Williams(gk). Yellow: Kurtis Peason 63'. St Asaph: Hughie Foulkes, Simon Fawcett, Ellis Blench, David Hayes, Ben Hesketh, Lee Jones (Callum Murphy 70'), Sion Williams, Jake Walker (Keiran Garnett-Hughes 83'), Josh Brown (Josh Roberts 61'), James Williams (Harvey Drazdauskas 79'), Liam Grayson (Dan Wallis 83'). Yellow:Simon Fawcett 80', Swyddogion / Officials: Martin Trigg, Nathan Wheatley, Mason Parry Torf / Attendance: 235 Adroddiad / Match Report: Rhydian Morgan 09/11/2024 Lock Stock Ardal North West : Lleoliad / Venue: Maes Cynlas Aberffraw (k.o 2.00pm) TREARDDUR .......................1 Sion Edwards 84' CPD PORTHMADOG ...................0 “I`ve got a nasty feeling about this one!” said a rather pessimistic Port supporter before a ball had even been kicked. Well, his sixth sense was somewhat well-founded as Port turned in their worst performance of the season so far in a match which was no more than an utter shambles and, in stark contrast to Port`s recent encounter against Rhyl, a truly terrible advert for grass roots football in North Wales. It would be absolutely puerile to blame the pitch as it was no worse than the neglected minefields at Prestatyn and Llay to name but a few. In the third minute, Port keeper Farebrother had to palm away a deep cross before Port`s midfield dynamo Cai Jones suffered a nasty head injury in an aerial battle with Thomas Taylor and had to be replaced by John Littlemore and one felt that Port had largely lost control of the midfield from that point onwards. Soon after, Farebrother had to be alert to stop a shot on his line which was fortunately straight at him before Sion Williams for Port latched on to a good through ball before his shot went just over the bar. Minutes later, Farebrother pulled off a very good save to his left from a strong half-volley by the determined Stevie Jones and Ollie then comfortably caught a back header from under his crossbar. Gruff Ellis for Port rose well in the opponents` box but his header from a Rhys Alun corner drifted harmlessly wide. Just before the break, Littlemore linked up well with Rhys Alun. Perhaps Rhys should have ploughed his own furrow here but elected to unselfishly cross to Littlemore whose looping header lacked the power to trouble Carl Jones in the hosts` goal. A dour and forgettable first half ended goalless with Trearddur looking marginally the more threatening of the two sides. The second half was even more shambolic. It was littered with collisions, bad fouls, shirt–tugging, blatant two-handed pushes in the back, foul language right in the referee`s face (for which he took little or no action). Trearddur managed the vagaries of the pitch rather better than table-topping Porthmadog and got their passing game together on a few occasions whereas Port`s cohesion had completely deserted them and Carl Jones in the home goal was never seriously troubled. On the plus side, Port defended with discipline but that`s all the praise you can give them on this ….er…. inauspicious occasion. In the 84th minute, I looked down on my notebook to realise that I had written nothing, zero, zilch, dim o gwbl about the second half and this for the simple reason that the dire spectacle before us was not worthy of drop of ink. And at that moment, the hitherto solid-as-a- rock Port back line conceded a very bad goal. Former Port hero Sion Edwards sent in a teasing high cross from the right wing which mysteriously had the beating of everyone. The ball clattered against the post and over the line. Lest I upset anyone, let`s just say that it was a defensive misjudgement as the ball should never even have reached that damned post. To Trearddur the spoils and deservedly so. Port will have to forget this match…..very quickly. Next Friday evening, we welcome the poshly-named St. Asaph City to Y Traeth. It`s another league encounter and kick-off is at 7:45. Pennau i fyny, Port! Trearddur Bay :- Carl Jones (gk), Dan McGinness (Harri Jones 47`), Sion Edwards, Dion Donohue, Thomas Taylor, Sean McCaffery (Joe Chaplin 73`), Stevie Jones, Shaun Cavanagh, Toby Jones (Dan Evans 85`), Anthony Marshall, Les Davies. Unused sub :- Matthew Jones Yellow cards :- Carl Jones (90+1`), Sion Edwards (25`), Stevie Jones (80`), Joe Chaplin (85`) Porthmadog :- Oliver Farebrother (gk), Nathan Williams ( Jake Jones 66`), Josh Banks, Gruff Ellis, Iddon Price, Caio Evans, Sion Williams, Ryan Williams, Rhys Alun (Ashley Owen 79`), Cai Jones (John Littlemore 16`), Danny Brookwell. Unused subs :- Kurtis Pearson, Mabon Owen. Yellow :-Nathan Williams(60`), John Littlemore(82`), Danny Brookwell (28`). Dyfarnwr/ Referee:- Ian Tuck Cynorthwywyr/ Assistants :- N/A, Phil Neal William Jaycock Torf / Attendance :- 225 Adroddiad / Report :- Treflyn Jones 02/11/2024 : Lock Stock Ardal North West Lleoliad / Venue: Y Traeth (k.o 2.30pm) Noddwr y Gêm / Match Sponsor: BELYN FINANCIAL SERVICES Noddwyr y Bêl / Match Ball Sponsors: EDDIE BLACKBURN CPD PORTHMADOG .................2 John Littlemore 82' Cai Jones 84' CONWY BOROUGH ....................0 All`s well that ends well. Both sets of players displayed immense self-discipline in this match inasmuch as they patiently (and stubbornly) stuck to their respective game plans through thick and thin. The hosts dominated the game from start to finish while Conwy defended and defended ad nauseam. Port deserve much credit for showing such an admirable level of patience as they tried to find a way past a never say die Conwy back four in which goalkeeper Josh Cooke was again the star player. The whole Port team played well, but if I had to pick one out for particular praise, it would undoubtedly be Kurtis Pearson. To use a pleasant South Walian-ism, his play throughout was ‘tidy’…….very ‘tidy’. Port showed their intent in the fourth minute when a 25 yard left foot drive by Danny Brookwell stung the outstretched palms of Josh Cooke who would become a very busy boy indeed. There were many intricate moves to come and Port were perhaps guilty at times of trying to walk the ball into the net like the Arsenal of old. Shortly after the half hour mark, there occurred a moment of controversy. Kurtis Pearson evaded the attentions of a couple of defenders before unleashing a very good-looking left-footed daisy cutter. This time, Cooke could only parry the ball on to the inside of the post and it looked for all the world as if he had scooped the rebound from behind the line. Amazingly, however, the assistant referee was unmoved and awarded nothing, much to the anger of the Quarry Enders. Furthermore, to everyone`s amazement and after incessant Port pressure, the first half ended goalless. At the start of the second half, Port forced three corners in as many minutes. The third one was taken by Rhys Alun, and, in the ensuing mayhem, Conwy managed five consecutive goal-line clearances (yes…..five!! ) as Port supporters started to tear their hair out. All was not lost….or so it seemed, as referee Tomos Huw Jones spotted a hand ball infringement during that session of pinball. Up stepped Ryan Williams to take the spot kick, but, sadly, his right foot effort was lacking in both direction and power and Josh Cooke pulled off a comfortable save to his right. On the hour mark, Rhys Alun was sent clear on goal but his shot was straight at the keeper. Then a Pearson shot was fumbled but Cooke blocked Rhys Alun`s follow-up shot. It was then Iddon Price`s turn as his powerful header saw Cooke well and truly beaten before the ball clattered off the cursed crossbar. CPD Porthmadog`s friend and loyal servant Rob Bennett was heard remarking thus:- ‘Surely, they can`t defend like this for ninety minutes!’ to which Kate, his wife, replied :- ‘Well, they`ve managed pretty well until now!’ Finally, however, to the relief of all home supporters, Port broke the deadlock on 82 minutes. A glorious cross-field pass by that man Pearson found the tireless Brookwell in space on the right flank. His cross found Rhys Alun in the box and his volleyed pass evaded Cooke for once and Littlemore gleefully tapped home an unmissable opportunity. Phew! Two minutes later, it was 2-0 when Cai Jones steered the ball well wide of Cooke for a picture goal. Mabon Owen (remember the name!) came on for a five minute cameo and shaped up very well indeed with his pace and dribbling skills and even managed two efforts on target in the space of little more than ten minutes. Last of all, Littlemore tried his luck from distance and, despite a wicked deflection, Cooke stretched high to tip the ball over the bar. To Porthmadog the spoils and deservedly so. Daliwch ati, Port. Next Saturday, Port will travel to Aberffraw F.C.`s ground to face a potentially very stern test against Trearddur Bay. Kick-off will be at 2:00. By the way, Porthmadog now stand five points clear at the summit of North West Tier Three. But beware…….we have many rivers to cross. Porthmadog :- Oliver Farebrother (gk), Nathan Williams (Iddon Price 60`), Jake Jones, Gruff Ellis, Ryan Williams, Caio Evans (Sion Williams 60`), Rhys Alun, Kurtis Pearson, John Littlemore, Danny Brookwell (Mabon Owen 85`), Ashley Owen ( Cai Jones 60`). Unused sub :- Kian Williams (gk) Conwy Borough :- Josh Cooke (gk), Leon Seager, Luke Bartlett, Jonah Wilton, Harry Math Kirkham, Cian Evans, Charles Lloyd (Theo Davies 63`), N/A, William Owen Edwards, Osian Roberts (Harri Glyn Jones 63`), Toby Adams. Yellow cards :- Jonah Wilton (30`), Harry Math Kirkham (75`), Harri Glyn Jones (81`). Unused subs :- Joseph Robertson, Brandon James Robertson Cynorthwywyr/ Assistants :- David Griffiths, Phil Neal William Jaycock Torf / Attendance :- 202 Adroddiad / Report :- Treflyn Jones 26/10/2024 : Lock Stock Ardal North West Lleoliad / Venue: Y Traeth (k.o 2.30pm) Noddwr y Gêm / Match Sponsor: TOYOTA HARLECH Noddwyr y Bêl / Match Ball Sponsors: BWYDYDD OREN FOODS CPD PORTHMADOG .................2 Danny Brookwell 43', 81' CPD Y RHYL 1879 ....................1 Dylan Proctor 3' What a game! Port just managed to edge an absolute thriller against a very good Rhyl side. This encounter was not for the faint-hearted, and, during the final minutes, many a supporter on both sides must have been observing proceedings like a seven year old of 1964 vintage watching Doctor Who ‘from behind the sofa’. The visitors were quickly out of the blocks and took the lead in the third minute with a swift counter. Casey Faulkner found space on the left flank and his low cross was calmly side-footed into the corner of the net by Dylan Proctor to the delight of the numerous and enthusiastic Rhyl supporters. The opener was a wake-up call for Port and they duly responded but found the Rhyl backline a very hard nut to crack. On 12 minutes, Gruff Ellis rose high to head a deep Ryan Williams cross on to the roof of the Rhyl net. Ten minutes later, it was Rhyl`s turn to give the Port fans a dose of the heebie-jeebies when Ollie Farebrother, after some hesitation, clattered into a Rhyl attacker, but loud appeals for a penalty were waved away by referee William Gareth Parry. An excellent pass by Brookwell on the turn gave Port a great scoring chance but close-range efforts by both Cai Jones and Ashley Owen were charged down. This was followed by another quick counter by Rhyl and Ryan Williams had to be alert to head a goal-bound volley off the line. On 40 minutes, a great cross by the excellent Josh Banks was headed over the bar by Rhys Alun but a couple of minutes later, Port drew level when the mercurial Danny Brookwell sensed a rare moment of hesitation in the Rhyl rearguard and sent in a low volley which Adam Reid found too hot to handle as he dived in vain to his left. All square at one-apiece at the end of an entertaining first half. The second half was barely a minute old when Port skipper Cai Jones dispatched a low drive from 25 yards which was met by a fine two handed save by Reid before Rhyl, at the other end, came up with a glaring miss when Jason Foulkes blazed wide with only Farebrother to beat.This was an almighty let-off for Port and a miss which Rhyl would bitterly regret. Shortly after, Rhyl missed another good chance, albeit after the referee had failed to spot an obvious hand ball by a Rhyl attacker in the Port penalty area. With just about 15 minutes remaining, Brookwell, after a brilliant run from his own half, presented Littlemore with a clear chance but he fired wide after sending Reid the wrong way and Danny himself forced Reid into another fine stop low to his left. Two minutes later, Port took the lead for the first time when John Littlemore turned provider with a glorious pass into Brookwell`s path. He outsprinted two defenders and rounded the keeper before tapping home to the delight of the faithful Port fans. What a goal! Port could have put the game to bed when Cai Jones was sent clear on goal only to send his shot agonisingly wide. Just before the end, Port were forced into a flurry of frantic clearances, and, to cap it all, keeper Farebrother produced a truly fantastic save as he dived to his right to block a thundering free kick from the edge of the box by Dylan Proctor. And that was it. You had to feel just a bit for Rhyl as they could well have come away with a point but football is a cruel game sometimes. For the neutral, this was a great game and a none too shabby advertisement for Tier Three football in North Wales. Port remain at the top of the league tonight and are still unbeaten after nine games. Let`s keep that foot firmly on the accelerator! Next Saturday, we welcome Conwy Borough to Y Traeth in another league encounter with a 2:30 kick off. Daliwch ati, Port! Porthmadog :- Oliver Farebrother (gk), Jake Jones , Josh Banks, Gruff Ellis, Iddon Price (Nathan Williams 50`), Caio Evans, Rhys Alun (Jack McConville 84`), Ryan Williams, Ashley Owen ( John Littlemore 64`), Cai Jones (capt.), Danny Brookwell. Yellow card :- Caio Evans (?) Unused subs :- Mabon Owen, Tom Hilditch Rhyl 1879 :- Adam Reid (gk), Oliver Staveley, Casey Faulkner ( Calum Proctor 87`), James Jones, Reece Fairhurst, Jason Foulkes ( Carl Lamb 84`), Thomas Kemp, Alex Jones, Dylan Proctor, Sam Ashton, James Stevens. Unused subs :- Daniel Wright, Elliott Turner. Dyfarnwr/ Referee :- William Gareth Parry Cynorthwywyr/ Assistants :- Peter Michael Owen, Paul David Scholes Torf / Attendance :- 324 Adroddiad / Report :- Treflyn Jones 19/10/2024 CWPAN CYMRU / WELSH CUP Rd2: Lleoliad / Venue: Y Traeth (k.o 2.00pm) Noddwr y Gêm / Match Sponsor: W. FALCONER ELECTRICAL SERVICES LTD. Noddwyr y Bêl / Match Ball Sponsors: Clwb Cefnogwyr Port / Amwythig - The Shrewsbury / Port Supporters Club CPD PORTHMADOG .................0 AIRBUS UK .................................2 Tyler McManus 74' James Davies 90' It may be one of the oldest cliches in the beautiful game, but for me, it is tough to beat the ‘Magic of the Cup’ & today was no different, as the JD Welsh Cup roadshow arrived at Y Traeth, albeit with an incredibly tough assignment for the home side against Cymru North leaders, Airbus UK Broughton. The opening 10 minutes seemed to show that we were in for a tighter game than the gap between the sides suggested. The first chance of the game indeed fell to the home side as Sion Williams won the ball back in the 18 yard box with a great tackle & his near post strike from a tight angle was saved by Airbus keeper, Keighan Jones. With 20 minutes on the clock, a golden opportunity came Port’s way as following some strong play down the wing, the ball was played into the six yard box & put on a plate with a knife & fork for Rhys Alun to put the lower ranked side into the lead…. however, he somehow put his effort wide & you were left to wonder if Port were going to rue such a missed opportunity?! It took 27 minutes for the Cymru North leaders to manufacture their first real sight of goal, as a cross from deep found Sam Baker, who’s outstretched leg got to the ball first, but his attempt cleared the bar. This was followed a few minutes later by another cross & another Airbus chance, as a header went harmlessly past the post. This was the sign that the higher ranked side were beginning to take control towards the end of the opening half. However, despite Port captain, Cai Jones needing treatment on 3 separate occasions for what to my very untrained medical eye was either illness or a respiratory related injury – Port survived until the half time break. Cai was taken off at halftime, to be replaced by Caio Evans – however, the opening stages of the second half showed the seeming gulf between both sides, as Airbus were beginning to take control & the opening chance of the half flew inches past the post. Despite Airbus’s growing pressure, further shown by another strong save by Ollie from a free kick by the visiting captain, Joe Palmer - Port nearly munched on a rare chance, as once again, some stellar work by the ever impressive, Danny Brookwell led to a thumping effort striking the crossbar & we stayed goalless heading into a tense, final 20 minutes of regulation time. With 15 minutes of the game left, a corner was won by the visitors & disaster struck for Port, as the Port goalkeeper came to collect the corner, but was beaten by Airbus fullback, Tyler McManus & his header went into the net to finally break the deadlock & Port hearts. The game was put to bed in the final minutes of normal time, as further slack defending led to a surge down the wing & some brilliant trickery from the Airbus winger led to a cross only being partially cleared & James Davies was there to bundle to ball home from close range to give the scoreline a more positive outlook from the visiting side’s point of view. Credit goes to their fans, who were quick to point that Port had certainly given them a few frights & were certainly worthy of being in the game for as long as they were. In stoppage time, Airbus were thwarted twice in their quest to add further gloss to the scoreline as a quick counter attack led to a one-on-one opportunity for the Airbus attacker, but Ollie stood tall to make the first save, before a second chance at goal was blocked brilliantly by a Port defender & the match finished 2 – 0 to the Cymru North leaders. Port’s adventures in the JD Welsh Cup are over for another season – but, having been drawn the toughest assignment outside the Cymru Premier, the performance was very promising & confidence can be taken into next week’s crunch league encounter against Rhyl 1879, who also suffered a crushing defeat in the JD Welsh Cup, 7-4 at the hands of Caersws. Porthmadog: Ollie Farebrother, Jake Jones, Iddon Price Gruff Ellis, Josh Banks, Jack Gibney, Sion Williams (Kurtis Pearson 78'), Ryan Williams, Rhys Alun (John Littlemore 72'), Cai Jones (Caio Evans 46'), Danny Brookwell (Ashley Owen 63'). Unused subs: Nathan Williams Yellow: Ryan Williams 69', Caio Evans 81' Airbus UK: Keighan Jones, Tyler McManus, Keiran Evans, Joseph Palmer, Sam Ricketts, Danny Warren, Jordan Evans (George Peers 47'), Jake Eyre, Sam Baker (James Davies 58'), Oliver Lanceley (Kayden Cooke 46'), Nathan Williams. Unused subs: Rhys Whitley (gk), Daniel Wood. Yellow: Tyler McManus 45'+2', George Peers 67', Jack Eyre 87. Dyfarnwr / Referee Aled Williams, Cynorthwywyr / Assistants:Stephen Roberts, Ian Tuck Torf / Attendance: 246 Adroddiad / Match Report: Rhydian Morgan 12/10/2024 Lock Stock Ardal North West : Lleoliad / Venue: Y Morfa, Conwy(k.o 2.30pm) CONWY BOROUGH .......................1 Jack Williams 31' CPD PORTHMADOG .......................3 J Wilton(og) 45'+6' Danny Brookwell 47' Ashley Owen 87' It would take a very long-standing Port supporter to recall such a one-sided match ending with such a relatively slender margin of victory. Consider this…. The corner count at the end of the match was 24-0 in the visitors` favour. On the other hand, Conwy could have gone in at the break with a 2-0 advantage. It`s a funny old game!!! Port started brightly enough, penning the Borough in their own half and forcing three corner kicks in as many minutes, and a typical long range left-footer by Danny Brookwell went straight into Josh Cooke`s arms after four minutes. Conwy tried their luck from all of thirty yards in a very rare attack after six minutes but the effort sailed way over the bar. Thereafter, during the first period, it was all Port (almost!). Another fine 25 yard drive by Brookwell was well saved low to his right by Cooke following a slick one-two with John Littlemore before the Conwy gloveman produced a brilliant one-handed save from yet another long range attempt by Brookwell. Then, on the half-hour mark, Jack Gibney, cutting in from the wing, forced Cooke into another quite outstanding save to his left. Then….oh dear! You know what`s coming, don`t you? With 31 minutes on that cruel clock, Conwy launched their first meaningful attack. The tricky Ethan Hill evaded a sliding tackle by Gruff Ellis before crossing to to Jack Williams who took his chance with aplomb as he volleyed home past the stranded Farebrother to give Conwy a shock lead. Just before the 45 minute mark, things could have turned out much worse for the visitors when Hill`s low cross put a Conwy attacker in a ‘must score’ position before the shot was miraculously cleared off the line by Port`s Nathan Williams. A monumental let-off, and, had Conwy scored, it would have been a very different game indeed. With half time looming, assistant referee Mr. Jonathan Ervine indicated to his superior that he required a change of footwear and this added 3 minutes to the first half. Well, this worked out badly for Conwy but beautifully for Port. It was then that Port wnger Jack Gibney did ever so well to dispossess a defender before firing in a low cross from the by-line into the danger area from which, in an attempt to clear, Conwy defender Jonah Wilton could only slam the ball past his own keeper to bring the first period to a close at one apiece. Oh! ‘the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune’ indeed. Port came out all guns blazing at the start of the second half and took the lead after only two minutes. John Littlemore released Josh Banks down the left flank on the edge of the box and his low cross was calmly slotted home by the busy Danny Brookwell. 2-1 to the visitors and wave after wave of attacks and shots on target followed with all of them repulsed by last ditch clearances and some more point blank saves from Cooke, most notably from the feet of Brookwell and substitute Rhys Alun. It wasn`t until the 82nd minute that Port supporters` already shredded nerves were settled when a pin-point low cross by Rhys Alun from the right wing was calmly dispatched into the corner of the net by substitute Ashley Owen to give Port a 3-1 cushion which, with their overall dominance, was well and truly deserved . It ended 3-1 and Port are two points clear at the top of the table, still unbeaten….for now! You may well ask “Where was top scorer Tom Hilditch in all of this?” Well, he was at the match, albeit on crutches following a nasty injury sustained in a five-a-side match which will leave him sidelined for six to eight weeks. This is not the best news as we face a very tough Welsh Cup tie against Tier Two leaders Airbus at Y Traeth next Saturday with a 2:00 p.m. kick-off. All the best with that. Finally, congratulations to Josh Cooke of Conwy Borough this afternoon as this player was Man of the Match by a million light years. By the way, you might recall that he used to play for the North Wales School Of Charm And Etiquette, otherwise known as Saltney Town! Remember them?!!! Da iawn, Port annwyl. Daliwch ati! Conwy Borough :- Josh Cooke (gk), Leon Seager (Osian Roberts 66`), Lewis McMillan (Samuel Jones 84`),Harry Kirkham, Cian Evans (Brandon Roberts 50`), James Landsdowne (capt.),Jack Williams, Ethan Hill (Harri Glyn Jones 84`), Toby Adams, Jonah Wilton. Unused sub :- Callum Chambers Porthmadog :- Oliver Farebrother, Nathan Williams, Josh Banks, Gruff Ellis, Iddon Price, Caio Evans (Kurtis Pearson 80`), Jack Gibney ( Sion Williams 62`), Ryan Williams, John Littlemore (Rhys Alun 62`), Cai Jones ( Ashley Owen 83`), Danny Brookwell ( Jake Jones 83`), Dyfarnwr/ Referee :- Adrian Wyn Williams Cynorthwywyr/ Assistants :- Jonathan Mark Ervine, N/A. Torf / Attendance :- Not given. Estimate :- 85 Adroddiad / Report :- Treflyn Jones 28/09/2024 ARDAL NORTH WEST: Lleoliad / Venue: Y Traeth (k.o 2.00pm) Noddwr y Gêm / Match Sponsor: GARY FALCONER ELECTRICALS Noddwyr y Bêl / Match Ball Sponsors: ANDREW & SAM EVANS CPD PORTHMADOG .................4 Cai Jones 55' Danny Brookwell 63' Caio Evans 67' Ashley Owen 79' NANTLLE VALE ........................0 When you think of the term ‘A game of two halves’, you usually think of a game where a team dominates the first half, before the game is turned on its head in the second half? However, this game of two halves had Port dominating both halves, with the difference being that they couldn’t score in the first...& couldn’t stop scoring in the second! Aside from a Cai Jones strike which hit the post, the opening 10 minutes was relatively quiet, with the only excitement really being the Port kitman delivering the wrong boots to Rhys Alun & thus having to make the long journey around the pitch perimeter to fetch another pair. Following a stoppage due to an injury to Nantlle Vale’s Sion Jones, the chances then started flowing for Port, as Josh Banks headed wide from a free kick & several players guilty of firing over the bar. The game would somehow reached HT with no score. It was clear that the same pattern was to follow in the second half, as Danny Brookwell, who was a constant threat down the wing, beating his full back on numerous times – it was his effort that deflected off Tom Hilditch, bringing a good save by the Vale keeper, with the rebound falling to Rhys Alun (now in the “correct” boots) directly in front of goal….I can only apologise to whoever’s car was in the firing line of that effort?! Port’s perseverance finally paid off 10 minutes into the second half, as some good play down the wing led to a Caio Evans low cross being converted by Cai Jones. Within less than 10 minutes, the lead was doubled as the superb Caio Evans & Danny Brookwell combined, with Brookwell once again having the better of his defender & finishing at the near post for a well deserved goal. Within 2 minutes of the restart however, Port were nearly guilty of resting on their comfortable lead, as an overhit pass that should’ve killed off a rare Vale attack was missed by Ollie & the forward was through on goal, however luckily for Port, he missed the open goal by some distance! With 67 minutes on the clock, normal service was resumed as Port notched up their third goal in 13 minutes, this time Caio Evans turned from provider to scorer as he finished well with a low drive from the 18 yard box having been set up by Cai Jones. With victory sealed, the last 20 minutes was a chance for the subs to make an impression & within 10 minutes of coming on, Ashley Owen did just that, by scoring his first goal for Port, predictably against his old side – a good, flowing move by Port was finished by Owen with great aplomb. The match finished 4 – 0 to the home side, which preserved Port’s unbeaten start to the season, now possessing a one point lead at the top of the table, ahead of CPD Rhyl 1879. Next Saturday sees a Top vs Bottom clash at Bangor University’s Treborth Playing Fields, as Port put their unbeaten start on the line against a Menai Bridge Tigers side, who are looking for their first points at this level. Porthmadog:Ollie Farebrother, Jake Jones, Josh Banks(Jack Gibney 46'), Nathan Williams, Ryan Williams, Caio Evans, Rhys Alun Kurtis Pearson 62'), Sion Williams (Ashley Owen 70'), Tom Hilditch, Cai Jones(John Littlemore 70:), Danny Brookwell. Unused sub: Gruff Ellis Nantlle Vale: Oliver Jones, Dewi Cooke (Sion Evans, 67’), Matthew Davies, Sion Jones (Gwion John Williams, 20’), Osian Jones, Math Jones, Hugh Jones, Llion Griffiths, Owain Ellis (Dan Bell, 80’), Dylan Williams, Kevin Lloyd Match Officials: William Parry, Karl Ashworth & Allan Rowlands Attendance: 261 Adroddiad / Match Report: Rhydian Morgan 24/08/2024 CWPAN CYMRU / WELSH CUP Rd. 1: Lleoliad / Venue: The Dunks, Wrexham (k.o 1.30pm) FC QUEENS PARK .......................1 Liam Lawrence 59' CPD PORTHMADOG .......................6 Tom Hilditch 24' 65'(pen) Sion Williams 45'+1' Danny Brookwell 74',90'+2' Jack Gibney 86' A comfortable win in the end against a battling Queens Park sees Port through to Round 2 of the JD Welsh Cup. It was a quiet opening to the match where chances were few and far between as both sides got used to the uneven surface at The Dunks. The first Port effort on goal came on 14' as an Ashley Owen shot went past the post, and was quickly followed by another Owen effort, over the bar this time after a cross from Jack Gibney from the right. On 21' Queens Park's John Edwards broke through only to see his effort go wide of Port's goal, and from the resulting goal kick Nathan Williams played a long ball to Tom Hilditch who struck an unstoppable shot over Josh Edwards, in the Queens Park goal, to make it 0-1. Port grew into the match with chances for Josh Banks who failed to connect with a Kurtis Pearson cross and Pearson himself had an effort just past the post as Port upped the tempo.< On 39' the Queens Park goalie slipped as he was taking a goal kick and the ball fell to Hilditch, but he also appeared to slip and Edwards managed to clear the danger. Port's 2nd goal came on 45+1' as a Josh Banks cross come shot struck the bar and Sion Williams was on hand to strike it home to make it 0-2 at half time. Queens Park started the 2nd half brightly but could not penetrate Port's defence. On 50' Ashley Owen supplied a pass to Rhys Alun who failed to connect. A minute later and Jack Gibney's run down the right sees his effort cleared off the line. And now it was Hilditch's turn as as he fired over the bar. These missed chances could have proved costly, as a Liam Lawrence header from a Sean Skimmings corner went past the helpless Oliver Farebrother and made it 1-2 on 59'. Manager Chris Jones reacted by bringing Caio Evans, Danny Brookwell and Ryan Williams on as subsitutes, and on 65' Port made it 1-3 as Hilditch was brought down by goalkeeper Edwards and Hilditch scored the resultant penalty. On 67' Pearson's header from a Gibney cross sailed over the bar much to the relief of Edwards. Port's pressure finally paid as a run from Brookwell took him past two defenders before gliding his shot past Edwards to make it 1-4 on 74' On 86' Nathan Williams passed to Jack Gibney who's effort was palmed away by Edwards, but Gibney slotted the rebound into the Queens Park net to make it 1-5. Brookwell sealed the win on 90+2 with a drive past Edwards to make it 1-6 after receiving a pass from Pearson. We can now look forward to the 2nd round draw this week. Next up Nantlle Vale at Y Traeth next Saturday in the Lock Stock Ardal N. West League. K.O .2pm Queen's Park:Joshua Edwards (Curtis Neary 61'), Jake Morris, Jake Lee Jones, Chad Humphries, Andrew Hughes, Stephen Rees, Matthew Bithell (Ben White 61'), Liam Lawrence, Sean Skimmimgs, John Edwards, Jake Harper. Unused suba: Adam Roberts, Gruffydd Rawlinson, Bradley Sandford. Yellow: Sean Skimmings 60, Curtis Neary 69'. Porthmadog: Ollie Fairbrother, Jake Jones, Josh Banks (Ryan Williams 60'), Gruff Ellis, Nathan Williams, Sion Williams (Caio Evans 60'), Rhys Alun, Kurtis Pearson, Tom Hilditch ( Manon Owen 74;), Jack Gibney Ashley Owen (Danny Brookwell 60') Referee: Levy Roberts, Assistants: Jamie Monk & N/A. Attendance: 80 (approx) Adroddiad / Match Report: Dylan Rees 14/09/2024 ARDAL NORTH WEST: Lleoliad / Venue: Y Traeth (k.o 2.30pm) Noddwr y Gêm / Match Sponsor: LAUD MEREDITH & CO: Cyfrifwyr Siartredig / Chartered Accountants Noddwyr y Bêl / Match Ball Sponsors: Baavet: Wool Duvets & Pillows CPD PORTHMADOG .................3 Tom Hilditch 40'(pen), 52'(pen), 69' CORWEN ................................0 After last Saturday`s debacle against Holyhead Hotspur in the FAW Trophy, normal service was resumed at Y Traeth this afternoon as Port secured a convincing and richly deserved victory in a game that will be remembered by one player in particular, namely Tom Hilditch who scored his second league hat-trick of the season in our sixth league encounter thus far! It`s fair to say that Port were first out of the blocks and they went on to dominate the first forty five minutes, although they found Corwen`s disciplined and organised defence difficult to break down. An early low cross by Hilditch was cleared and Brookwell shot just over the bar with a good left-footer from fully 25 yards. Then, from a corner kick, former Port custodian Tyler French miscued his punch somewhat but the hard-working Rhys Alun could only shoot into the side-netting from a narrow angle. Then, following a great run and pass by Brookwell down the right Rhys was given another difficult half-chance which he failed to convert as his shot again crashed into the side-netting. Port kept on knocking at the door and were duly rewarded on forty minutes when Danny Brookwell was adjudged to have been brought down in the process of getting his shot away in the box. Up stepped our trusty marksman Tom Hilditch who confidently converted the spot kick as he sent French the wrong way to make it 1-0 to the hosts. Just before the half time whistle, Corwen came close to scoring when a Port defender was dispossessed . There followed a minor melee in the box before Oliver Farebrother in the Port goal eventually gathered the ball and the danger was averted with the score remaining at 1-0 on the interval. Corwen came out with rather more attacking intent at the start of the second period as they searched for an equalizer but Port scored from another penalty on 52 minutes. Hilditch was a constant thorn in Corwen`s side especially in the box and referee Andy Harms pointed to the spot again when Hilditch`s weaving run was ended when he was brought down. The Corwen coaching staff were incensed by the decision. Yes, there was contact but was it sufficient? Well, dear Mr. Harms thought so and I guess that`s all that matters! So, Hilditch slams the ball to the goalkeeper`s left. Tyler French guessed right this time but was beaten by sheer power and Port were 2-0 up. Port were now playing with confidence and fluency as Corwen seemed to tire. A very worthy right foot drive by the eye-catching Sion Wyn Williams was well gathered by French, before that man Hilditch, with sheer determination and pace put the game beyond the visitors. He dispossessed a defender just inside the Corwen half before outsprinting two defenders and blasting the ball beyond the keeper. Port were not content with three, however, and they were in no mood to concede at the other end. On two occasions in the last quarter of an hour, substitute Jack Gibney struck the crossbar from beautifully flighted shots with the keeper well beaten. Better luck next time, Jack! This was a good win brought about by thoroughly patient play and mostly accurate passing. It was also gratifying to see our attendances remaining above the 200+ mark. What`s more, we remain top of the league on goal difference with Connah`s Quay Town in second place. Next week we travel to Queen`s Park in Wrexham for a tricky tussle in the first round of the JD Welsh Cup. Please note that kick-off will be at 1:30 p.m. Da iawn, Port a daliwch ati! Porthmadog :- Oliver Farebrother (gk), Nathan Williams, Josh Banks (Jake Jones 52`), Gruff Ellis, Iddon Price, Sion Wyn Williams, Rhys Alun (Jack Gibney 70`), Ryan Williams, Tom Hilditch (John Littlemore 74`), Cai Jones (Kurtis Pearson 70`), Danny Brookwell ( Zak Pike 74`) Corwen :- Tyler French (gk), Oliver Crimp (Benjamin Davies 68`), Joseph Drummond, Harry Strong, Ryan Birlington (Joel Gardner 80`), Meirion Williams (Oscar Mills 80`), Kieron Day (Henry Evans 54`), Alexander Webster, Thomas Mann, Scott Evans (capt.), Tom Williams. Yellow card :- Tom Williams (61`) Dyfarnwr/ Referee :- Andy Harms Cynorthwywyr/ Assistants :- Nathan John Wheatley, Matthew Williams Torf / Attendance :- 224 Adroddiad / Report :- Treflyn Jones 07/09/2024 Tlws Amatur CBDC / FAW Amateur Trophy R 1 Lleoliad / Venue: Y Traeth (k.o 2.00pm) Noddwr y Gêm / Match Sponsor: CARIAD CARE HOMES Noddwyr y Bêl / Match Ball Sponsors: IJ PLASTERING CPD PORTHMADOG .................0 HOLYHEAD HOTSPURS ...............5 Dylan Summers-Jones 26', 50', 61' Tomi Llywelyn 30' (p) Jacob Godsman-Pilling 80' This match sees us return to the FAW Dragon Signs Amateur Trophy, a competition where our last appearance saw us fall at the first hurdle in a bruising game against Cefn Albion. This competition also heralds the non-involvement of Assistant Referees (previously known as Linesmen), which does sort of sully the professionalism of this tournament amongst all games Tier 3 clubs play during the season? Perhaps they were early signs of a bad day at the office, when with less than 10 mins on the clock, a golden opportunity was missed by Holyhead – as following a defensive mix up, Dylan Summers-Jones rounded Ollie, but his heavy touch meant that he ran the ball out of play before he was able to provide the finish. 13 minutes on the clock & Port finally have their first real chance, as Ollie’s clearance was headed on & John Littlemore raced through one-on-one, but his very weak effort was easily saved by Guto Roberts, the Hotspur keeper. The deadlock was broken on 25 minutes, when Dylan Summers-Jones made no mistake when given his chance this time & his clean strike nestled in the bottom corner. There was nearly an instant second scored, as Holyhead easily broke the offside trap & the ball was lifted over the onrushing keeper – however, it was nowhere near the target & it was easily cleared. A nightmare 5 minutes was completed for Port as they fell further behind – yet more defensive troubles led to Ollie having to rush towards the edge of his box & his rash tackle was thankfully given, only a yellow card! Tomi Llywelyn stepped up & sent the keeper the wrong way to double their lead. Heading into the break & the Port chances were finally starting to appear, as Sion Williams struck the post with a volley, Tom Hilditch bringing a good save from a 25 yard FK & Danny Brookwell missing a header by centimetres from an inviting cross. However, it stayed 2-0 to Holyhead at the half. Before anyone had barely had time to sit down for the second half & further strong play by Tomi Llywelyn down the wing led to a speculative low cross seemed to bamboozle the Port defence & their failure to clear left Summers-Jones with the simple task of finishing from a yard or two at the back post! An hour on the clock & a misplaced pass presented Summers-Jones with an opportunity to complete his hattrick, which he did with great aplomb, as he curled a sublime strike into the top corner. With 10 minutes left on the clock, the nightmare was finally complete for Port, as a second penalty was given, once again conceded by Ollie & this led to his second yellow card. To quote The Smiths – “Stop Me If You Think You’ve Heard This One Before”, a poor backpass led to Ollie’s clearance being charged down by the talented youngster, Tomi Llywelyn, who was hauled down before he could finish the job. He stepped up against new Port keeper, Iddon Price, however Iddon saved low down to his right! Unfortunately, Jacob Godsman-Pilling was first to the rebound & scored on his first start for the visitors! Port created a very rare chance in the final moments of the game as substitute, Rhys Alun broke through on goal, but sent his strike towards Clwb Chwaraeon Madog instead of the top corner. The game finished 5-0 & a thoroughly disappointing day at the office, which saw us exit the Trophy at the first hurdle once again – our focus now turns to next Saturday’s home game & a chance at retribution against Corwen, with a 2:30pm kick off at Y Traeth. Porthmadog: Ollie Farebrother, Nathan Williams, Iddon Price, Gruff Ellis, Jake Jones(Caio Evans 57'), Sion Williams, John Littlemore(Rhys Alun 57'), Ryan Williams, Tom Hilditch (Zac Pike 82'), Cai Jones (Kurtis Pearson 69'), Danny Brookwell(Ashley Owen 69'). Red: Ollie Farebrother (2 yellows) 25', 80'. Yellow: Jake jones 53', Rhys Alun 78', Tom Hilditch 80'. Holyhead Hotspurs: Guto Hughes, James Phillips, Kyle Murphy, Tomos Owen, Ifan Emlyn, Tomi Llywelyn (Shay Murphy 83'), Jack Walsh, N/A, Dylan Summers-Jones, Kenleigh Owen (Huw Morris 65'), Harry Lewis (Mitchell Jones 86') Unused sub: Michael Kelly Dyfarnwr / Referee: Matthew Jones . Torf /Attendance: 213 Adroddiad / Match Report: Rhydian Morgan 31/08/2024 CWPAN y GYNGHRAIR / LEAGUE CUP Rd. 1: Lleoliad / Venue: Belle Vue (k.o 2.30pm) CPD Y RHYL 1879 ......................1 Sam Ashton 23' CPD PORTHMADOG .......................1 Cai Jones 75' Porthmadog go through 5-6 on penalties It was cup day all round in Tier 3 today and Porthmadog earned themselves a truly brilliant victory under very tough circumstances as the resilience and determination of the squad shone through at a sunny Belle Vue. After a cagey opening ten minutes, Rhyl 1879 came close to scoring when an incisive pass by Sam Ashton released Tom Kemp whose low effort was well blocked by Oliver Farebrother diving to his left. Tom Hilditch then came close for Port as his left foot effort went just past the post and the same player came closer still when a firm shot from a Ryan Williams` low cross was blocked before troubling keeper Josh Cooke. Rhyl took the lead on 22 minutes when James Stevens delivered a telling low pass from the right which produced a confident finish into the roof of the net by Sam Ashton. A few minutes later, Hilditch was yellow carded for an infringement. The Port striker protested vehemently that he was a victim of a foul and further protestations persuaded the referee Adam Herbert to brandish a second yellow which meant an early bath for Port`s top scorer. Further outbreaks of handbags at dawn then ensued, and, after a minor flurry of more bookings, sanity was restored. The game then settled into a more watchable spectacle as Port found their passing rhythm and Rhyl used the width of the ever-impressive Belle Vue to good effect. Ten minutes before the break, a terrific run and cross by the talented Sion Wyn Williams presented Danny Brookwell with an excellent chance to equalize but his point-blank blast was instinctively stopped by Cooke on his line. In the face of adversity, Port were quickly out of the blocks in the second half and looked anything but a team reduced to ten men as an early left-footer by Brookwell was deflected for a corner. Then the same player evaded two defenders before letting fly straight at Cooke in the goal. Rhyl`s attacks were now less frequent and seemed to lack the intensity of their first-half forays. Former Port striker Callum Parry found himself well-placed but his tame shot rolled harmlessly into Farebrother`s grateful arms, whilst at the other end, a telling pass by Rhys Alun ended with a very worthy long range drive by John Littlemore which was well saved low to his left by Cooke. On 70` minutes, Littlemore came agonizingly close to an equalizer when his terrific angled drive on the turn hit the inside of the post with the keeper well beaten. Five minutes later and Port were level. A left-footed cross by Rhys Alun was expertly controlled by Cai Jones twelve yards from goal before swivelling and slamming a splendid volley past Cooke for a richly deserved equalizer. Port were now looking very likely to seize a victory in the last few minutes as Cai Jones was sent clean through only to see his firm shot blocked by the busy Cooke. Then, Littlemore burst through but his lob hit the top of the bar before a long range left foot effort by Brookwell was safely gathered under his cross-bar by the Lilywhites` custodian. The final whistle indicated an immediate dose of the dreaded penalties and here is a run-down to which you may add your own drum-rolls! PENALTIES :- PORT: Cai Jones to keeper`s right --SAVED RHYL: Reece Fairhurst…………………… SCORES. PORT: Rhys Alun………………………….... SCORES. RHYL: Thomas Kemp……………………… SCORES PORT: Ryan Williams………………………. SCORES RHYL: Callum Parry……………………….. SCORES PORT: John Littlemore…………………… SCORES RHYL: Jonathan Miguel Bravo Pinto………. SCORES PORT: Danny Brookwell…………………….. SCORES RHYL: James Stevens (decider?)……………HITS THE BAR !!! PORT: Nathan Williams ……………………. SCORES RHYL: Daniel Wright …………………… SCORES PORT: Caio Evans ………………………. SCORES RHYL: James Jones ………………FAREBROTHER SAVES brilliantly to his right! It`s all over and Port are through to the next round. Next Saturday, Port will entertain Holyhead Hotspur in a 1st Round FAW Trophy clash at Y Traeth. Please note… this will be a 2:00 p.m. kick-off. Rhyl 1879:- Josh Cooke (gk), Casey Faulkner, Daniel Clarke, James Jones, Reece Fairhurst(capt.), James Hay ( Oliver Stavely 73`), Thomas Kemp, Sam Ashton, Jonathan Pinto, Callum Parry, James Stevens. Unused sub :- N/A Yellow :- Sam Ashton (21`), Thomas Kemp (28`), James Hay (39`) Porthmadog :- Oliver Farebrother (gk),Jake Jones (Nathan Williams 73`), Josh Banks, Gruff Ellis (Cai Jones 73`), Iddon Price, Caio Evans, Rhys Alun, Tom Hilditch , Danny Brookwell, Sion Wyn Williams (John Littlemore 46`) Unused subs:- Meilir Ellis (gk), Sion Trefor Jones Dyfarnwr/ Referee :- Adam Herbert Cynorthwywyr/ Assistants :- John Palmer, Harvey Williams Torf / Attendance :- 281 Adroddiad / Report :- Treflyn Jones 27/08/2024 ARDAL NORTH WEST Lleoliad / Venue: Y Traeth (k.o 7.45pm) Noddwr y Gêm / Match Sponsor: TANRONNEN INN Beddgelert Noddwyr y Bêl / Match Ball Sponsors: IOAN WYN JONES CPD PORTHMADOG .................4 Tom Hilditch 3' 29', 70' Rhys Alun 55' LLANRWST TOWN ..................1 Sam Thomas 69'(p) A game which will be remembered for five very well-taken goals was won by the home side in seemingly emphatic fashion. However, to be fair to the visitors, although the victory was merited,the margin thereof slightly flattered Porthmadog at the end of a thoroughly entertaining match under the lights at Y Traeth. The match will also be remembered for an excellent hat-trick by Port`s fox-in-the-box Tom Hilditch and a wonder goal by Rhys Alun. Port got their noses in front with barely 3 minutes on the clock. A shot from distance by Ryan Williams was slightly scuffed and travelled rather slowly towards its intended target before Hilditch nipped in briskly behind the defence to toe poke the ball at full stretch past a bemused Cian Williams in the Llanrwst goal. Shortly before the 20 minute mark, it was the Rwsters` turn to give the home crowd the heebie-jeebies as a glorious 25 yard free-kick by skipper Leon Doran was met by an equally fine save by Farebrother as he parried the ball over the bar. Then, from the ensuing corner, the Port custodian made another great save low to his left to thwart a strong shot by a Llanrwst attacker as the visitors gained a foot-hold in the match. It was now end to end stuff (just the way we like it !). Danny Brookwell for Port evaded a couple of defenders before shooting low and straight into the grateful arms of Cian Williams before Llan`s Sam Thomas shot narrowly past the upright after a quick counter-attack. Then, a diving header by Port`s Hilditch from a good cross by Rhys Alun narrowly missed its target. A dangerous attacking move by Llanrwst broke down in Port`s box before Caio Evans sprinted down the right wing and delivered a tremendous cross to Hilditch who headed home with the force of many a shot to give Port a 2-0 cushion. Minutes later and it should have been 3-0 when Rhys Alun of all people failed to connect with an absolute tap-in from a low cross by Hilditch and 2-0 it remained at the interval. Port came close again after the re-start as the ubiquitous Hilditch-Alun partnership were denied by a good diving save by Cian Williams from a low shot by Rhys. Three minutes later, however,the same player picked up the ball in a central position some 25 yards out, swerved past a defender before unleashing a thunderbolt of a strike into the roof of the Rwsters` net. This was one of the best goals seen at Y Traeth for many a long season and will be a very early contender for ‘goal of the season’. 3-0 to Port. Llanrwst`s brisk counter attacks continued to cause some headaches amongst the Port rearguard and a swerving free-kick by former Port favourite Julian Williams was gathered by Farebrother after an initial fumble. On the seventieth minute mark, a loose pass in the Port defence allowed Sam Thomas to sprint at goal and slot the ball with admirable calmness past Ollie Farebrother to make the score 3-1.This spurred the Rwsters on to a few more promising attacks before Tom Hilditch sealed his hat-trick. Goalkeeper Williams hurriedly vacated his penalty area to head clear before substitute Jake Jones dispossessed a defender and passed to Hilditch who produced a glorious chip beyond the back-pedalling keeper into the corner of the net for a picture goal and a lead of 4-1. Llanrwst continued to press at every opportunity and were awarded a penalty when a Rwsters`attacker was tripped in the box. Up stepped Julian Williams for the spot kick which was very well-saved by Farebrother low to his right. Just before the end, a firm header by Sion Williams produced a great close range save by Cian Williams and it ended 4-1 to Port who remain at the top of the league on thirteen points after five games. Next Saturday, we travel to Rhyl 1879 for a League Cup clash ( k.o :- 2:30).Daliwch ati, Port! Porthmadog :- Oliver Farebrother (gk), Nathan Williams, Josh Banks, Gruff Ellis, Iddon Price(Jake Jones 58`), Caio Evans, Rhys Alun, Ryan Williams, Tom Hilditch (John Littlemore73`),Cai Jones ( Sion Williams 70`), Danny Brookwell, Unused subs :- Sion Trefor Jones, ZacPike. Melyn / Yellow cards :- Caio Evans (80`), Josh Banks (50`) Llanrwst United :- Cian Williams (gk), Leon Doran (capt.), Matthew Mullender, ChristopherNicolson, Gruffudd ap Gwyndaf, William Owen-Ford, Math Thomas (Morgan McBreeze 64`),Sam Thomas, Julian Williams, Conor Davies, Tomas Cardias-Williams (Harri Roberts 74`),Unused subs :- Gwydion Owen, Luke Roberts, Leighton GriffithsMelyn / Yellow cards :- Gruffydd ap Gwyndaf (90`), Julian Williams (75`) Dyfarnwr / Referee :- William Gareth Parry Cynorthwywyr / Assistants :- David Griffiths, Scott Alan MurrellTorf / Attendance :- 279 Adroddiad / Report :- Treflyn Jones Ymddiheuriadau am y camgymeriadau yn y fersiwn gwreiddiol; hyn oherwydd problemau cyfrifiadurol Apologies for errors in the original version; this was due to computer problems. 24/08/2024 CWPAN CYMRU / WELSH CUP Qualifying Rd. 2: Lleoliad / Venue: Cae Lôn Bach (k.o 2.00pm) AMLWCH TOWN ...............................0 CPD PORTHMADOG .......................5 Tom Hilditch 11' 15' John Littlemore 31', 41' Danny Brookwell 85' Our stand-in manager Trystan Davies bravely shuffled the pack today and made several changes from last Saturday`s starting line-up against NFA. There were starts for John Littlemore, Sion Williams, Jack Gibney and Jake Jones as well as two players from our Development Squad namely Mabon Owen and Zac Pike with all of the aforementioned producing very creditable performances in a one-sided cup tie at a sunny Lon Bach ground. It is fair to say that Port dominated the entire match to the extent that Amlwch`s forays into the Port penalty area were very rare events. Indeed, it took all of 46 minutes for the hosts to get their first corner kick. Port`s first goalscoring chance came after nine minutes when a glancing header by John Littlemore from a Tom Hilditch cross narrowly missed the target. Wave after wave of attacks were then set up by the visitors and goalkeeper Patrick Wright had to make an excellent double save when Jack Gibney let fly from distance followed by an even better point blank stop from the follow-up by Littlemore. A couple of minutes later, Port took the lead when a low free kick by Tom Hilditch from 25 yards flew into the corner of the net past Wright for a memorable opener. Then, shortly after the quarter hour mark, the same player blasted home with a tremendous long distance looping shot to give the visitors a 0-2 cushion. Port continued to probe patiently as Amlwch were content to defend and there were narrow misses by Hilditch, Zac Pike and Mabon Owen before John Littlemore made it 0-3 with a strong left-footed drive from twelve yards after excellent work by Sion Williams. Just before the interval, Littlemore completed his double with a towering header past Wright from a trade-mark left foot cross by Josh Banks to give Port an unassailable 0-4 lead at the half way mark. In the second half, Port continued to attack with accuracy and patience but were thwarted by a combination of rather wayward finishing and brave defending by the hosts. Amlwch were now seeing a little more of the ball mid-way through the half and forced a few corners without ever seriously troubling Ollie Farebrother in the Port goal. Finally, on 85 minutes, Port got the goal to underline their overall dominance when an inswinging corner kick was seemingly parried into his own net with the help of the upright by keeper Christopher Wright. Then, Wright atoned for this error as he pulled off an excellent diving savefrom a strong shot by Littlemore. Port are into the hat for the next round after a polished performance at a welcoming Lon Bach . Our next match will take place at Y Traeth this coming Tuesday evening, August 27th when we take on a strong Llanrwst side in an eagerly awaited league match. Kick-off will be at 7:45. Daliwch ati, Port! Amlwch Town :- Patrick Wright (gk), Aron Jones, Jordan Lloyd, David Parry, Cian Evans, Dan Jones (Ben Taylor 75`), Ally Issa (Huw Torr 59`), Finn Cusick, Martin Byast, Rhys Roberts (Shane Jones 64`), Christopher Byast. Yellow cards :- Christopher Byast (47`), Cian Evans (52`) Porthmadog :- Oliver Farebrother (gk), Jake Jones, Jack Gibney (Iddon Price 27`), Josh Banks ( Gruff Ellis 58`), Caio Evans (Ryan Williams 58`), John Littlemore, Sion Wyn Williams, Tom Hilditch (Danny Brookwell 58`), Mabon Owen ( Rhys Alun 58`), Zac Pike, Nathan Williams. Dyfarnwr / Referee :- Jason Jenkins Cynorthwywyr / Assistants :- Hywel Evans and an Amlwch player. Torf / Attendance :- 70 (amcangyfrif / estimated ) Adroddiad / Report :- Treflyn Jones 17/08/2024 ARDAL NORTH WEST Lleoliad / Venue: Y Traeth (k.o 2.30pm) Noddwr y Gêm / Match Sponsor: EDDIE BLACKBURN Noddwyr y Bêl / Match Ball Sponsors: Pritchard a Griffiths Trefnwyr Angladdau / Funeral Directors CPD PORTHMADOG .................5 Cai Jones 9' Rhys Alun 7', 76' Danny Brookwell 20' Tom Hilditch 39' N.F.A. .........................................2 Cammron Morris 32' Chris Durkin 57'(p) This was the first ever meeting between these two teams. By the way, N.F.A. are based in the Rhyl area and the initials stand for National Football Advance. The club was formed in 2018 to provide opportunities for boys and girls to play age group football matches. The senior squad has made rapid progress to Tier Three which they have reached in just three seasons. (Many thanks to the Gareth Williams and Sons` School of Football Research for this information.) Crisis?....what crisis? Port supporters could have been forgiven for expecting their team to be a bit off-colour today in the wake of the disappointing and totally unexpected departure of manager Chris Jones. Such was not the case, however, and it was certainly the home side that did the bulk of the advancing during the opening twenty minutes or so. Indeed, as early as the 5th minute, a close range effort by Tom Hilditch required the first of several last ditch saves by NFA keeper Scott Williams. Three minutes later, however, Port made the breakthrough when a fine cross by Danny Brookwell to the far post was headed home superbly by Cai Jones. Then, twice in as many minutes, Philip Jones had to be quick and alert to foil Rhys Alun and Tom Hilditch respectively. Port were piling on the pressure and the second goal duly arrived in the seventeenth minute. From a short corner on the left flank, Cai Jones delivered a lovely back-heel pass to the marauding Rhys Alun who evaded his marker before volleying forcefully past Williams from a tight angle. Barely two minutes later , 2-0 became 3-0 when Tom Hilditch`s lobbed pass found the determined Danny Brookwell who beat the close attention of two defenders before firing left-footed beyond the diving Williams into the corner of the net. NFA started to find their feet close to the half-hour mark and began to create some dangerous moves on the counter. A good-looking Port attack broke down close to the visitors` area and NFA broke away with impressive pace Antonio Jacovelli then unselfishly rolled the ball to Cammron Morris who dispatched the ball with power past Farebrother to make it 3-1. It was now NFA`s turn to turn on the style and this they did with some flowing moves which often featured the excellent 17 year old Owen Herbert who truly caught the eye for much of the 90 minutes, and, just before the interval, a low and powerful free-kick by NFA only just missed its target. . Fortunately for Port, the home strikers still had an eye for goal and a great far post header by Tom Hilditch from a beautifully flighted cross by Nathan Williams flew past Williams and ensured that interim manager Trystan Davies could enjoy his half-time Earl Grey. If Port thought that the second half would be a cake-walk, they were in for something of a rude awakening as the boys from Rhyl reduced the arrears again when referee Colin Dukes ruled that the rather unfortunate Gruff Ellis had brought down one of NFA`s men in the area. Chris Durkin then slammed the ball successfully past the wrong-footed Farebrother to make it 4-2. At this stage, Port were making heavy weather of things and NFA were giving as good as they got until the gritty determination of Hilditch, on the flank this time, got him away from two defenders before crossing to Rhys Alun who squeezed the ball past Scott Williams on 76` minutes to ensure a happy ending for Trystan Davies` men and propel the men of Y Traeth to the top of the league. Congratulations to all. Da iawn, Port. Ymlaen!! Porthmadog :- Oliver Farebrother (gk), Nathan Williams, Josh Banks (Jake Jones 75`), Gruff Ellis, Iddon Price (Sion Trefor Jones 75`), Caio Evans, Rhys Alun, Ryan Williams ( Sion Williams 62`), Tom Hilditch, Cai Jones, Danny Brookwell ( Jack Gibney 37`) Melyn / Yellow :- Rhys Alun (61`), Jack Gibney (65`), Caio Evans (78`), Sion Williams (81`) N.F.A. :- Scott Williams (gk), Jack Parry-Jones, Liam Albert Bowers (Matthew Rees 64`), Kai Davies, Lewis Evans, Chris Durkin, Owen Herbert, James Lloyd (Paul Anthony Jones 46`), Archie Jones (Lewis Williams 79`), N/A, Antonio Jacovelli Melyn / Yellow :- Jack Parry-Jones (21`), Lewis Evans (44`) Dyfarnwr / Referee :- Colin Andrew Dukes Cynorthwywyr / Assistants :- Gwilym Tudor Evans, Osian Rees-Jones Torf / Attendance :- 236 Adroddiad / Report :- Treflyn Jones 10/08/2024 ARDAL NORTH WEST Lleoliad / Venue: Cae Seilo (k.o 6.30pm) CPD Y FELINHELI .................1 Morgan Williams 84' CPD PORTHMADOG .......................4 Tom Hilditch 9' 48'(p) Cai Jones 11' Ryan Williams 12' On a sunny August evening, a well-attended Cae Seilo looked as pretty as a picture whilst tonight`s result, from a Port point of view, was even prettier as an excellent and disciplined performance by the visitors yielded them a convincing and thoroughly deserved victory. Port were quickly out of the blocks and were a goal to the good after only six minutes when a mis-placed headed pass evaded Marc Wyn Jones in the Felin goal and trickled tantalizingly towards the goal. The keeper seemed to have retrieved the situation as he slid to kick it off the line only for Port poacher Tom Hilditch to thump it back on to the target. Again, the keeperappeared to have kicked it off the line but a linesman`s flag denoted that the ball had crossed the chalk to the delight of the travelling Port fans and 0-1 it was. Barely two minutes later, after a patient exchange of passes ending in an assist by Tom Hilditch on the edge of the box, Cai Jones swivelled before unleashing an unstoppable shot from 20 yards past the stationary keeper. 0-2 and a very early cushion for the visitors. There were a mere 10 minutes on the clock when Port put a dizzy Felin side in a whole heap of trouble. Once again it started with a patient move culminating in an absolute daisy cutter into the bottom corner of the net by Ryan Williams with the luckless Marc Jones rooted to his line . What a peach of a goal! Would you believe it? After all the hurt of last season, Port were 0-3 up after only 10 minutes. Port were now dominating possession with patience and accurate passing. Indeed, it took all of 19 minutes for Felin to forge their first meaningful attack as a shot from some twelve yards drifted tamely wide of Farebrother`s upright. On the twenty minute mark, Rhys Alun was foiled by a smart low save by Marc Jones and the same player saw his left-footer from a narrow angle drift narrowly past the target. All this before the tricky Hilditch shot narrowly past the post before Port went in at half time leading 0-3. Three minutes after the interval, Port put the game beyond the hosts when the industrious Caio Evans weaved his way into Felin`s box before being pushed to the ground. Up stepped Tom Hilditch to send the keeper the wrong way from the spot to put Port into an unassailable 0-4 lead. Port pressed for a fifth but an ill-advised and ever-so-casual Cruyff turn by Farebrother almost presented Felin with a free gift before a timely tackle came to the rescue. Felin, with nothing to lose, had certainly perked up in the second period with some promising counter attacks, and a good effort by a home attacker drifted narrowly wide. With 15 minutes remaining, Hilditch twice brought the very best out of custodian Marc Jones and sub Jack Gibney, at the end of a mazy run, smashed the ball into the side-netting before the hosts conjured up a somewhat flattering consolation goal. It was a good goal for all that when an out-swinging cross by Richard MacDonald was headed gloriously past Ollie Farebrother by substitute Morgan Williams to make the final score 1-4 . This coming Saturday, Port will welcome the league`s new boys N.F.A. from the Rhyl area to Y Traeth with a 2:30 kick-off. Da iawn, Port a daliwch ati! Y Felinheli :- Marc Wyn Jones (gk), Jack Cain, Richard MacDonald , Guto Elis, Dylan Jones, Aled Wyn Griffith (capt.) (Ifan Emyr 86`), Ellis Williams (Noah Humphreys), Gruff John, Cai LaTrobe Roberts (Morgan Williams 66`), Iwan Edwards (Aled Emyr 79`), Iwan Owen (Gavin Lloyd Jones 67`) Cerdyn Melyn / Yellow card :- Iwan Edwards (75`), Gavin Lloyd-Jones (90`) Porthmadog :- Oliver Farebrother (gk), Nathan Williams, Josh Banks, Gruff Ellis, Iddon Price (Sion Trefor Jones 75`), Caio Evans, Rhys Alun (Jack Gibney 69`), Ryan Williams, Tom Hilditch, Cai Jones (Sion Williams 51`), Danny Brookwell (John Littlemore 69`) Dyfarnwr / Referee :- Tomos Huw Jones Cynorthwywyr / Assistants :- David Griffiths , Paul David Scholes Torf / Attendance :- 275 Adroddiad / Report :- Treflyn Jones 10/08/2024 ARDAL NORTH WEST Lleoliad / Venue: Stadiwm Glannau Dyfrdwy / Deeside Stadium (k.o 2.30pm) CONNAH'S QUAY TOWN .................2 Pascal Gomez 77;, 80' CPD PORTHMADOG .......................2 Danny Brookwell 14' Rhys Alun 50' Unfortunately there were none of our usual reporters available for the away fixture ar Connah’s Quay. Below is a brief summary of events. Newly promoted Connah’s Quay Town denied Port the three points with a late revival at the Deeside Stadium. Twice late on the Gambian born 21 year-old, Pascal Gomez,took davanteage of assists by the vastly experienced former Bangor City, Rhyl and York City forward Jamie Reed, to earn the Town a share of the points in a game that had looked to be heading for a valuable 3 points on the road for Port. Reed had only signed on for his new club during the week and it proved to be quite a debut. . For most of the game Port had been in charge and looking comfortable. Danny Brookwell had given Port a good start with an opener after only 14 minutesand was assisted by Rhys Alun. The score remained 1-0 until the interval. Five mi utes into the second period Port doubled their advantage when Rhys Alun found the net converting an assist by Tom Hilditch. Though reasonably comfortable Port paid the price for failing to add to their tally with Pascal Gomez dishing out the punishment and assisting the promoted North East Wales Premier club to continue their good start at Tier 3 level. . Jack Roberts of Connahs Quay saw red on 86’ but too late to have any influence on the game. It all goes to show it is not over until it’s over. We are only two games into the season and already CPD Rhyl 1876 are the only club with a 100% record, which suggests that the Ardal North West is going to be a competitive league this season Port will be endeavouring to get back to winning ways when they take on CPD Y Felinheli at Cae Seilo on Wednesday night .Kick off 6.30pm. . Next Saturday Port will be back at the Traeth to take on another promoted club when NFA of Rhyl will be the visitors with a 2.30pm kick off. . Porthmadog. Ollie Farebrother, Nathan Williams, Jack Gibney (Sion Trefor Jones 72’), Gruff Ellis, Iddon Price, Caio Evans (Sion Williams 72’), Rhys Alun, Ryan Williams, Tom Hilditch, Cai Jones, Danny Brookwel(Elis Puw 90’)l. Sub not used: Zak Pike. Yellow: Jack Gibney 49’, Tom Hilditch 60’, Ryan Williams 88’ Connahs Quay Town: Dan Cooper, J Roberts, E Brown, Freddie Watts, John Leonard (O Edwards 73’), R Hewitt, L Hodgson (D Davies 64’), Sam Reynolds, Jamie Reed, Pascal Gomez, J Griffiths. (K Reid 58’) Subs not used: S Phiocchi, L Harris. Red: J Roberts 86’, Yellow: John Leonard 44’, Referee: Martin John Trigg, Assistants: John Palmer, Harvey Williams Attendance 110 30/07/2024 ARDAL NORTH WEST Lleoliad / Venue: Y Traeth (k.o 7.45) Noddwr y Gêm / Match Sponsor: Q Williams Construction Noddwyr y Bêl / Match Ball Sponsors: Emrys Griffith & Gary Falconer Electricals CPD PORTHMADOG .................2 Tom Hilditch 39' Rhys Alun 45'+ 4' CPD PWLLHELI ...................0 We are back in Tier Three, but…….we start with a win. ‘Every cloud…….’ Tonight`s curtain raiser to the 2024/25 season was notable for two reasons. First and foremost, the excellent attendance of 573 spectators was very heartening and was perhaps proof that ‘grass roots football’ is still an attraction to many within the Llyn Peninsula and beyond. Secondly, the game marked the 300th appearance of full-back Josh Banks in a Port shirt. Llongyfarchiadau mawr/Many congratulations, Josh ! The opening 15 minutes lacked any pattern or cohesion and accurately resembled new manager Chris Jones` description as a period of two teams going ‘hell for leather’. However, Port could (and should!) have taken the lead after only 5 minutes when a slide rule pass from debutant Tom Hilditch found the mercurial Danny Brookwell in space with the goal at his mercy. He sent custodian Morgan Jones the wrong way but sent his left foot shot wide of the upright. A sitter? Well, it was an almighty let-off for the visitors. Thereafter, both teams settled somewhat and the visitors were giving as good as they got by forcing three corners in the space of ten minutes. Port then produced their first real effort on target as the promising Jamie Jones sent a shot from distance into the arms of Morgan Jones. Then, on the half-hour mark, there came a turning point in the match when Pwllheli`s Dafydd Roberts received his marching orders for a second bookable offence which soon resulted in the enforced departure of Jamie Jones who was replaced by Rhys Alun. This rather unfotunate event spurred Port on to greater things and the men in black and red took the lead when Rhys Alun`s low cross was calmly diverted home by Tom Hilditch to the delight of the Quarry End. Port were now playing with greater fluency and kept possession quite well at the back and in mid-field. Then in the 44th minute, the Pwllheli keeper had to be very alert by heading the ball away from just outside his area as Hilditch again gave chase. There were 47 minutes on the clock when Port doubled their advantage when a slide-rule pass by Hilditch found Rhys Alun in the box. The blond striker still had work to do in evading his marker but this he did before firing low into the corner of Pwllheli`s net and 2-0 it remained at the end of a frantic first period. The second half was an untidy and disjointed affair but both teams had their moments. Port continued to edge the possession and territorial stats while Pwllheli were often dangerous on the counter as shown by Ashley Ainsworth`s long-distance effort which sadly sailed way over Farebrother`s cross-bar. As for Port, Brookwell forced Morgan Jones into a very good save from his strong left foot shot shortly after the hour mark. However, half way through the half, Josh Banks of all people was shown a red card for a second bookable offence. Oh no! Fancy being sent off while celebrating 300 appearances for your club and you just happen to be playing against your home town. My word! There must be a pretty tough Pub Quiz question there somewhere! The game then descended into a somewhat dour midfield battle and we had to wait until added on time for further excitement. A trio of skilful subs came on for Port in the shape of Jack Gibney, Gruff Ellis and Sion Williams who was well-placed to score in the 90th minute but was unfortunate to see his firm drive from twelve yards go narrowly past the upright. A minute later, a long-distance piledriver by Ryan Williams also went wide.In the 93rd minute, Pwllheli forced Ollie Farebrother into a diving save for the first time in the match and it was all over. Port were worthy winners but Pwllheli deserve credit for the size oftheir travelling support and for the non-stop energy and efforts of their team. By the way, the biggest ‘gate’ of the evening was seen at Rhyl in their 3-0 victory of new boys N.F.A. with 701 in attendance. Good show. We now wait until August 10th for Port`s next match when they will visit Tier Three newcomers Connah`s Quay Town. Porthmadog :- Oliver Farebrother (GK), Jake Jones, Josh Banks, Nathan Williams,Iddon Price, Caio Evans (Sion Williams 78`), Jamie Jones (Rhys Alun 35`), Rhys Alun, Tom Hilditch (John Littlemore 78`), Cai Jones (Gruff Ellis 66`), Danny Brookwell (Jack Gibney 78`) Yellow card :- Cai Jones (15`), Tom Hilditch (60`), Caio Evans (65`), Ryan Williams (75`) Red card :- Josh Banks (66`…..two yellows at 35`+66`) Pwllheli :- Morgan Jones (GK), Louis McFarlane (Guto Roberts 77`), Carl Jones (Marcus Banks 45`), Luke Steele, Gwyn Williams, Gethin Williams ( T. Davies 63`), Joshua Jones, Dafydd Roberts, Ashley Ainsworth, Jack Jones (Jason Banks 45`), Steffan Toplis Yellow card :- Carl Jones (15`), Red card:- Dafydd Roberts (two yellows after 15` and 31`) Dyfarnwr / Referee :- Liam James Martin Cynorthwywyr / Assistants :- Jonathan Mark Ervine, N/A Torf / Attendance :- 573 Adroddiad / Report :- Treflyn Jones 20/07/2024 Friendly Match Venue: Y Traeth (k.o 2.30) Noddwr y Gêm / Match Sponsor: Noddwyr y Bêl / Match Ball Sponsors: CPD PORTHMADOG ............ 0 AFC LIVERPOOL ....................2 Joel Skillen 7',49' A goal after 7 minutes gave the visitors from Liverpool the early advantage and then in a near repeat when the 2nd came just 4 minutes into the second period to more or less ensure the victory. Despite some late end to end attacking football there were no further additions to the scoreline. In atrocious weather conditions the two squads served up some good quality, entertaining football. The visitors taking the early lead with a fine sweeping move, breaking down the left and Joel Skillen completed it all with a fine angled shot into the far corner of the net, giving Ollie Farebrother no chance. Port responded well and came close to an immediate equaliser. Indeed for a large part of the first half they enjoyed the greater share of the possession and the territorial advantage but, despite drawing several good saves from the visiting keeper, failed to penetrate a well organised defence. The Port defence on the other hand had no time to relax as the visitors were a real threat on the break with some pacey counter attacks. For Port Josh Banks, preparing for yet another season in the red and black, provided a good supply of useful balls down the left and Caio Evans, in central midfield, was his usual bundle of creative energy. 0-1 to AFC Liverpool at the interval. Just 4 minutes into the 2nd period and the visitors had doubled their advantage. The ball flew loose on the edge of the box and Joel Skillen again, this time with the the neatest of chips over Ollie Farebrother, to find the corner of the net. Plenty of substitutes during the rest of the 2nd half but there were no further additions to the score. AFC Liverpool struck the bar and Port forced many, many corners but failed to turn pressure into goals. Gareth Williams |
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