Principality Building Society, Welsh Premier -Saturday, December 22nd
Caernarfon Town ... 2 CPD Porthmadog ... 4
Bobby Jones 24’ Gareth Parry 3’, 34’
Phil Doran 83’ Paul Roberts 69’, 89’
Though they had to withstand one or two hairy moments in periods of intense
Caernarfon pressure Porthmadog deserved their victory with another battling
performance where they created seven or eight gilt edged chances and
converted four. On a surface left muddy and sticky after a hard frost
followed by heavy rain players found keeping their feet a problem and a
passing game proved to be impossible. Two goals by Gareth Parry in the first
half and two more by sub Paul Roberts in the second secured the points which
lift Porthmadog off the bottom, one point ahead of next opponents Llangefni.
Porthmadog could have gone ahead when Carl Owen was put clean through the
Caernarfon defence, but having broken into the box chose to square the ball
when a shot might well have been the better option. But this did not prevent
Port from getting off to a flying start for they recovered to put themselves
a goal up after only three minutes. Gareth Parry picked up a loose clearance
and unhesitatingly fired past, stand in keeper, John Rowley from 20yards.
Addo for the home side came close to, almost immediately, levelling the
scores but his shot was a shade too high. Twice the speedy and direct Bobby
Jones came close for Caernarfon and Barry Evans had to pull off a last ditch
tackle to halt Ojapah as the home side fought to get back on terms. Having
weathered that storm Porthmadog could have gone further ahead when Carl Owen
was put through the Caernarfon defence again he lifted his sht over the
bar. But with 24 minutes gone Caernarfon got back on level terms. Ojapah
broke well down the right before feeding Bobby Jones whose angled shot from
15 yards beat Richard Harvey. Soon after Marcus Orlik could have restored
the Port lead when he was put through by Carl Jones but Rowley pulled off
a good save to thwart the visitors. Owen threatened again but his shot was
deflected for a corner. From Rowlands’ 34 minute right wing corner a mighty
scramble ensued with Gareth Parry finally turning the ball into the net from
close range for his second.Caernarfon had a good opportunity to level the
scores again but Mark Thomas headed wide when well placed. Just before half
time Marcus Orlik did find the Caernarfon net but from an offside position.
Port again threatened at the start of the second period with Aled Rowlands
twice shooting just over the bar when well placed. Warren Beattie was also
off target. Opjapah was the main threat for the Cofis and from his cross
Bobby Jones came close. After Gareth Parry had headed over from a corner
Kyle Jacobs broke down the right and squared the ball from the bye line and
it travelled via Carl Owen to Paul Roberts and the striker hammered Port
further into the lead. In the middle part of the half the game became
increasingly physical and bad tempered. There were several injuries and
referee Steve Hames handed out several yellow cards. Rowley was again in
action keeping out a Paul Roberts effort. But when Port probably felt that
the job was done Phil Doran struck with a powerful 83rd minute effort which
found the net from 25 yards.Caernarfon saw the chnace for a late come back
but with a minute of normal time left Paul Roberts struck again, for his
11th goal of the season, latching on to a Marcus Orlik through ball and beat
his marker to score from 12 yards.
These were a desperately needed three points for Porthmadog and though
results elsewhere have not favoured them they must now look to go on a run
of points accumulation. This was their third win in five games and they must
build on this to close the gap on the teams above. The holiday derbies are
important as are the games coming up in January.
Caernarfon: Rowley, Mark Harris(Michael Jones 76’), Doran, Bamber,
Glendenning, Maxwell (Sampson 76’), Mark Thomas, Opajah, Bobby Jones, Addo,
James Thomas (McGarry 71’).
Yellow: James Thomas 27’, Addo 41’, Sampson 86’
Porthmadog 4-4-2 Richard Harvey, Kyle Jacobs, John G Jones, Rhys Roberts,
Bary Evans (Mike Foster 59’): Carl Jones (Paul Roberts 54’), Gareth Parry,
Warren Beattie, Aled Rowlands (Richard Smart 79’): Carl Owen, Marcus Orlik.
Yellow: Kyle Jacobs 27’, Warren Beattie 75’
Referee: Steve Hames Attendance: 259
Principality Building Society, Welsh Premier -Saturday, December 15th
Neath ...2 CPD Porthmadog ...1
Richard French 10' Carl Owen 84'
Carl Shaw 71'
Despite another good away performance points once more proved an elusive
commodity for Porthmadog. Games like this one turn on one or two events
which make the difference between winning and losing. Two saves by home
keeper Craig Morris, one in each half, proved to be decisive to the outcome
of the game.
After only five minutes, following an impressive opening by Port, Marcus
Orlik broke free on the left, fastening on to Barrie Evans' quickly taken
free kick, he fired an angled shot which looked destined for the top corner.
But Morris threw himself to his left to pull off an outstanding save at the
expense of a corner. Taking full advantage the home team went ahead, totally
against the run of play. Carl Shaw found space on the right and his angled
shot across Richard Harvey struck the foot of the far post. Richard French
was on hand for a simple tap in and much to everyone's surprise the home
side found themselves ahead. Similarly two minutes into the second period
Carl Owen burst into the box on the left to create a one on one situation
with Morris but the keeper again pulled off a fine save spreading himself to
keep out Owen's low shot.
Had Owen been successful so early in the second half then the game could
have taken a different turn. As it was Porthmadog dominated proceedings in
the second period to such an extent that Richard Harvey was left a virtual
spectator for lengthy periods but yet they could not get themselves back on
level terms. Then in a rare home attack on 71' Carl Shaw on the edge of the
Port box connected with a long throw from the right and his 18 yard shot
thundered past Harvey into the corner of the Port net leaving the visitors
two goals behind despite all their territorial domination. At one stage
around the hour mark Port forced a succession of corners but they failed to
take advantage the closest they came was when Orlik flicked on a Carl Jones
curler only to see it deflected for yet another corner. To their credit the
Port heads did not go down and when Aled Rowlands crossed from the left
after 84' Carl Owen at last found space in the box and fired past Morris
from 10 yards. Then in injury time Port thought they had gained the point
which they most certainly deserved when Paul Roberts got behind the home
defence to beat Morris but he was unlucky to be judged to be marginally
offside.
In the opening period apart from the Orlik shot Gareth Parry came close with
a near post header from Warren Beattie's corner and Morris was forced to
scramble Carl Jones's low cross behind for a corner. The best chance came
when Carl Owen narrowly failed to get a touch on Orlik's low right wing
cross. Apart from the goal Harvey was only under pressure on one occasion
when he went down at the feet of Jarrad Price to pull off a brave save.
Neath, despite being the home team, concentrated on defending in numbers and
relied on counter attacks for their goals. With Cronin and Bevan dominant in
the air in the centre of defence they played a simple no nonsense physical
game which enabled them to grind out another three points and consolidate
their impressive top ten position in their first WPL season. Another good
performance by luckless Porthmadog but surely as the manager says one win
could well set them on a successful run.
Porthmadog 4-4-2: Richard Harvey, Kyle Jacobs, John G Jones, Rhys Roberts
(capt.), Barrie Evans: Carl Jones, Warren Beattie, Gareth Parry, Aled
Rowlands: Marcus Orlik (Paul Roberts 75'), Carl Owen.
Subs not used: Mike Foster, Richard Smart.
Neath: Craig Morris, Timothy, Jack Jenkins, Cronin, Lee Bevan, Dale Evans,
Matthew Rees (Hammett 83'), Pridham (capt.), French (Carl Jenkins 73'),
Jarrad Price.
Sub not used Simon Dyer. Yellow: Matthew Rees 82', Sean Cronin 90'
Referee: Darren Adey Attendance:155
Gareth Williams
Principality Building Society, Welsh Premier -Saturday, December 1st
CPD Porthmadog ...1 Carmarthen Town ...2
Warren Beattie 23' Danny Thomas 59'
Sacha Walters 75'
Despite two consecutive wins on the road a season's first home win still
eludes Porthmadog. In a game where a strong blustery wind blew straight down
the pitch the visitors just about deserved to edge a win having made better
use of the elements to score two second half goals after Porthmadog had held
the lead for over half an hour.
Porthmadog with the wind on their backs did most of the attacking in the
opening period but Carmarthen looked dangerous when switching defence to
attack to good effect. After Harvey had saved well following an early burst
by Kris Thomas for Carmarthen it was Port who threatened with an Aled
Rowlands shot being deflected for a corner and Paul Roberts running on to a
Carl Owen flick to test Neil Thomas in the visitors' goal. Carmarthen
continued to threaten on the break and Hicks should have done better with a
near post header. Easter then struck the outside of the post with a low
cross but the home defence scrambled the ball clear. After 23 minutes Warren
Beattie opened the scoring for Port -his first goal for the club- when his
corner was sent back towards him and he took advantage cutting into the box
and beating Neil Thomas with a well struck low shot from 15 yards. Two
minutes later and Marcus Orlik caught Thomas off his line but his well
flighted shot curled just past the post. Carmarthen's best chance of the
half came after 35 minutes when Hicks was put clean through but Harvey was
quickly off his line to make an excellent save. But the pressure remained on
the visitors goal as shots came in from Beattie and Gareth Parry and it took
a last ditch tackle from Cotterall to halt Paul Roberts. The home side
reached the interval knowing that they should have taken greater advantage
of the elements and turned pressure into more than one goal.
This soon became clear as Kris Thomas fired into the side netting a minute
into the second period and Carmarthen went on to force a series of corners.
Sacha Walters followed this with a shot which flew just over the bar.
Easter's long cross from the left led to the equaliser with Danny Thomas
finding enough space in the box to beat Harvey from 8 yards. Three minutes
later Harvey pulled off another good save when a Kris Thomas shot took a
deflection. Despite being under pressure Port also had their moments and
twice in three minutes Gareth Parry came close with headers. The first a
powerful header from 15 yards which keeper Thomas did well to get a hand too
and then managed to scramble the ball off his line. Then Parry met a Warren
Beattie free kick at the near post but was unlucky to see his header pass
just outside the post. With a quarter of an hour left Sacha Walters put the
visitors ahead taking advantage of the strong wind, lifting the ball on to
the far post and into the net. Port battled on but there was no way back and
it was Hicks for Carmarthen who came closest to adding to the score in the
final stages.
After two good away wins it was disappointing not to get anything from a
game against a strong Carmarthen side which has a strong nucleus that has
played together for several seasons. This was the fourth consecutive game to
end with a 2-1 score line which shows the tightness of the games Port have
been involved in and indeed all the games since the return of Viv Williams
to the hot seat have been tight affairs.
Porthmadog: Richard Harvey: Kyle Jacobs, John Gwynfor Jones, Rhys Roberts,
Barrie Evans: Marcus Orlik, Warren Beattie (Carl Jones 77'), Gordon Parry,
Aled Rowlands: Paul Roberts, Carl Owen.
Subs: Richard Smart, Jason Sadler. Yellow: Marcus Orlik 34', Warren Beattie
58'
Carmarthen: Neil Thomas, Easter, Brace, Coombes, Smothers, Kris Thomas,
Danny Thomas, Hicks, Fowler, Walters, Cotterall.
Subs: Ashley Williams, Steffan Davies, Ben Morris. Yellow: Neil Smothers 64'
Referee: Kevin Parry (Llanfairpwll) Attendance: 181
Gareth Williams.
Principality Building Society, Welsh Premier -Saturday, November 24th
Connah's Quay Nomads... 1 CPD Porthmadog ... 2
Chris Melia 49' Gareth Parry 56'
Paul Roberts 81'
A quality 81st minute Paul Roberts strike proved enough to give Porthmadog
their second success on the road in six days. A deserved victory in a close
encounter with all three goals coming in the second period was further
evidence that the Viv Williams revival is beginning to gather pace. The
weather conditions meant that this game would never be a classic but
Porthmadog, despite going a goal down, stuck to their task and showed that
they wanted the three points to keep their new found momentum going.
Both sides had their periods of pressure but it was the home side who looked
the more threatening at the start and an 11th minute free kick by Alan
Glover curled just outside Harvey's far post. Another cross from the right
this time from Stewart White caused some panic in the Port box but was
eventually scrambled clear. The home side's best early chance came after 22
minutes when Melia created a good opening for Chris Herbert but the
striker's shot was off target. It took Port until the half hour mark before
they found any real rhythm and in the 30th minute Orlik tested Nomads keeper
Paul Pritchard with a well struck free kick. Four minutes later and Marcus
Orlik should have put Porthmadog in front when the referee pointed to the
spot adjudging that a Nomad hand had blocked a Paul Roberts shot. Paul
Pritchard comfortably kept out Marcus Orlik's spot kick and the chance of a
first half lead had slipped away. Port continued to dominate however and
following a corner Pritchard did well to keep out Adam Docker's low shot but
the ball was cleared only as far as Paul Roberts whose hard hit shot
cannoned off the post and eventually to safety. Nomads came again near the
interval and Herbert should have done better when put clean through but shot
weakly.
Two minutes into the second half and Port were to rue that penalty miss as
the Nomads worked the ball down the left flank before switching it inside to
Chris Melia whose shot from the edge of the box took a wicked deflection and
ended up in the corner of the Port net giving Richard Harvey no chance.
Gareth Parry, who only came on for the injured Jacobs at the interval, had
an almost immediate impact on the game. His well struck 55th minute shot was
deflected just outside the upright and then a minute later he stole in at
the near post to flick Orlik's corner past Pritchard to bring the scores
level. The game was more open now and end to end as Herbert for the Nomads
headed Glover's far post cross into the side netting and Carl Owen for the
visitors got behind the defence but saw his shot roll tantalisingly wide.
Twice Marcus Orlik burst clear only to be brought down by heavy tackles and
the injury from the second of these saw him leave the field and with the
prospect of being sidelined for several weeks. Neither side had given up the
quest for all three points but it was Paul Roberts who settled the issue
with a goal well deserving of winning a game. Having collected the ball some
25 yards out he burst forward into the box and eased past two defenders
before finishing in vintage Roberts style. Port could have gone further
ahead before the end when Warren Beattie headed a Carl Jones corner over the
bar and Paul Roberts unluckily saw his header strike the bar. There was
still time for another Nomad sortie upfield and for a penalty appeal to be
waved away but Port held out for a win which lifts them from the bottom of
the table -albeit just on goal difference.
One surprising statistic in a troubled season. Port have yet to win at home
but they have managed three away wins -only one less then the total for last
season! Now for that first home win.
Porthmadog (4-4-2): Richard Harvey, Kyle Jacobs (Gareth Parry 46'), Adam
Docker, Rhys Roberts (capt.), Barrie Evans: Marcus Orlik (Jason Sadler 79'),
Danny Hughes, Warren Beattie, Aled Rowlands (Carl Jones 74'): Paul Roberts,
Carl Owen.
Sub unused: Richard Smart.
Referee: Huw Jones (Llanrhaedr y Mochnant)
Gareth Williams
Principality Building Society Welsh Premier -Sunday, November 18th
Llanelli ... 1 CPD Porthmadog ... 2
Mark Jones 86' Wyn Thomas 27' (o.g.)
Marcus Orlik 65'
The scene was set for a battle between top and bottom of the table even
before the first kick of the game. Confusion over kick off time pleased
neither side. Llanelli were expecting a 1pm start while Porthmadog had set
out in time for the usual 2.30 pm kick off. In the event the game started at
1.55 pm with Port straight from the bus into the changing room and out in
time to stretch their legs for only five minutes.
It proved however to be a famous victory for the bottom club who gave notice
to those who have described them as "hapless Porthmadog" that rumours of the
club's demise have been somewhat exaggerated. An excellent Port team
performance, for once backed by lady luck, provided front runners Llanelli
with a frustrating afternoon. Port defended from the front and behind a
stirring back four Richard Harvey produced a heroic performance.
Though Danny Hughes and Jason Sadler had early opportunities for the
visitors it was Llanelli who looked the more likely to open the score. Twice
Rhys Roberts had to clear off the line and Wyn Thomas was only narrowly off
target with a header. Richard Harvey twice in the opening half needed to
pull off double saves to keep the opposition at bay. He also pulled off a
fine save to keep out Rhys Griffiths' point blank header -just about the
only time the dangerman was on target during the game. Richard Harvey made
his only error of the game when he dropped Gary Lloyd's well struck 21st
minute corner but recovered to scramble it away. This was truly Richard
Harvey's day for he even had a hand in Port's opener. His long kick into the
Llanelli half seemed covered by central defender Wyn Thomas but the
attempted a clearance was sliced over Gareth Williams, in the home goal, and
ended up in the back of the net. Llanelli were again thwarted in the 37th
minute when Harvey smothered Mark Pritchard's effort from 5 yards when it
seemed he must score. Port were still a danger on the break and when Jason
Sadler sent a deep cross from the right Richard Smart shot wide of the
target.
Further outstanding Harvey saves followed in the second period including
three from Mumford one of which looked destined for the top corner and
another where he had to pull off a second save to keep out Wyn Thomas. But
despite this pressure Llanelli failed to produce any clear cut chances in
the box as excellent defensive work reduced them to shots from outside the
area. Llanelli were left to curse keeper Harvey's performance as a 65th
minute Porthmadog counter attack saw Orlik break from midfield to the edge
of the Llanelli box before firing goal ward and it was a mixture of delight
and surprise which greeted the sight of the ball slipping through keeper
Williams' hands and into the net. A 68th minute counter attack freed
Pritchard but the ex-Swan shot wide. Harvey then plucked Wyn Thomas's header
from under his bar and keeping the best wine till last he pulled of an
astonishing save diving to his right hand post to keep out Gary Lloyd's
superbly struck free kick which curled round the wall. Port came again in
the closing stages with subs Carl Jones and Iwan Tomos providing the threat.
Beattie could have scored Port's third in the 81st minute but in the end the
angle proved too narrow and the ball ran tantalisingly across the goal. In
the end Harvey was beaten when sub Mark Jones, four minutes from time,
scored with a looping header from 12 yards.
This was a memorable victory on a ground where Port have lost only once and
that at the back end of last season.
Llanelli: Gareth Williams, Lee Phillips (Holland 46'), Gary Lloyd, Mumford,
Legg, Wyn Thomas, Corbisero, Rhys Griffiths, Mark Pritchard, (Mark Jones
68'), Chris Holloway, Craig Jones (Sam Small 55')
Porthmadog: Richard Harvey: Kyle Jacobs, Adam Docker, Rhys Roberts, Barrie
Evans: Marcus Orlik, Danny Hughes, Warren Beattie, Richard Smart (Iwan Tomos
67'): Paul Roberts, Jason Sadler (Carl Jones 51')
Referee: Kerry Morgan Attendance:324
Gareth Williams
Principality Building Society Welsh Premier -Saturday, November 10th
CPD Porthmadog ...1 Port Talbot Town ... 2
Marcus Orlik 38' Martin Rose 75'(pen)
Scott Barrow 77'
A red card for a handling offence and the subsequent 75 minute penalty
changed the course of a game where Porthmadog had held a slender lead since
the 38th minute. Only two minutes after the penalty Port Talbot went on to
take the three points scoring a second in a game where they had generally
looked second best. During the week leading up to this game Port Talbot had
followed Porthmadog in parting company with their manager and were also
without several players due to injury and suspensions.
The home side started well and Carl Owen came close after only four minutes
but his powerful effort was well saved at his near post by Rogers. From
early in the game Port Talbot however showed that they would be a threat on
the counter attack. In the 6th minute Lee John broke down the right and
Blain looked certain to convert his low cross but Rhys Roberts did well to
clear off the goal line. Porthmadog continued to control the game both
territorially and in possession. Rogers was soon in action again this time
at his far post keeping out Orlik's header. Rogers then kept out Carl Owen's
shot with his legs following an Aled Rowlands corner. With the home side
strived to turn pressure into goals Beattie sent a dipping free kick on to
the roof of the Port Talbot net. Rogers saved well from Orlik cutting in
from the left but Sadler failed to take advantage of the rebound. The danger
of a counter attack remained as Porthmadog continued to search for the vital
goal and Martin Rose was unlucky to see his 21st minute shot go across
Richard Harvey and narrowly past the far post. A Marcus Orlik break after 31
minutes created another shooting chance for Carl Owen but the striker's well
hit volley flew over the bar. Finally, with 38 minutes gone, Porthmadog
scored the goal which their pressure warranted and it came thanks to an
excellent piece of skill by Marcus Orlik who had been a constant threat to
the visitors' defence. A long kick by Harvey bobbled dangerously around the
edge of the Port Talbot penalty area and it was Orlik who reacted first
hitting the ball superbly on the volley past Rogers. The single goal lead at
the interval was less than the home side's efforts had deserved.
The second half started much as the first with Rowlands providing a shooting
chance for Orlik but the striker's well struck effort was wide of Rogers'
right hand upright. Port Talbot continued to rely on counter attacks and
Harvey did well to keep out Barrow's shot with his legs and following
another quick break Lee John fired into the side netting. A fine cross field
pass from Orlik set up Jason Sadler who cut inside and unleashed a powerful
shot which went across the face of goal and wide. Warren Beattie then came
close following an Aled Rowlands corner. But with 75 minutes gone the home
side paid the penalty for failing to consolidate their advantage with a
second goal. Port Talbot sub Sam Baker broke in from the left and referee
Hames showed John G Jones a red card adjudging that the full back cut out
the hard hit cross with his hand. Martin Rose stepped up to convert the
penalty and level the scores. Within two minutes the visitors were ahead
when Scott Barrow was given room to burst from midfield and he struck a firm
low shot past Harvey from 20 yards. Down to 10 men Porthmadog battled to get
back on level terms and there were a couple of speedy runs by Carl Jones
which stretched the Port Talbot defence. From one of these he provided
Beattie with a clear opportunity but Rogers kept out the midfielder's shot.
This defeat leaves Porthmadog six points adrift at the foot of the table
-hardly a reflection of their recent performances. They must hope for
fortune to start smiling upon them in what has been a frustrating period
where results do not reflect the play on the field.
Porthmadog: Richard Harvey, John G Jones, Danny Hughes, Rhys Roberts, Mike
Foster: Jason Sadler (Iwan Tomos 76'), Gareth Parry (Carl Jones 82'), Warren
Beattie, Aled Rowlands (Richard Smart 90'): Carl Owen, Marcus Orlik.
Sub Not Used: Barry Evans. Red: John G Jones 75'
Port Talbot: Rogers, De Vulgt, Hanford, Thompson, Matthew Rees, Burrows, Lee
John (Sam Baker 78'), Blain, Rose, McCreesh, Barrow.
Subsnot used: Lancy, Luke James, Heally. Yellow: Craig Hanford 33'
Referee: AP Harms (Prestatyn) Attendance: 159
Gareth Williams
Principality Building Society Welsh Premier -Saturday, October 27th
Bangor City ... 2 CPD Porthmadog ... 0
Warren Beattie (o.g.) 90'
Ashley Stott 92'
When you're on a losing run and your luck is out then simply everything
seems to go against you. That is the way Porthmadog felt at the end of a
game which they lost to goals scored in the 90th and the 92nd minutes. A
battling performance proved to be not enough to squeeze, what would have
been, an invaluable point from the game.
With a strong wind at their backs Porthmadog had the better of the opening
half threatening the home goal from the start. In the first minute a Gareth
Parry free kick created an opening for John Gwynfor but the full back lifted
a 16 yard effort over the bar. Carl Owen then came close with a header and
in the 9th minute it was John Gwynfor again, this time having a powerful
strike touched on to the post by Paul Smith. Soon after Smith failed to hold
Paul Roberts' shot on the turn but the home defence scrambled the ball away.
Porthmadog continued to look the most likely to score and Smith was again in
action after 15 minutes diving to gather the ball at Carl Owen's feet. Apart
from an early corner it was past the twenty minute mark before the home side
really threatened and Stott was off target when well placed. A Sergeant free
kick created an opening for Mike Walsh but the Bangor forward's header flew
outside the upright. Gareth Parry and Warren Beattie both found space around
the edge of the area but Smith was not too troubled by the shots. Gareth
Parry was also unlucky to see his quick free kick curl narrowly outside the
upright. Walsh for Bangor should have done better with a dangerous Sion
Edwards cross to the far post. Port were, however, left to rue their lack of
a goal in a first half where they were the better side. Danger man Les
Davies had been well marshalled by Rhys Roberts and had only managed one of
his trademark runs winning a free kick on the edge of the box.
The second half was a different story with the home side using the stiff
wind at their backs to put Porthmadog under the cosh for long periods. Four
minutes into the second period Richard Harvey had to push Martin Beattie's
powerful shot over the bar. Bangor continued to pressurise the Port defence
and Edwards's corner on 54 minutes proved to be the first of six in quick
succession and twice John Gwynfor had make goal line clearances to keep the
scores level. Port were not entirely out of the game however and the home
defence were relieved to see Paul Roberts dangerous cross cleared for a
corner. Bangor became increasingly desperate in their search for a winner
and Stott received a yellow card for an extravagant dive in the box. Soon
after Harvey rushed out to block Stott's effort as he ran on to Walsh's
excellent through ball and Swanick headed wide from a corner. Just when it
seemed that Port had held out for a point Bangor won yet another corner but
S4C highlights strongly suggest that Swanick's lofted shot did not take a
deflection and the 90th minute corner that should not have been went on to
strike Warren Beattie on the shoulder and fly past Harvey into the net. This
was hardly the reward Beattie deserved for another staunch performance in
midfield. Bangor then scored an added time second against a stretched
visitors defence via an excellent Limbert through ball and a cool Stott
finish. Ironically all this could have been academic had Iwan Tomos's 87th
minute shot not taken a deflection as he thumped Carl Owen's astute pass
goal wards.
What a series of misfortunes in a performance which surely must give hope of
better things to come. Viv Williams has got them playing again and as he
remarked after the game "I could not have asked for any more from the lads."
This certainly does not look a side which is destined for relegation.
Bangor City: Smith, Swanick, Beattie, Johnson, Webber, Sergeant (Hoy 75'),
Limbert, Walsh, Les Davies, Stott, Sion Edwards. Subs not used: McGuiness, A
Morgan, D. Roberts.
Yellow: Stott 67'
Porthmadog (4-4-2): Richard Harvey: John G Jones, Danny Hughes, Rhys
Roberts, Mike Foster (Richard Smart 88'): Marcus Orlik (Iwan Tomos 75'),
Gareth Parry, Warren Beattie, Jason Sadler (Carl Jones 62'): Carl Owen, Paul
Roberts. Yellow: Paul Roberts 69'
Referee: Ceri Richards Attendance: 497
Gareth Williams
Principality Building Society, Welsh Premier -Saturday, October 20th.
CPD Porthmadog ... 0 Caersws FC ... 1
Siôn Meredith 2'
A goal after only two minutes backed by a battling performance proved
enough to give Caersws all three points in this basement battle. They
survived a penalty, played with only ten men for 40 minutes and kept a clean
sheet despite numerous gilt edged opportunities spurned by the home side.
There were even two good chances in added time but home supporters were left
with the feeling that the game could have gone on until midnight without a
Porthmadog goal.
Caersws attacked from the start and after only a minute Sagar touched
Mitchell's far post header over the bar. The home defence had plenty of
opportunity to clear the corner which followed but a miskick and then
hesitancy allowed Siôn Meredith to score with a simple tap in. Carl Owen had
Porthmadog's best early opportunity to level the scores but after turning
his marker his shot was off target. Mitchell was a threat for the visitors
and twice came close with Joe Sagar doing well to turn the second of these,
a header, over the bar. Play was end to end and Warren Beattie tested
Mulliner with a shot from twenty yards while Andy Davies for the visitors
was unlucky to see his shot across Sagar strike the far post. Chances came
at both ends with Meredith for Caersws heading over the bar at the far post
while Carl Owen drew a good diving save from Mulliner and Gareth Parry,
close to the interval, fired over the bar.
A physical second half started full of incident with Caersws keeper Mulliner
receiving a yellow card for pulling down Carl Owen on the edge of the box.
As players prepared for the free kick referee Lee Evans, after consulting
his linesman, showed Andrew Thomas a red card for striking out with his
elbow. From Beattie's free kick Rhys Roberts saw his goal bound shot touched
on by Paul Roberts who was adjudged off side and the goal was disallowed.
Only three minutes later Carl Owen broke into the box on the right and was
brought down by Towers and the referee pointed to the spot. Diving to his
left Mulliner pulled off a save near his left hand post to keep out Foster's
penalty. Caersws continued their uphill battle with forty minutes to survive
with ten men and packed players behind the ball relying only on occasional
counter attacks.
The home side was now in control and dominated the rest of the proceedings
territorially but the Caersws defence dug in and survived despite living
dangerously on many occasions. Warren Beattie fired a powerful effort from
25 yards which went narrowly past the post. As the half wore on more chances
fell to the home side. Carl Owen missed a good chance when in space on the
right of the box but lifted a shot over the bar. Caersws were still
dangerous on the break and from one of these Mitchell blasted wide when well
placed. In the closing minutes Porthmadog spurned numerous clear chances.
Carl Owen's clever chip over the defence found Rhys Roberts but Mulliner
pulled off a good save. Jason Sadler from close range had a shot blocked and
Paul Roberts and Richard Smart both had a chance to score before the ball
was finally scrambled clear. The best chance of all came when Carl Owen got
behind the defence on the right and his low cross provided Richard Smart
with the clearest of chances but the defender lifted the golden opportunity
over the bar. With added time running out Mulliner denied Paul Roberts
coming out and picking the ball off the Port striker's toe.
This defeat leaves Port at the foot of the table and needing to find some
consistency very soon.
Porthmadog : Joe Sagar, John G Jones (Richard Smart 82'), Danny Hughes, Rhys
Roberts, Mike Foster: Marcus Orlik, Gareth Parry, Warren Beattie, Jason
Sadler: Carl Owen, Paul Roberts.
Subs not used: Iwan Tomos, Matthew Hughes. Yellow: Warren Beattie 70', John
G Jones 81'
Caersws: Mulliner, John Jones, Sawtell, Colin Reynolds, Andy Thomas, Towers,
Siôn Meredith, Aeron Edwards, Graham Evans, Mitchell (Nathan Prodger 86'),
Andy Davies.
Subs not used: Smout, Mark Griffiths.
Red: Andrew Thomas 50' Yellow: Andy Mulliner 48', Steve Towers 53, Andy
Davies 57'
Referee: Lee Evans Llanllechid. Attendance:174
Gareth Williams
