Huws Gray Alliance -Saturday, 23 April
Rhos Aelwyd ... 2 CPD Porthmadog ... 5
Jon Rush 18’ 46’ Ryan Davies 10’
Paul Roberts 41’ 87’ 90’
Mike Foster 89’ (p)
In the end the score line reflected Port’s dominance of the game scoring
three very late goals to complete a double over Rhos Aelwyd. The Wrexham
area club however had to play for the last 25 minutes with only nine
players as Andy Torrance followed Dan Gibbon off the field having received
a straight red card. Port however were totally dominant and could easily
have been four goals up within the first 15 minutes. Only stout defence
allied to umpteen squandered chances prevented Port from being way out of
sight quite early in the proceedings.
Port were off to flying start and in the first minute Paul Roberts could
have put them ahead when he fired wide when well place on the edge of the
box. Twice in the next few minutes the striker got himself in scoring
positions only to be denied by Simon Williams who in the second of these
pulled off an excellent save diving to his right. But with 10 minutes gone
Port gained a well deserved lead when Rhys Roberts headed a Marcus Orlik
corner back across goal for Ryan Davies to squeeze his header inside the post.
The chances continued to come for Port with Paul Roberts running on to a
Marcus Orlik through ball but under pressure from two defenders his shot went
wide. Having been penned back in their own half Rhos did finally break out
and Josh Russell’s angled shot was well saved by Richard Harvey. Port could
well have been four goals up in the first 15 minutes but with 18 minutes gone
the home side drew level against the run of play. Russell broke down the right
slipped the ball inside for Fitzsimmons whose excellent cross was headed past
Richard Harvey from 5 yards by Jon Rush. Following this set back Port continued
to dominate and a good Jack Jones cross provided Marcus Orlik with a shooting
opportunity but the shot drifted narrowly wide. Jamie McDaid, who was having a
tremendous game threatening down the right before switching to the left, burst
from midfield to provide Paul Roberts with a superb through ball only for more
disappointment as the striker’s shot struck the foot of the post before bouncing
to safety. But with four minutes left to the interval controversy struck as
Marcus Orlik raced into the box with only the keeper to beat, found himself
upended with a tackle from behind. Referee Nick Pratt consulted his linesman
before showing the tackler Dan Gibbon a straight red card as the last defender,
and awarded a penalty. Diving to his right Simon Williams pushed out Paul Roberts’
spot kick only for the same player to follow up and score from the rebound to make
the score 2-1 at the interval.
Rhos Aelwyd were out of the blocks at pace at the start of the second half and
Richard Harvey had to race off his line to go down at the feet of Mick Burke but
the ball squirted kindly to Jon Rush who netted his second lifting the ball into
the empty goal. The 10 men now had something to hold on to and defended in numbers
relying on Mick Burke and Jon Rush to strike on the break. The home side defended
well and the Port chances were now far fewer than in the opening period. Marcus Orlik
tested Williams with a powerful shot which the keeper needed a second bite to complete
his save and Ben Jones for Rhos drew a good save from Richard Harvey. But with 65
minutes gone Port did manage to open the Rhos defence and with Williams finding himself
stranded off his line Paul Roberts fired goalwards from 8 yards only to be denied a
goal by the hand of Andy Torrance who received his marching orders from Mr Pratt for a
deliberate hand ball. This time Marcus Orlik stepped up for the spot kick and again
Simon Williams saved but this time there was no fortunate rebound so 9 man Rhos still
had something to defend. Marshalled by Wayne Phillips they stuck to their task and
indeed it looked very likely that they would escape with a point. Richie Owen almost
broke the deadlock with a 35 yard cracker which struck the post. Then with three minutes
of normal time left Gareth Owen lifted a superb deep cross from the right touchline
dipping perfectly on to Paul Roberts’ head and the striker made no mistake directing his
header well wide of Simon Williams into the net. Two minutes later and the ever lively
Jamie McDaid was tripped in the box. Up stepped Port’s third penalty taker of the
afternoon and this time Mike Foster made no mistake giving the keeper no chance from 12
yards. With normal time up there was still time for an added time goal. Jamie McDaid
capitalised on a well worked Port move to break into the box and looked certain to score
a goal which his play on the afternoon richly deserved but his shot struck the underside
of the bar and bounced back, but it’s an ill wind as they say as Paul Roberts gratefully
accepted his second rebound of the afternoon to complete his hat trick!
In the end justice was done and Rhos’s four match winning run was ended. On to Ruthin on
Monday to meet a club who have today extended their winning run to six matches.
Porthmadog: Richard Harvey, Jack Jones ( Carl Owen 54’), Mike Foster, Richie Owen, Ryan
Davies ( Darren Jones 69’), Gareth Owen, Jamie McDaid, Rhys Roberts, Paul Roberts, Marcus
Orlik, Darren Gowans ( Cai Jones 74’).
Rhos Aelwyd: Simon Williams, Dave McIntyre, Craig Hughes (Jamie Jones 70’), K Fitzsimmons,
Andy Torrance, Dan Gibbon, Ben Jones, Wayne Phillips, Mike Burke, Jon Rush (Matthew Holmes),
Josh Russell. Subs not used: Darren Hignett, Mike Parry, Mike Pugh. Red Cards: Dan Gibbon 41’,
Andy Torrance 65’.
Referee: Nick Pratt (Connah’s Quay) Attendance: 120
Huws Gray Alliance -Saturday, 16 April
Cefn Druids … 2 CPD Porthmadog … 1
Andrew Swarbrick ’72, ‘87 Marcus Orlik ‘44
Whatever happened during the 90 minutes was sadly overshadowed by an attack
on a Porthmadog player on his way back to the changing rooms, and that was
followed by a similar incident which involved a home supporter. This is
something that has never been seen in a game involving Porthmadog and
hopefully never will again.
Before the game there were concerns over the quality of the newly laid
pitch at the Rock, especially as it had been decided the league cup final
is to be held there. The pitch was bobbly all over and many areas had no
grass whatsoever. Probably the poorest surface that Port have played on
all season.
This set the scene for what was going to be a battle all game of who
would deal best with the long balls and pick up the second balls allover
the pitch. Cefn started brighter and Adam Hesp was soon into action with
his long throws. Any time Cefn were in the Port half he was called upon to
launch throw after throw into the Port box. To their credit, Port dealt
with everything thrown at them, with the back four excellently marshalled
and supported by Richie Owen in front.
After 10 minutes Paul Roberts found himself in behind the defence and
through on goal and was clearly pulled back by Robbie James but to the
astonishment of the Port players and supporters neither the ref or the
linesman who could only have been 10 meters from the incident penalised the
Druids centre back and waved play on. This was to be the first of many
dubious and incorrect decisions from the ref during the afternoon.
Druids continued to press but didn't force Richard Harvey to deal with
anything other than a few simple catches. As the half wore on Porthmadog
grew in confidence and Marcus Orlick had a few sighters at goal but without
really testing the home keeper. Dan Pyrs then found himself in the ref's
book for a few badly timed tackles before a Richie Owen cross found its way
to Marcus Orlick on the edge of the box, and this time the striker made no
mistake hitting a cracker into the top corner of the net.
The joy for the away fans though was short lived as two minutes later
another Hesp long throw was not dealt with by the Port defence and landed at
the feet of a Druids striker. As he was about to shoot he was pulled down by
Dan Pyrs who received his marching orders. Druids missed the penalty - high
and wide to the left. 1-0 Port at half time.
The second half was as expected. Port moved Craig Roberts into centre
midfield alongside Richie Owen and Paul Roberts slotted in on the right hand
side. For all of Druids' possession they couldn't break down an organised and
determined Port back line. With 25 minutes left the Druids striker found space
behind the defence and lobbed the advancing Harvey, only to see his effort
bounce over the cross bar off the hard ground. Another bad decision by the ref
halted a great Port counter attack with Gowans clean through from a Paul
Roberts pass. With Port down to 10 men they started to tire and another Hesp
long throw into the box caught out the Port defence with Andrew Sawbrick tapping
in at the far post, minutes after coming on as a second half substitute. Port
brought on Cai Jones and Jamie McDaid on for the tiring Gowans and Craig Roberts
but continued to have to keep Druids at bay.
With time running out another ball in behind the Port defence found Sawbrick
who turned well and placed a low shot across Harvey into the corner of the net
for his second of the afternoon.
No more chances for either side during the 5 added on minutes but still time
for the ref to miss a clear foul on Marcus Orlick as well as a good shout for
a penalty.
On the balance of play Druids probably deserved to win, but Port will have
felt hard done by to leave without any points following all the effort and
hard work they had put in. The ref though (and not for the first time this
season) didn't do Port any favours.
Port: Harvey, J. Jones, G. Owen, R. Roberts (Capt), M. Foster (G. Parry '87),
C. Roberts (C. Jones '70), D. Pyrs, R. Owen, Gowans (McDaid '70), Orlik,
P. Roberts.
Huws Gray Challenge Cup -Wednesday, 13 April.
Buckley 1 CPD Porthmadog 3
Anthony Williams 63' Marcus Orlik 43'
Paul Roberts 48'
Mike Foster pen 59'
Despite all the problems of 3 ineligible players, 2 called up for international
duty and a lengthy injury list Porthmadog pulled off a remarkable win in the
semi-final of the Huws Gray Challenge Cup at Rhyl on Wednesday. With five of
the starting 11 carrying injuries it was an achievement to get 11 players on
the pitch and the signs were not good early on as Buckley dominated possession
with Porthmadog hardly getting out of their own half in the opening 15 minutes.
In that time Neil Wynne went close with two speculative efforts.
Eventually Port did get a foothold in the game and Orlik fired into the side
netting after 15 minutes. Orlik had an even better chance five minutes later
when a cross from Paul Roberts found him but the striker totally missed his
kick when well placed. Buckley still had most of the play but the Port defence
dealt with their threat well.
On 27 minutes Paul Roberts was presented with a golden opportunity after a
through pass from Jones-Evans but was unable to round the keeper Jamie Hulse.
Buckley's Wes Brereton went close with a rasping 25 yard free kick on 40
minutes while a delicate lob by Jones Evans was stopped by the extended
fingertips of Hulse moments later. The deadlock was eventually broken in
spectacular fashion when Mike Foster took a quick throw in to Orlik who chested
the ball in-field and then unleashed a superb dipping half-volley from 35 yards
which gave Hulse in the Buckley goal no chance. That must have drastically
changed the half-time talks in both camps and things changed further when
Porthmadog added a second three minutes into the second period.
Porthmadog broke following some Buckley pressure with a powerful 50 yard run by
Jones Evans, a 1-2 with Paul Roberts put the young midfielder in behind the
Buckley rear guard and his cut back found Roberts who fired accurately into the
bottom left hand corner of the net. Jones Evans injured by his exertions was
substituted with Craig Roberts coming on. Port were now rampant and added a
third when Orlik broke into the box on the left only to be up-ended by a rash
challenge by right back Freeman. Mike Foster calmly converted from the spot.
Four minutes later and Buckley themselves were awarded a penalty when a
bouncing ball was adjudged to have been handled by a Port defender, Anthony
Williams slotting home to pull one back.
Buckley now went all out attack pushing centre half Gareth Edwards into the
front line and going three at the back. Buckley had their chances with Stuart
Hayes and Brereton going close. Paul Roberts meanwhile had another one on one
situation with the keeper only to be denied again and an Orlik free kick went
just over. As if to underline Buckley's misery another late opportunity by
Williams was superbly blocked on the line by Ryan Davies with Harvey out of
position. All credit to the players for their efforts and a great win
especially when you consider that Buckley had beaten us twice in the League,
made all the more impressive when you consider that five players were playing
with injuries which in normal circumstances would have ensured them a seat in
the stand. Porthmadog will now meat Guilsfield in the final on May 7th at a
venue to be confirmed.
Porthmadog: Harvey, Jack Jones. Foster, Darren Jones (Parry 90), Ryan Davies,
Gareth Owen, Jones-Evans (Craig Roberts 50'), Pyrs, Paul Roberts, Orlik
(Harrison 90), Richie Owen
Buckley: Hulse, Freeman (Pugh 65), Delgado (Roberts 72), Rowlands, Edwards,
Brereton (Calder 81), Leonard, Chaloner, Hayes, Williams, Wynne Subs not used
Liam Jones, Armour
Gerallt Owen
Huws Gray Alliance -Saturday, 9 April.
CPD Porthmadog ... 4 Rhayader Town ... 2
Paul Roberts 12’ 80’ Oliver Richards 70’
Carl Owen 27’ 38’ Tyrone McFadden 90'
A dominant first half performance enabled an injury ridden Port to complete a
double over the mid-Wales club. Three goals up at the interval and with Carl
Owen repeating the first half brace at the Weirglodd the Traeth men looked set
for a comfortable win. But as happened in the corresponding game, Rhayader fought
back in the second period. When however the visitors pulled one back and began to
look threatening, Paul Roberts put the game out of their reach with his second,
an excellent glancing header. Though Rhayader added a late second the damage, as
far as they were concerned, had been done in the first half.
Port were off to a good start and in only the second minute Darren Gowans found
himself in acres of space on the left of the box but skewed his shot wide of the
post. But the visitors fighting to keep their place in the league posed a 10th
minute threat when, following a corner, Richard Harvey went down low at his near
post to keep out an angled shot from McFadden. Then with twelve minutes gone Paul
Roberts opened the scoring with his 13th league goal of the season. The move which
started with Gareth Owen at the back was played to Paul Roberts’ feet by Mike
Foster and with the neatest of touches the striker deceived his marker before cutting
into the box to finish with a superb angled shot inside the far post. Port continued
to dominate and the game was largely played in the Rhayader half of the field. Paul
Roberts came close when he beat keeper Price to a loose ball but in the challenge
failed to get enough power on his finish. The same player came close when he latched
on to a Cai Jones corner but Price got down well to keep out the low shot. Co-striker
Carl Owen was also in the action and with 27 minutes gone it was his determination at
the back post to reach Rhys Roberts’ downward header was rewarded with a headed goal.
Port looked to add to their lead and Paul Roberts came close with another header but
with seven minutes of the opening half left Port made it 3-0. It was Carl Owen for
his second running on to an excellent through ball by Darren Gowans and rounding the
keeper before firing low into the net.
That proved to be Darren’s last contribution to the game as he had to be withdrawn at
the interval and Jamie McDaid was introduced. It was good to see the Welsh Schools
international back after being out for several weeks especially with Wednesday’s semi
looming. But it soon became clear that manager Dylan McPhee’s words were resounding in
his players’ ears as they looked a yard or two sharper than they had been in the first
period. Play in the second half became broken up with neither side entirely establishing
control. But 10 minutes into the half Rhayader showed they were not going to capitulate
easily forcing a series of corners and applying more pressure than they had at any stage
in the opening half. McFadden down the left for Rhayader began to receive a better service
and started to be a threat and with 70 minutes on the clock the visitors got their goal.
Good work by McFadden breaking to the bye line opened up the Port defence and his low
cross to the far post was turned into the net by sub Oliver Richards. This was no more
than they deserved. The goal sparked a response from Port. Paul Roberts and Carl Owen
combined well but Carl’s header went over the bar. The same player met a Cai Jones cross
but the header was again just wide of the mark. But with 10 minutes left any danger of a
fight back was scotched when Paul Roberts scored Port’s fourth. Jamie McDaid, who had
looked very lively since coming on, broke down the left and struck a super cross to the
near post to be met by Paul Roberts whose glancing header went across keeper Price into
the far corner. Price was soon in action again touching a Cai Jones power shot on the turn,
over the bar. Then with time running out Rhayader scored a second with McFadden coolly
finding the net following an accurate downward header by Nick Evans.
Now attention turns to the Buckley semi-final on Wednesday and for Gareth and Campbell
it will be a case of counting the injuries and checking on the walking wounded.
Porthmadog: Richard Harvey, Jack Jones, Mike Foster (Darren Jones 81’), Richie Owen, Gareth
Owen (Richard Hughes 61’), Rhys Roberts, Cai Jones, Dan Pyrs, Paul Roberts, Carl Owen, Darren
Gowans ( Jamie McDaid 46’) Subs not used: Gareth Parry, Campbell Harrison.
Rhayader: Eifion Price, Robbie Steele (Tim Broome 76’), Mat Morgan, Glen Evans, Dave Sivil,
Christian Jones (Oliver Richards 68’), Tom Evans, Lance Jones, Nick Evans, Tyrone McFadden,
Mike Collister. Sub not used Dylan McPhee.
Referee: Martin Williams Attendance: 112
