Huws Gray Alliance         -Saturday, 21 January.

CPD Porthmadog ... 2                     Conwy United ... 4
Clive Williams 21                        Ian Pattinson 22
C Hawthorne (o.g.) 39                    Dean Canning 39
                                                   Eddie Jebb 56
                                                   John Owen 90 (+3)

A major setback for Porthmadog as they slumped to their third 
consecutive defeat, this time against a rejuvenated Conwy who 
picked up a third win in four games as the new management team 
continued to make an impact. The strong wind blowing from end to 
end had its effect on the game but the long ball never became the 
chosen tactic of either side. Both sides used the whole width of 
the pitch with wingers  Jebb and Craven, for Conwy, having a 
positive influence for the visitors as did Richmond and Craig 
Roberts for Port. Overall Port probably had the lion’s share of 
the possession and also held a territorial advantage but Conwy 
with their accurate passing and quick counter attacks backed by a 
strong defensive performance against the wind in the second half 
deserved their win.

Jebb, for Conwy, with the wind on his back fired a powerful shot 
over the bar in the third minute while Rhys Roberts responded for 
Port with a back post header which went over the bar. Play was end 
to end in the early stages with both sides looking to set up some 
well constructed passing moves. Chris Williams for Port had a good 
effort tipped over the bar by visitors’ keeper Hawthorne and Harvey 
for Port went down well to keep out Jebb’s free kick. Gradually the 
home side got more into the game forcing a couple of corners and from 
one of these Rhys Roberts saw his header drift wide. With 21 minutes 
gone another Darren Thomas corner could only cleared as far as Clive 
Williams whose powerful shot from 18 yards found the net putting Port 
ahead. It was a lead that lasted less than a minute when Richard 
Harvey diving full stretch pushed away Jebb’s low free kick but 
Pattison racing in at the back post brought the scores level. A 
minute later and it could have been another goal but for Robbie 
Williams goal line clearance to keep out Grahame Austin’s header. 
Port continued to turn on the pressure and Rhys Roberts failed to get 
enough power on his shot after being put through on goal by a clever 
Darren Thomas run. Another sweeping move followed, set up by Darren 
Thomas and Rhys Roberts but the angle proved too narrow for Craig 
Roberts to get a shot on target. Conwy were a danger on the break and 
John Owen beat the offside trap to get behind the defence but good 
work by Austin enabled Harvey to complete the clearance. But with 38 
minutes gone Conwy, against the run of play, found themselves in front 
when a stray pass in midfield allowed Dean Canning to chase a loose 
ball behind the Port defence. Richard Harvey got there first but 
unfortunately the ball rebounded goalwards off Canning who had the 
simple task of scoring unchallenged. But once again the lead was short 
lived and a minute later the Conwy defence failed to deal with Darren 
Thomas’ high corner and the ball entered the net off keeper Hawthorne. 
Port could have gone ahead again when Arron Richmond found Clive 
Williams on the edge of the box but he failed to repeat his earlier goal 
with the ball going narrowly over the bar. As Port continued to threaten 
the Conwy goal Darren Thomas was unlucky not to get enough on a dangerous 
low Craig Roberts cross. 2-2 at the interval.

Port’s injury hoodoo struck again soon after the interval with Arron 
Richmond having to leave the field and we have to hope that a suspected 
broken ankle is not confirmed. Things got worse six minutes later when 
Canning was brought down by Kehoe and referee Nathan Brierley pointed to 
the spot. Jebb stepped up to score from the spot and Conwy, despite facing 
a strong wind, had a lead to defend. Port now enjoyed most of the pressure 
and Hawthorne had to save from Craig Roberts and then Iwan Williams. But 
despite long periods of play in the Conwy half Port created few real chances 
and good Conwy defence forced them to rely on shots from distance.  As the 
half wore on Port’s efforts became increasingly desperate  and lacked the 
control to breakdown sterling defensive work. There was a Rhys Roberts 
header which came close but in fact it was the Conwy counter attacks which 
looked more likely to produce a goal. Grahame Austin headed off his line as 
John Owen, for Conwy, created a shooting opportunity for Pattinson. Owen 
himself tested Harvey with a good angled effort. As Port pushed forward 
in search of an equaliser Owen found more room to threaten Richard Harvey’s 
goal. Good build up play created an opening but Owen lifted his shot over 
the bar. But in added time the striker got his goal, getting on the end of 
an accurate Canning cross to score from close range.

All in all a miserable afternoon for Port failing to take advantage of 
Rhyl’s slip up and dropping into fifth place. But worse news is the 
mounting injury list in what is a small squad. Marcus Orlik has followed 
Carl Owen in being ruled out for the season. Concern now over the injury to 
Arron Richmond who could also be out for the season should a fracture be 
confirmed. Skipper Rhys Roberts also had to leave the field having played 
several games carrying an injury while Gareth Jones Evans awaits an 
exploratory operation into his long term ankle injury. The problems have 
suddenly mounted for Gareth and Campbell.

Port: Richard Harvey, Ryan Connolly, Chris Williams, Steve Kehoe (Mark Jones 89), 
Ryan Davies, Grahame Austin, Craig Roberts, Clive Williams, Rhys Roberts (Gareth 
Jones Evans 65), Darren Thomas, Arron Richmond (Iwan Williams 50). Subs not used: 
Phil Williams, Merfyn Williams. Yellow: Grahame Austin 88, Ryan Connolly 90.

Conwy: Hawthorne, Tom Rooney, Sam Sinkinson, Joe Williams (Craig Evans 59), Danny 
Roberts, Robbie Williams,  Eddie Jebb, Ian Pattinson, John Owen, Dean Canning, 
Leigh Craven. Subs not used: Oliver Waters. Yellow: Sam Sinkinson 68, 
Leigh Craven 90.

Referee: Nathan Brierley (Buckley).                            Attendance:153 

Huws Gray Alliance         -Saturday, 14 January.

Cefn Druids ... 2           CPD Porthmadog ... 1
Warren Duckett 4            Marcus Orlik 16
Andrew Swarbrick 68

Another game where Port can hardly believe they are not returning home 
with all three points. They went ahead early on and should have been 
able to capitalise on their excellent first half play to build a 
comfortable interval lead. Instead their failure to convert some of the 
numerous first half opportunities was punished by an untidy equaliser on 
the stroke of half time. The second half was a more frenetic affair with 
some big tackles flying in but once more Port were punished being hit 
with a well taken goal on the break and once more they failed to turn 
heavy pressure into goals.

Port started well playing some excellent football using the whole width 
of the pitch with Darren Thomas and Arron Richmond giving the home defence 
a testing time. Port should have gone ahead after only 5 minutes when a 
defensive error presented Rhys Roberts with a good chance. He took the ball 
into the box and with the travelling support expecting to see the net 
bulging somehow the chance evaporated and the ball was cleared. Soon after 
Rhys Roberts again troubled the home defence when he rose to meet a good 
Darren Thomas cross but his header flashed narrowly over the bar. Port were 
then forced on to the back foot and when McElmeel played a dangerous ball 
into the box which caused panic in the box and the visitors were relieved 
when a deflection struck the post and Richard Harvey was glad of the chance 
to go down and clear up field. After that moment of panic Port were back on 
the attack . Rhys Roberts and Marcus Orlik combined well down the left and 
after an exchange of passes Roberts put Orlik clear in the box and the 
striker netted from 12 yards for his eighth goal of the season. It was  a 
well deserved lead but Druids responded with one of their occasional breaks 
up field and a good Swarbrick shot was blocked on the line.  An excellent 
Darren Thomas cross from the bye line looked certain to produce a goal but 
though Rhys Roberts rose well and got in a clean header Mullock did well to 
get a hand to it and prevent the goal. Soon after Mullock was again in 
action this time down well at his near post to keep out a Clive Williams 
drive. Then Darren Thomas, whose crosses had been troubling the home defence, 
tried a shot of his own but once more Mullock pulled of a good save. The main 
threat to the Port defence had come from Adam Hesp’s long throws and it was 
from one of these that the home side drew level. The throw could have been 
cleared but when it was played back in from the back post Warren Duckett 
applied the finish from close range. It must have been hugely surprising to 
both sides to leave the field at the interval all square at 1-1.

The second half started in much the same vein as the first with Mullock soon 
in action  again, going down to gather a well struck Ryan Connolly free kick 
at second attempt. Ryan Davies then met a Darren Thomas corner with a powerful 
header which was cleared off the line. Though all the pressure had come from 
Port the home side were still a threat on the break and when Quinn lifted a 
good ball from just inside his own half over the Port defence full advantage 
was taken. Swarbrick controlled well and raced goalwards. When Richard Harvey 
raced out he coolly rounded the keeper scoring into the empty net. The home 
side’s delight  could not be concealed as they scented three unlikely points. 
They now had a lead to protect and despite the continuing Port pressure they 
failed to break the opposition down. Play in the second half had become 
increasingly frenetic  with some heavy tackles flying in. Marcus Orlik suffered 
a nasty injury from a late tackle which went unpunished apart from a free kick 
and when Campbell Harrison vented his feelings at second half happenings he was 
banished to the stand. Keeper Mullock was probably fortunate to receive only a 
yellow card when he rushed out of his area and felled Iwan Williams who was 
racing goalwards.   Twice in the closing stages Iwan Williams came close with 
Mullock doing well to keep out a lob and the other flashed wide of the post. 
Despite constant pressure the Mullock and the home defence held out and left 
Port to rue the missed opportunities, especially in the opening half when they 
could well have finished the game off by the interval.

The injury to Grahame Austin meant that Clive Williams moved to central defence 
where he had an excellent game and Ryan Connolly made his first start at right 
back where he gave a strong, competent performance. Two consecutive defeats 
leaves Port in 4th place level on points with 5th placed Cefn Druids.

Port: Richard Harvey, Ryan Connolly, Chris Williams, Steve Kehoe (Mark Jones 69), 
Ryan Davies, Clive Williams, Arron Richmond, Craig Roberts (Phil Williams 69), 
Rhys Roberts, Marcus Orlik(Iwan Williams 52), Darren Thomas. Subs not used: Gareth 
Jones Evans, Gareth Parry. Yellow: Marcus Orlik 25, Chris Williams 40, Ryan Davies 74.

Cefn Druids: Chris Mullock, Mark Harris, Joe Price, Max Peate, Adam Hesp, George 
Hughes, Tom McElmeel, Kieron Quinn, Mick Williams (Tony Cann 65), Andrew Swarbrick, 
Warren Duckett, Subs not used: John Keegan, Marc Griffiths, Aron Blackwell, Adam 
Mills. Yellow: Mick Williams 45, Chris Mullock 71, Andrew Swarbrick 86.

Referee: John Swindley (Gwersyllt).                       Attendance: 186.

Huws Gray Alliance         -Saturday, 7 January
Match Sponsors: R S Jones Contractors
Match Ball: Meirion Evans Terfynnau

CPD Porthmadog ... 2                     CPD Penrhyncoch ... 3
Craig Roberts 26                         Stuart Frazer 9
Marcus Orlik 60                          Marc Gornall 45
                                         Mark Egan  54

Penrhyn-coch, the scourge of promotion challengers, struck again at the 
Traeth this afternoon. Though Port created enough chances to win the game, 
a well organised Penrhyncoch performance proved enough to earn the victory, 
closing down quickly and sticking to their task for 90 minutes, defending 
well when they needed to and taking their chances when they came. Former 
Port midfielder, Marc Gornall had a key influence on the game. The visitors 
opener came from his corner and on the stroke of half time he scored himself 
with a powerful strike from distance.

The visitors started the livelier and Richard Harvey was in early action 
saving from Marc Gornall and then had to rush off his line to collect a flick 
on from Dylan James’ free kick. Twelve minutes had passed before Port 
threatened with Marcus Orlik latching on to a long ball on the left of the 
box but fired across goal and wide. Soon after Arron Richmond fired wide 
following a Darren Thomas 18th minute corner. But it was a corner at the other 
end, a minute later, put the visitors ahead. Marc Gornall lifted his right 
wing corner into the swirling wind and Stuart Frazer applied the finishing touch.
Following the goal Port enjoyed their best period of the game with first Craig 
Roberts lifting a shot over the bar and then a Darren Thomas initiated break led 
to a low Gareth Jones Evans cross but Marcus Orlik’s shot failed to hit the 
target. Next a well struck low shot by Darren Thomas was well covered by Penrhyn 
keeper Richard Morgan. But the pressure finally told and when Marcus Orlik 
lifted a dangerous cross to the back post Craig Roberts rose well to place his 
header well wide of the keeper to level the scores. Port continued to threaten 
and shots from Darren Thomas and Steve Kehoe took deflections for corners. Arron 
Richmond was a threat down the right for Port giving Dylan James a difficult time. 
A good run past two defenders  ended with a low cross to the near post but Richard 
Morgan was down well to save from Craig Roberts. Richmond then had a shooting 
opportunity provided by Gareth Jones Evans but was wide of the mark. In the 
closing stages of the half the visitors came again with Gornall firing  over as 
Penrhyncoch broke quickly from the back. Josh Hatrick was a danger down the right 
for the visitors with some speedy breaks. One cross was just out of Frazer’s 
reach when the Port defence was stretched and Richard Harvey had to touch another 
over the bar under pressure. Then on the stroke of half-time Penrhyncoch regained 
the lead when Marc Gornall broke from midfield and his well struck shot from 25 
yards with his noted left foot ended high in the corner of the net.

Port started the second period knowing they had plenty to do and Grahame Austin 
was very unlucky not to have levelled the scores when his left foot cracker from 
30 yards struck the bar with Morgan beaten. Port continued to threaten winning 
several corners and Arron Richmond’s break down the right created a chance for 
Marcus Orlik but Richard Morgan was down well at his near post to block the shot 
for another corner. Another Gornall free kick flew wide and then a Penrhyn counter 
attack led by Frazer produced a third goal. Initially Frazer tussled with Kehoe 
and then when Clive Williams came in with a tackle just inside the box the referee 
pointed to spot. Mark Egan stepped up to give the visitors the cushion of a two 
goal lead after 54 minutes. Port now had a mountain to climb but for the rest of 
the match, the game was played mainly in the Penrhyn half. With an hour gone Port 
gave themselves a lifeline when Craig Roberts headed a Darren Thomas cross goalwards 
and Marcus Orlik, from close range, completed the job with another header. The 
pressure for the equaliser was now on and Craig Roberts was only narrowly off 
target with a low shot. Clive Williams cracked a shot from 20 yards but straight 
at Morgan. Penrhyncoch were now defending in numbers and frustrating the 
increasingly desperate Port attacks. Though rarely on the attack themselves Richard 
Harvey was called upon to pull off one fine point blank save to keep out Frazer. 
But with 78 minutes gone Port had their big opportunity when Iwan Williams and Marcus 
Orlik broke clear behind the defence but a moment’s hesitation gave Richard Morgan 
the chance he needed to go down on the ball and partially clear. When the ball ran 
free Iwan Williams' shot was off target.Despite intense Port pressure, and 5 
minutes of added time, the Penrhyn defence stood firm and apart from a Rhys Roberts 
header which looped dangerously over the bar, no more clear chances were created.

It is always a big concern dropping points, especially at home, in such a tight 
promotion race. But Penrhyncoch have done this so many times that it can hardly be 
described as a major shock  though very disappointing nevertheless.

Port: Richard Harvey, Clive Williams, Chris Williams, Steve Kehoe, Rhys Roberts, 
Grahame Austin, Arron Richmond (Iwan Williams 56), Gareth Jones Evans Craig Roberts,  
Marcus Orlik (Mark Jones 79), Darren Thomas (Jamie McDaid 69). Subs not used: Phil 
Williams, Ryan Connolly. Yellow: Steve Kehoe 54, Rhys Roberts 85.

Penrhyn: Richard Morgan, Eifion Evans, Dylan James (Matthew Evans 80), Jon Foligno 
(Gari Lewis 63) , Elwyn Edwards, Mark Egan, Dan James, Marc Gornall, Josh Shaw, 
Stuart Frazer, Josh Hatrick, (Jonathan Evans 72). Subs not used: Llyr Hughes, Lee 
Jenkins. Yellow: Elwyn Edwards 82.

Referee: A P Harms (Rhyl).                          Attendance: 173.

Huws Gray Alliance         -Monday, 2 January

Llandudno Town ... 1                      Porthmadog FC .... 2
Kevin Fields 48                             Rhys Roberts 32
                                           Gareth Jones Evans 40

Having dominated the opening half and scoring twice, Porthmadog were then 
made to fight all the way in the second period. Llandudno cut the deficit 
straight after the interval and used their considerable experience of the 
tricky wind to good effect on another windswept Maesdu day. They launched 
a spirited second half fight back which had travelling supporters on 
tenterhooks until the final whistle. The last half hour proved to be a 10 
versus 10 contest as Joe Morgan (Llandudno) in the first half, and Ryan 
Davies (Port)  second, both received their marching orders.

Port with the wind in their favour dominated the opening half. They were 
straight into the attack and had Aran Richmond opted to shoot rather than  
pass they could have been ahead in the first minute. They continued in the 
same vein and a sliced kick in the goalmouth fortuitously cleared a dangerous 
Darren Thomas cross. Before the 15 minute mark Rhys Roberts and Aran Richmond 
combined well down the right but Richmond hesitated momentarily when well 
placed and the chance was lost. A Rhys Roberts flick then sent Marcus Orlik 
racing down the right but he fired his shot into the side netting. Rhys 
Roberts, who was a constant threat to the Llandudno defence, met Clive Williams’ 
free kick but directed his header narrowly wide.  The same player was only 
narrowly off target this time with a good angled shot on the turn. Llandudno 
were penned back into their own half for long periods but they did manage a 
few threatening breaks. From one of these Joe Morgan fired wide after good work 
down the Llandudno left.  Richard Harvey was forced to make his only save of 
the half when he raced out to save well from Dean Seager cutting in from the 
left. Their only other effort came late on from Tom Dix. By then Port had taken 
a two goal lead. The first came just after the half hour mark when Chris 
Williams broke from midfield and struck a powerful shot from 25 yards  which 
home keeper Andy Rooney saved a full length but could not prevent Rhys Roberts 
scoring a well deserved goal from close range. An off the ball incident between 
Joe Morgan and Ryan Davies was then noted by linesman Kevin Lewis and as a 
result referee Martin Roberts showed Morgan a straight red card and Davies a 
yellow one. Llandudno were further punished two minutes later when following a 
Port attack the ball broke clear to Gareth Jones Evans whose firmly driven 18 
yard effort was deflected past Rooney high into the net. The same player went 
close just before the interval with a 30 yard blaster which flew narrowly over 
the angle.

Port went from being two goals ahead and looking comfortable to having their 
advantage cut to a single goal only three minutes into the second half. Llandudno 
won an early corner on the right and Kevin Fields met Lee Jones’ right wing 
corner heading in at the back post. Llandudno made full use of the strong wind to 
cause panic in the Port defence and Richard Harvey was glad to touch a well struck 
long distance effort by Lee Jones over his bar. The mounting panic was further 
reflected by Richard Harvey’s rush out of his penalty area to bring down the 
advancing Lee Thomas and receive a yellow card for his trouble. Then on the hour 
Ryan Davies received a second yellow card and his marching orders. This was a signal 
for another melee which resulted in yellow cards for Dean Seager (Llandudno) and 
Chris Williams (Port). Dean Seager did find the net at this stage but was ruled 
offside. The best Port move resulted in a shooting opportunity for Marcus Orlik but 
he was thwarted by a good Andy Rooney save. As the half wore on Port got back into 
the game and a good break by Aran Richmond down the right created a good shooting 
chance for Clive Williams but was blocked for a corner. The best second half effort 
for Port came 10 minutes from time when sub Jamie McDaid made an immediate impact 
combining well with Chris Williams down the left before cutting inside and 
unleashing a powerful shot which was only narrowly over the bar. With time running 
out Richard Harvey was again in action saving a low shot from Dean Seager and a 
header from Tim Brandreth. 

These were three valuable points against a team who have a record of five straight 
wins at home and keeps Port level on points with Connah’s Quay, and the pressure 
at the top continues to hot up.

Port: Richard Harvey, Clive Williams, Chris Williams, Ryan Davies, Grahame Austin, 
Gareth Jones Evans, Craig Roberts, Aran Richmond (Iwan Williams 83), Rhys Roberts, 
Marcus Orlik (Mark Jones 89), Darren Thomas (Jamie McDaid 75). Subs not used: Phil 
Williams, Ryan Connolly, Gareth Parry. Red: Ryan Davies (2 yellows) 60. Yellow: 
Richard Harvey 54, Chris Williams 61.

Llandudno: Andy Rooney, Lee Jones, Sean Eardley, Tim Brandreth, Paul Roberts 
(J Williamson 90), Kevin Fields, Tom Dix, Darren Gowans (Bryan Roberts 79) Dean 
Seager, Joe Morgan, Lee Thomas. Subs not used: Ben Hughes Niall Owens. Red: Joe 
Morgan 38. Yellow: Tim Brandreth 26, Dean Seager 61, Lee Thomas 72.

Referee: Martin Roberts                    Attendance: 167

Huws Gray Alliance         -Saturday, 10 December.
Match Sponsors: Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railways

CPD Porthmadog ... 6		Llangefni Town ... 2
Grahame Austin 11		John Owen 33
Marcus Orlik 45		Sion Owen 78
Darren Thomas 51
Rhys Roberts 72, 84
Gareth Jones Evans 90

The goal touch which has deserted Port in recent weeks returned with a 
vengeance today. Play anywhere skipper Rhys Roberts led the way with a 
couple of headed goals but it was a goal either side of the interval 
which put Port in the driving seat and though Llangefni cut the deficit 
to 4-2 after 78 minutes two goals in the last eight minutes made the 
score line a fairer reflection of the game, especially in the second 
period when Port were totally dominant. The first period had been a closer 
affair with Llangefni having a couple of good spells but despite their 
recent improvement under Adie Jones they could not avoid a second heavy 
defeat of the season at the hands of Porthmadog.

Llangefni enjoyed an excellent period of pressure during the opening 10 
minutes with O’Mahony forcing Richard Harvey to concede a corner diving 
to his left. O’Mahony’s dangerous near post corner was headed away for 
another corner and this time Richard Harvey misjudged the flight and Ryan 
Davies was glad to head the ball over his own bar to save the situation. 
But once they had steadied things Port pushed out and when they were 
awarded a free kick on the right they took the lead. Clive Williams lifted 
the free kick into the middle of the penalty box and Grahame Austin rose 
well to head goalwards and though keeper Holden got a hand to the ball he 
could not prevent the ex-Llangefni defender scoring his first goal since 
returning to the Traeth in the summer. The visitors responded with a good 
effort of their own when an excellent diagonal ball from Coullander found 
Divine in space on the right of the box but the shot was off target. 
O’Mahony on the Llangefni right was causing problems at this stage but when 
well placed he failed to take advantage pulling his shot wide. O’Mahony 
combined well with Divine and it needed a good defensive block to keep out 
the shot. With the game very open at this stage Port could have gone further 
ahead. Marcus Orlik’s header was wide following a good Rhys Roberts break 
down the left. Llangefni full back Garner headed Rhys Roberts’ back post 
header off his line and when Roberts turned supplier keeper Holden did well 
to touch Darren Thomas’ 18 yard shot for a corner. Ryan Davies then lifted 
a shot over the bar following a Darren Thomas corner. But Port were left to 
rue these missed chances when John Owen brought the scores level. The 
forward received Shon Williams’ free kick with his back to goal but he turned 
his marker well and cracked a low shot from 16 yards past Richard Harvey. 
Port pushed forward looking to restore their lead with Rhys Roberts and Craig 
Roberts coming close. But on the stroke of half time Port got their second goal. 
Rhys Roberts was again instrumental with Marcus Orlik racing on to his low 
near post cross to score from 8 yards. 2-1 at the interval.

Port started strongly in the second half with Arron Richmond making a couple 
of threatening runs down the left and after 6 minutes one of these paid off. 
He broke to the goal line and lifted a cross into the box which was met 
perfectly, first time by Darren Thomas firing low into the corner of the net 
from 15 yards. Port continued to pressurise the visitors defence Darren Thomas 
was off target with his header when Rhys Roberts headed a cross back into the 
goal mouth. Another Arron Richmond run produced a shooting opportunity for 
Marcus Orlik but Holden saved well at the expense of a corner. Llangefni were 
now only a threat from occasional counter attacks and from one of these O’Mahony 
put John Owen away but his shot was blocked for a corner. Port were now in charge 
and pushed for a fourth goal to make the game safe and this came in the 72nd 
minute when an excellent ball from Austin released Darren Thomas whose near post 
cross was met by Rhys Roberts directing his header well wide of Holden. Llangefni 
closed the gap  six minutes later when Port again conceded from a set piece. 
Sion Owen rose well at the back post to meet Prossser’s corner and head the 
visitors’ second goal. Gareth Jones Evans was now on as a sub and twice in the 
closing stages carved out goals. A good run down the right six minutes from time 
and his accurate cross provided Rhys Roberts with another close range heading 
opportunity which he gratefully took. The sub then in added time broke again 
past Garner cutting into the box and firing himself low past Holden to complete 
a very successful afternoon. 

The win leaves Port level on points with Connah’s Quay and with Rhyl being held 
to 1-1 at Guilsfield, the lead at the top has been cut to two points. Still a 
long way to go in this exciting season!

Port: Richard Harvey, Clive Williams, Chris Williams, Steve Kehoe (Ryan 
Connolly 84), Ryan Davies, Grahame Austin, Arron Richmond (Jamie McDaid 82), 
Craig Roberts, Rhys Roberts, Marcus Orlik, Darren Thomas (Gareth Jones Evans 73). 
Subs not used: Phil Williams, Mark Jones, Iwan Williams. Yellow: Steve Kehoe 32, 
Clive Williams 38, Rhys Roberts 40.

Llangefni: Gareth Holden, Sion Davies, Joe Garner, Dylan Jones, Shon Williams, 
Rory Coullander, Luke O’Mahony (Tryfan Prosser 66), Matt Divine, John Owen, Kevin 
Garland (Gavin Jones 73), Adam Jones (Sion Owen 58). Sub not used: Sion Kyle. 
Yellow: Kevin Garland 41, Luke O’Mahony 66, Rory Coullander 86.

Referee: M Trigg (Rhyl)                 Attendance: 147.

Huws Gray Alliance         -Saturday, 3 December

Penycae FC ...1	CPD Porthmadog ... 2
T Manuel  77	Rhys Roberts 14
		Darren Thomas 54

The game started, like all games in Wales today and in many others 
beyond, with a minute’s  silence as a mark of respect for Gary Speed, 
the highly regarded national team manager, who died six days ago. The 
game itself was never set to be a classic. as the blustery wind blew 
straight down the ground and this, coupled with the soggy, uneven 
surface, made the game something of a lottery at times. On another 
matter, more could be said, but it will suffice to say that the match 
officials hardly covered themselves in glory. But neither the conditions 
or the performance of the officials could account for the fact that Port 
only managed to score twice against 10 man Penycae when they controlled 
the game for 95% of the time and yet once the home side scored after 77 
minutes things might have turned  to disappointment. They created chance 
after chance during the ninety minutes but frittered them away with poor 
finishing. But as they say three points is three points and Port have 
moved up into third place and are level on points with second placed 
Connah’s Quay.

Port started with the benefit of both the slope ad the stiff wind on 
their backs. They were straight into the attack and home keeper Mike 
Platt had to pull off a good save diving to his left to keep out a well 
struck shot from Steve Kehoe. With only five minutes gone Port appeared 
to have taken the lead when Rhys Roberts headed home a Darren Thomas 
left wing cross. A bizarre incident followed with referee Fawkes 
initially awarding the goal but then following a lengthy talk with his 
linesman reversed the decision and brought the game back to the half 
way mark and awarded Penycae a free kick. Two minutes later and the 
referee was again at the centre of controversy this time showing Penycae 
keeper a straight red card after Mike Platt had raced 25 yards out of his 
goal bringing down Marcus Orlik as he raced through behind the home defence. 
Port continued to dominate and from the Darren Thomas free kick which 
followed sub keeper Mike Hughes got up well to punch over the bar. With 14 
minutes gone it was no surprise when Port went ahead Rhys Roberts rose at 
the back post to head Jamie McDaid’s cross past Hughes.  Clive Williams then 
fired wide following a corner and later Rhys Roberts met Darren Thomas’ 
cross but his header drifted wide. Iwan Williams replaced the injured Marcus 
Orlik after half an hour and soon after was involved in a good move with 
Jamie McDaid which gave him a good shooting opportunity but as he set 
himself for an effort on goal lost his footing on the muddy surface. Port 
continued to attack and Grahame Austin got on the end of a Clive Williams 
free kick but failed to hit the target. All through the half  Penycae hardly 
mounted a single attack and Richard Harvey spent the 45 minutes as a 
spectator but at the end of it all Port led by a single goal and the home 
side could feel pleased with themselves knowing that the wind and slope 
would favour them in the second half.

The second period however started much the same vein and sub keeper Mike 
Hughes thwarted another Port attack going down on his line to save from 
Iwan Williams when seemingly Rhys Roberts low cross had to produce a goal. 
The goal did arrive nine minutes into the second period resulting from an 
excellent break down the right by Clive Williams bursting past two defenders 
to the bye line and then sent a low cross which Darren Thomas, closing in 
from the left, fired low through the packed defence from 10 yards. Port 
pushed forward looking to extend their lead and three times in the space of 
10 minutes, just after the hour mark, Port got forwards into space behind 
the Penycae defence and one on one with keeper Hughes and three times they 
failed to deliver the goods. The keeper raced out of his goal for the first 
to close down Rhys Roberts and pull off a good save with his legs and next 
Jamie McDaid found himself through only to lose control at the last minute. 
The third opportunity was no more lucky after a good move set up by Jamie 
McDaid and Darren Thomas for Iwan Williams this time to race through, but 
once more the keeper saved this time at the expense of a corner. Port 
continued to press and chances continued to be created and then squandered. 
Penycae could hardly believe their luck to still be in the game and Ian 
Andrews gave a warning on 65 minutes when burst through the middle firing 
from 25 yards a forcing Richard Harvey into his first save of the match. 
This spurred them on and after 77 minutes they cut the deficit when they 
were awarded a free kick 20 yards out on the right of the box. Ian Andrews 
slipped the ball wide of the wall for Steve Dodd to cross and though Richard 
Harvey got a hand to it Richard Manuel was on hand to score from close in. 

Penycae unlikely though it seemed were still in the game and in the final 
minutes Port were left to hold on to their one goal advantage with the home 
side pumping balls forward in the hope of some reward. It was relief for Port 
to hear the final whistle in another game which they should have had sewn up 
well before the final whistle was blown. 

Port: Richard Harvey, Clive Williams, Chris Williams, Steve Kehoe ( Gareth 
Jones Evans 80), Ryan Davies, Grahame Austin, Jamie McDaid (Arran Richmond 
86), Craig Roberts, Rhys Roberts, Marcus Orlik,( Iwan Williams 32), Darren 
Thomas. Subs not used: Phil Williams, Mark Jones. Yellow: Rhys Roberts.

Penycae: Mike Platt, Steve Dodd, L Bull, Richard Manuel, P Connolly (Darren 
Caplin 62), T Dodd (I Williams 57), Ben Jones (Mike Hughes 7), S Roberts, 
Ian Andrews, Jamie Rogers, Andy Stockton. Subs not used: Tom Smith, Jack 
Johnson. Red: Mike Platt. Yellow: T Dodd 38.

Referee: Dave Fawkes.