Cymru Premier: Four wins in a row for Caernarfon Town

Caernarfon Town will go into Boxing Day’s home clash with Bala Town aiming for a fifth straight victory, reports Paul Evans.

The Canaries sit fourth in the Cymru Premier following Saturday’s dramatic 1-0 win at bottom side Carmarthen Town.

Substitute Cai Jones’ 90th minute decider ensured the Canaries completed a season’s double over the Old Gold.

Josh Bull went close with three early efforts before Cofis loanee Ben Clarke’s powerful effort was deflected over the bar.

Sion Bradley narrowly missed for the visitors, then Jamie Breese’s low attempt seemed destined for the net until home stopper Lee Idzi pulled off an excellent full stretch save.

Caernarfon were running the show at this stage and Idzi produced a stunning save in the 33rd minute to keep out a Nathan Craig free kick.

The second half repeated the pattern of the first, with Caernarfon bossing possession and Carmarthen looking sharp and dangerous on the break.

Bull was instrumental in most of the hosts’ better moments and he was unfortunate not to put his side ahead when his goalbound effort cleared off the line by Gareth Edwards.

Idzi pulled off another excellent stop to foil Craig when he flung himself to his right to keep out a tremendous free kick.

Caernarfon were dealt a real blow in the 64th minute when captain Gareth Edwards was given his second yellow card, and marching orders, for bringing Bull down just outside the box.

Despite their numerical disadvantage, however, it was the Cofis who looked the likeliest to score and both Leo Smith and Sion Bradley threatened before the late arrival of Cai Jones proved key.

The match had entered injury time when Jones gathered the ball on the left flank and spread it to across field to Joe Williams.

The attacking full back fed Bradley on the right and his cross into the six-yard area was met by both Jones and Idzi.

It was the Caernarfon man who was first to the ball as it bounced in front of an open goal, to clinch a dramatic late victory.

Team: Alex Ramsay, Joe Williams, Nathan Craig, Gareth Edwards, Ryan Williams, Leo Smith, Ben Clarke, Danny Brookwell, Sion Bradley, Darren Thomas, Jamie Breese.
Subs (used): Shaun Cavanagh, Gruff John, Cai Jones. Not used: Sam Jones, Osian Goulding.

Caernarfon Town – season statistics

Results and goal scorers 2019-20
Aug 10: Corwen (a – Nathaniel MG Cup) 2-0 (Noah Edwards, Gareth Evans)
Aug 18: The New Saints (h – Cymru Premier) 0-1
Aug 23: Connah’s Quay Nomads (h – CP) 0-0
Aug 26: Cefn Druids (h – CP) 1-1 (Darren Thomas)
Aug 30: Airbus (a – CP) 3-2 (Dave Roberts OG, Thomas, Jamie Breese)
Sep 7: Barry Town United (a – CP) 0-0
Sep 14: Penybont (h – CP) 3-2 (Leo Smith, Breese, Jamie Crowther)
Sep 20: Aberystwyth Town (a – CP) 3-2 (N Edwards, Nathan Craig, Smith)
Sep 24: Prestatyn Town (h – NMG) 1-4 (Sion Bradley)
Sep 27: Newtown (h – CP) 1-0 (Breese)
Oct 4: The New Saints (h – CP) 1-0 (Breese)
Oct 15: Connah’s Quay Nomads (a – CP) 2-4 (Bradley, Danny Brookwell)
Oct 18: Cefn Druids (a – CP) 1-3 (Breese)
Oct 26: Carmarthen Town (h – CP) 2-0 (Smith, Thomas)
Nov 2: Barry Town United (h – CP) 4-1 (Thomas, Gruff John, Craig pen, Bradley)
Nov 8: Newtown (a – CP) 1-3 (Cai Jones)
Nov 29: Cardiff Met (h – CP) 2-1 (C Jones, Craig)
Dec 7: Goytre Utd (a – WC R3) 4-0 (Thomas 2, Craig pen, Smith)
Dec 13: Airbus (h – CP) 5-0 (Thomas 2, Bradley, Smith, Sam Jones)
Dec 21: Carmarthen Town (a – CP) 1-0 (C Jones)
NEXT GAME – Dec 26: Bala Town (h – CP, 5.15 pm)

GOALSCORERS (37)
8 – Darren Thomas
5 – Jamie Breese, Leo Smith
4 – Nathan Craig, Sion Bradley
3 – Cai Jones
2 – Noah Edwards
1 – Jamie Crowther, Gareth Evans, Danny Brookwell, Gruff John, Sam Jones, 1 OG

League: Played 17 Won 10 Drawn 3 Lost 4 Goals For 30 Goals Against 20
Cup: Played 3 Won 2 Lost 1 Goals For 7 Goals Against 4