Flashback – 10 years ago: Paul Roberts hat-trick knocks out the Cofis

Caernarfon Town 2 (Kevin Lloyd 26, Dylan Owen 73)
Porthmadog 4 (Paul Roberts 5, 18 pen & 70, Jonathan Sadler 53 pen)
North Wales Coast Challenge Cup – October 27, 2010

Paul Roberts was a hat-trick hero as Challenge Cup holders Porthmadog successfully negotiated the first hurdle in their attempt to keep the trophy 10 years ago today.

Roberts opened his account after only five minutes. He turned well after receiving Mike Foster’s throw-in, creating space for himself and beating the keeper from the edge of the box.

His second came after 18 minutes when he found the corner of the net from the penalty spot.

Roberts had to wait until the 70th minute to complete his hat-trick, scoring from close range after Richie Owen’s initial shot took a deflection into the striker’s path.

Two up after 20 minutes, Cymru Alliance outfit Port relaxed and Welsh Alliance Caernarfon used the strong wind on their backs to good effect.

Though caught offside on numerous occasions they took advantage of Port’s high defensive line to cause several moments of panic.

It was no surprise when a good break led to an accurate cross from the right and Kevin Lloyd scored with an excellent far post header.

It could have been level but for a top quality save by Richard Harvey, diving to his right to keep out a well hit free kick.

Half time: Caernarfon 1 Porthmadog 2

There was a second visiting penalty eight minutes into the second half when Gareth Parry was brought down in the box.
Jonathan Sadler stepped up to score from the spot for 3-1.

Unfortunately the continued protests against the penalty decision led to the dismissal of Town’s Kevin Lloyd.

Despite being down to 10 men Caernarfon continued to battle away but Roberts’ third made the score 4-1.

It became 4-2 shortly after when for the third time in the match the referee pointed to the spot and Dylan Owen converted for the home side.

In the final 15 minutes Port seemed to regain their composure and Jamie McDaid in particular threatened the home defence with some good runs.

The closest Port came to their fifth goal was when a Cai Jones header thudded against the bar from close range.

Porthmadog: Richard Harvey, Euron Roberts, Mike Foster, Gareth Owen, Ryan Davies, Jack Jones, Richie Owen (Iwan Williams), Jamie McDaid, Gareth Parry (Cai Jones), Paul Roberts, Jonathan Sadler (Barry Evans).
Caernarfon line-up not available.

Many thanks to Gareth Williams for the match information and CPD Porthmadog for the photograph