Carl Owen strikes twice late on to secure brilliant win for Porthmadog at Maesdu

Llandudno 0
Porthmadog 2 (Carl Owen 85 & 89)
Huws Gray Fitlock Cymru Alliance League – March 3, 2001

Two goals in the last five minutes from Carl Owen clinched three great points for a Port side reduced to 10 men just before half time when Gareth Caughter was dismissed for abusive language.

Porthmadog made it five consecutive wins at the expense of a Tudno outfit which had only recently beaten high-flying Caernarfon Town.

The visitors were to the fore in the early stages and there was a flurry of opportunities.

After four minutes they were unlucky not to take the lead when a powerful Dafydd Evans free-kick crashed against the bar and soon after an accurate Steven Pugh cross found Owen in space in front of goal but his header went straight into the hands of keeper Paul Walker.

Pugh again broke on the right to feed inside to Kevin Roberts but his shot was easily saved.

Then after 12 minutes came Llandudno’s first worthwhile attack when Gary John Jones advanced along the right and his cross found Grant Montgomery free, but the striker’s shot was off target.

The game settled into a quieter period and it was not until the 34th minute that either side really threatened.

Walker managed to parry a Owen effort into the path of Lewis Coady, whose follow-up shot was well over.

Then after 40 minutes Caughter was red-carded for verbals and it appeared as though this would be the turning point in the game in Llandudno’s favour.

Half-time: 0-0

Llandudno came out in the second period determined to take advantage of their numerical superiority.

The Port defence, in outstanding form, were lacking Mike Foster and Danny Hughes, both out through injury.

They were, however, fortunate to be able to call on the services of Warren Gibbs returning after suspension and the ever-dependable Richard Hughes.

Now the match was being played mainly in the Port half but despite this the home side huffed and puffed without creating many clear chances.

The Port back four retained control, though under pressure, with skipper Campbell Harrison inspirational.

Port remained dangerous on the break and on the hour Coady broke along the left and cut inside finding Pugh with a low cross, but the midfielder’s shot shaved the post.

When it seemed both sides would have to settle for a draw, Carl Owen collected the ball in midfield and ran 35 yards, avoiding Alan Goodwin’s desperate tackle before beating Walker and putting visitors ahead after 85 minutes.

Llandudno threw everything into attack and it needed a fine low diving save from Kenny – four clean sheets in a row – Dixon to keep them out.

Port had kept the best move of the match until the 89th minute when Neil Roberts won the ball in the centre circle before making ground and finding Pugh on the right.

Pugh’s pinpoint cross was headed in by Owen from close range. This gave Owen his 10th goal in 10 games since joining the club.

Llandudno: Walker, Dews, Halloran, Scott Jones, Goodwin, Steve Evans, Ben Hughes, Allan Jones, Montgomery, Robshaw, Gary J Jones. Subs: Al Roberts, Bryn Roberts, Paul Williams.

Port: Dixon, Martin Jones, Gibbs, Hughes, Harrison, Evans (Neil Roberts), Pugh, Coady, Caughter, Kevin Roberts, Carl Owen.