Eight-goal thriller at Nefyn goes way of Pen Phoenix Reserves

Nefyn United Reserves 3 (O Jones 35, Hayden 48, Evans 90+4)
Penmaenmawr Phoenix Reserves 5 (Paddock 14, Hughes 16 & 69, Benjamin 21 & 33)

Ben Hughes and Harry Benjamin both struck twice as Penmaenmawr celebrated a fine win at Nefyn in the North Wales Coast Reserve League.

The hosts started much the better, but Pen defended well and rode the storm, captain Darren Hughes leading by example all afternoon.

Then Phoenix caught fire with four goals in 19 minutes.

Aaron Keating’s side struck first on 14 minutes when Ben Hughes picked out Tom Paddock, who found the back of the net with a clever finish.

Two minutes later the roles were reversed – Paddock the provider and Hughes the finisher from inside the area.

Hughes’ delightful ball in the 21st minute set up Benjamin, who finished calmly in front of goal.

In the 33rd minute Paddock held the ball up well and lofted a cross-field pass to Benjamin, who finished first time on the volley from inside the box.

Osian Jones pulled one back for the Penwaig in the 35th minute.

Half-time: 4-1

Nefyn came flying out the blocks for the second half and soon cut the deficit through a Calum Hayden goal.

Now the Penwaig really pushed on, backed by their vociferous support, and Pen had to defend extremely well not to concede again.

Then Phoenix turned the tide in the 69th minute with the goal of the game.

Daniel Williams played a ball from the back over Nefyn’s high defensive line for Ben Hughes to run onto. Running at full speed with pressure from two defenders each side Hughes, who was in the mood all afternoon, shot from 20 yards finding the top corner.

In the 72nd minute Jack Jones saw red for Nefyn for a second yellow card.

Dion Jones, who was brilliant all afternoon in Penmaenmawr’s goal stood tall and saved a penalty from Osian Jones in the 81st minute.

Tomi Jones Evans, who was probably Nefyn’s biggest threat all afternoon, scored in the 94th minute but it was only a consolation as the game then ended.