Ardal North East – Cefn Albion romp to victory but more disappointment for Chirk AAA

LOCK STOCK ARDAL NORTH EAST – REPORTS FOR DECEMBER 18

Corwen 2 Penycae 3

Report: Gavin Billington

A disappointing defeat for Corwen whose below par form at their adopted home of Maes Tegid continued.

Since their enforced relocation in September, the Edeyrnion side have taken just seven points out of a possible 21 at the Bala ground.

Early on Corwen’s Tom Williams ran down the wing before crossing into the path of James Davies, who saw his shot blocked and rebound into the path of Scott Evans, whose resulting effort was saved by Benjamin Darlington.

On the quarter hour William Scott gave the ball away in the danger area to Tom Williams, who lobbed the oncoming Darlington and put Corwen ahead.

With 31 minutes on the clock the hosts failed to clear their lines and Evan Woodall unleashed an unstoppable pile-driver into the top corner of the net from the edge of the box.

After the interval Penycae’s Jaden Jones’ shot at goal was parried by Corwen number one Josh Williams, who was able to recover and gather the ball at the second time of asking with a visiting player in hot pursuit.

On 57 minutes Woodall added an assist to his goal as from a corner he set up Kieran Smith to fire the ball home.

Woodall was in the thick of the action four minutes later when his low shot along the goal-line did not look as if it had gone in; however an eagle-eyed linesman spotted the ball had narrowly crossed the line before rolling back again and waved his flag to signify a goal could be awarded.

Corwen were not 3-1 down for long though, as two minutes later Oliver Jones headed into the back of the net from a Scott Evans corner.

Penycae smashed one against the post before forcing Josh Williams into two saves.

In stoppage time Scott Evans floated a free kick from halfway into a crowded penalty area, where to Corwen’s dismay it was gathered by Darlington and the game was over.

Rhos Aelwyd 2 Chirk AAA 1

After going unbeaten in their first 14 matches Chirk have now lost their last two and remain two points behind leaders Llanfair United – although with three games in hand.

Saturday’s loss at Rhos Aelwyd was unexpected, but the hosts were good value for the points.

Managers Aled Parry and Steffan Edwards set the home team up to play on the counter and soak up Chirk pressure.

The plan was executed perfectly with the Colliers not creating too many chances.

Scott Reeves opened the scoring for Aelwyd in the 38th minute with a well-taken finish.

Rhos had to shuffle the pack after a nasty head injury to Dyfan Smith, but went in 1-0 up.

In the second half Chirk pressed more, but this allowed a few half-chances to fall Aelwyd’s way.

Impressive after coming on midway through the half, Ed Neale hit the crossbar and Tom Smith failed to put away the rebound.

However, Smith got his reward in the 90th minute with a strike into the bottom corner after great play from Daniel Roberts.

Chirk scored late consolation in the sixth minute of added time through Louie Middlehurst, but the hosts held on for a big three points.

Welshpool Town 0 Cefn Albion 4

Alex Williams (2), Jimmy Jones and Mike Latham shared the goals for Albion, who are right in the title picture in third spot.

Four Crosses 2 Berriew 4

Will Four Crosses ever get that elusive first home win at Foxen Manor this season?

In 11 league fixtures at their brilliantly-named HQ this term, Crosses have suffered 10 defeats and managed just a single draw – against Penycae in the very first game they hosted.

Berriew became the latest visiting side to take three points at the northern Powys village on Saturday, Joe Haycock with a hat-trick and Edward Baker adding a single, Rhys Owen replying with a double for Crosses.

Kerry 0 Carno 4

Second half substitute Josh Matthews bagged a treble for victorious Carno.

The visitors led just 1-0 at half time, courtesy of a 36th minute Sean Wild net-finder.

Both teams had a player red carded in the opening 45 minutes – Charlie Mainwaring walking for Kerry and Jack Orbell for the away side.