Ardal North East – Dolgellau produce great performance in holding leaders to draw

Report: Ardal North East – December 19

Dolgellau AAFC 1 (G Williams 4)
Llanfair United 1 (P Griffiths 33)

Dolgellau performed extremely well to hold Ardal North East leaders Llanfair United to a draw – and Owain Williams’ side could have claimed all three points.

Seeking a first win in six outings, the home side were targeting a double having won 2-1 at Llanfair back in August.

Dolgellau made a dream start at Cae Marian on Sunday when they took the lead after just four minutes.

A fine cross from the left enabled Gerwyn Williams to drill home from 12 yards.

Unbeaten in five, Llanfair were shellshocked and had to endure plenty of home pressure in the opening 20 minutes.

The visitors got back on terms after 33 minutes, Paul Griffiths netting with a free kick awarded for a foul on Max McLaughlin on the edge of the area.

Dolgellau had legitimate claims for a penalty waved away after a challenge on Williams in the box.

Just before the break, Williams’ fierce volley forced a fine stop from United keeper Mark Richards, then McLaughlin rattled the post from a 30-yard strike at the other end.

Half-time: 1-1

In a feisty second half, Llanfair’s Matt Spencer found the net with an acrobatic effort, but the goal was disallowed for an earlier infringement.

Dolgellau looked the more dangerous in general though, David Edwards denied by a save before Williams had two opportunities but fired straight at the keeper both times.

The hosts kept the prolific Josh Astley quiet all afternoon and could feel very proud at the end of the game.

Gerwyn Williams, who returned to the team following a lengthy injury which had kept him out since the start of October, made a huge impression and was awarded Man of the Match and also the Supporters MoM.

He said: “It was great to be finally back on the pitch, and scoring on my return was obviously a bonus.
“We all had to dig deep against a very experienced side in Llanfair but to be honest I thought on another day we could have claimed all three points.

“I’d like to thank all the supporters that came down to support, over 100, it’s a massive boost for all of us.”

Manager Owain Williams added: “The players are a joy to work with and their commitment and work rate are excellent.

“They always show a brilliant attitude and are all dedicated to improving themselves and the team – that is evident as we train twice a week.

“It’s no surprise to me that we can compete with the top teams, like Llanfair, who we have managed to take four points off this season.

“The continuous support of the town is massive to us, especially those who want to see the club do well, so a huge thanks to you all.”