O’Rourke wonder goal sets up Caernarfon for win that lifts them to fourth

CYMRU PREMIER – OCTOBER 21, 2022

Caernarfon Town 2 (O’Rourke 20, Marsh-Hughes 74)
Aberystwyth Town 1 (Litchfield 81)

A stunning goal from Fidel O’Rourke was the launch pad for a third win on the bounce that lifted Caernarfon up to fourth in the Cymru Premier League on Friday evening.

The Cofis had an early opportunity when captain Dion Donohue brought the ball down on the left of the area, cut inside onto his right foot but dragged the shot wide.

Then after 20 minutes came a candidate for at least goal of the month.

Aber were trying to head the ball clear when from around 15 yards Liverpool loanee O’Rourke scored with a magnificent overhead kick which sent The Oval into raptures.

Iwan Cartwright drilled a great effort just wide before O’Rourke twice threatened, first missing from an angle before heading Josef Faux’s superb cross off target.

The hosts continued to attack with promise after the interval, Noah Edwards finding Dan Gosset, who blasted inches past the post from 18 yards.

Aber began to look more dangerous and at still 1-0 remained very much in the contest.

Harry Arnison let fly from the edge of the box and Josh Tibbetts produced a great diving save.

The visitors created difficulties at set pieces for the home side with their height and Caernarfon were relieved to make it 2-0 on 74 minutes.

A long ball forward from Aaron Simpson led to Aber defender Ben Erickson hitting a far-too-short back pass to his keeper, enabling Lloyd Marsh-Hughes to nip in and finish brilliantly from an angle.

Aber kept trying and on 81 minutes Sam Litchfield headed in from a left-wing corner to set up a frantic climax.

Chances fell at both ends, but there were no further goals. Another crucial three points for Huw Griffiths’ men.