Ardal North East – Corwen celebrate best win of season, leaders Caersws win seven-goal thriller, Cefn Albion lose

ARDAL NORTH EAST REPORTS – FEBRUARY 18

Builth Wells 2 (Evans, Powell)
Corwen 4 (T Williams 2, Cordiner, Appleby)

Report: Martin Lyons

Corwen’s excellent recent run hit new heights as they improved on a four-draw streak with a first league win since November.

Lee Pope’s side certainly did it the hard way with a 4-2 success at Lant Fields, home to one of the Ardal North East’s strongest sides Builth Wells.

Corwen made the long trip to Powys to fulfill a fixture delayed from December.

Their partner club in the USA – Cleveland Cobras – very kindly contributed towards the team bus, meaning players, officials and supporters could make the trip in five-star comfort.

In a very open game, marshalled well by referee Neil Bayliss, chances were created at both ends with many in the crowd saying it was the best match of the season so far in the picturesque market town.

Corwen were ahead as early as the sixth minute when Tom Williams pounced to score a fourth goal since his return in the January transfer window.

This was quickly followed by a net-finder for Owen Cordiner – a quality finish from a tight angle after good work by both Henry and Scott Evans.

This was Owen’s first goal since his recent return from an appendicitis operation

Builth quickly showed why they have been among the front runners this season – having beaten leaders Caersws in their previous home game – with two goals in three minutes before the half hour mark to make the scores level.

First, a peach of a cross by Lyndon Jones was met by Jamie Evans with a fine header at the far post. This was soon added to by a well-directed finish by Richard Powell after a Corwen defensive error.

Chances came thick and fast for both sides before the break but it remained 2-2, players leaving the field at half time to strong applause from both sets of supporters.

The second half opened brightly for the visitors with Scott Evans, Kieron Smith and Cordiner all going close with long range efforts.

Builth continued to pressure the visitors defence – with Powell and Chris Jones forcing a fine double save from Will Hughes.

The second half deadlock was broken with 20 minutes to go with a fine first goal for Corwen from Luke Appleby, who turned and shot from 12 yards – leaving keeper Zeke Vivian helpless.

Corwen sealed the win with an unstoppable volley from Tom Williams after 77 minutes following fine approach play from Robbie Lewis and Ryan Billington.

A fine overall display from Corwen was rewarded with the vital three points despite huge pressure from the home team in the closing minutes – desperate to maintain their impressive home form – having only lost once at Lant previously this season.

The teams meet again on March 4 at Corwen War Memorial Park – definitely a “must-see” fixture.

Man of the match award was jointly awarded to Matt Pleavin and Oli Crimp – rock solid in the heart of the Corwen defence.

Cefn Albion 1 Bow Street 2

Albion’s title hopes took a big knock as they lost for the first time in eight league matches.

The second-placed Cefners went down to two late goals from Bow Street, who lie third and are now levels on points with the Wrexham-area side.

Jordan Johnson put Albion in front after 18 minutes and it remained 1-0 before the home team’s Jordan Williams was sent off for a second yellow on 78.

Three minutes later John James made it 1-1, then after 89 Rhydian Davies converted a penalty to win it for Bow.

Dolgellau 3 Caersws 4

In a seven-goal thriller, leaders Caersws sealed the points with a Peter Rees winner on 82 minutes, the Bluebirds having led 3-0 before being pegged back to 3-3.

Two own goals on eight and 14 minutes from the luckless Jonathan Harisson put the visitors two-up before a Glynn Coney penalty made it three at half time.

Dolgellau fought back admirably after the restart, Robert Evans and Jake Jones cutting the deficit to one with goals on 47 and 55 minutes respectively.

Daniel Thomas made it 3-3 after 74 and it was now anyone’s game. However, Caersws got a second wind and Rees’ strike eight minutes from time clinched it.

Llanfair United 2 Penycae 2

Despite ending up with nine men Penycae took a point away from Mount Field.

Karl Seliaerts edged Llanfair ahead with a ninth-minute penalty, but Liam Sklenar levelled soon after.

Seliaerts struck again from the spot right on half time.

Jaden Jones restored parity for Pen with a 70th minute effort and there were no more goals, although the visitors had both Callum Dutton and Drew Wickens red-carded in added on time.

So Penycae lost Drew, but they still drew.

Llanrhaeadr-ym-Mochnant 1 Llangollen Town 3

Good win for Llangollen, secured by two Jake Hayward penalties – one in each half – and a Ben Duffy goal.

Matthew Evans responded for Llanrhaeadr, who had manager Michael Barton dismissed on 89 minutes for a second yellow card.

Welshpool Town 2 Llanuwchllyn 5

Warren Aykroyd-Duckett (2), Sam Evans, Will Owen and a Jake Parr own goal combined to deliver a fine away win for Llan,

William Thomas and James Clewlow with Welshpool’s responses.