Porthmadog to meet Colwyn Bay in league cup northern semi-final

WELSH BLOOD SERVICE CYMRU NORTH LEAGUE CUP SEMI-FINALS

CPD PORTHMADOG 1 (Mahoney 75)
CHIRK AAA 1 (Ellison 90 +1)
(Porthmadog win on penalties 5-3)

Report: Mr Treflyn Jones – with thanks

Penalties were needed to settle a hard-fought semi-final at Y Traeth which saw hosts Porthmadog emerge triumphant.

Just four weeks earlier, Port had been thrashed 5-0 at home by Chirk in a Cymru North league game, but last Saturday’s rematch was a completely different story.

There were few highlights during an equal but absorbing first half.

Gareth Jones-Evans’ shot sailed over the bar for Port, before Chirk’s powerful Max McLaughlin drove just past the upright.

The visitors went very close when Port keeper Morgan Jones made a trademark stop with his legs right on the goal-line, while a good-looking header by Nathan Williams cannoned off a Colliers defender’s shoulder to safety.

Early in the second half, huge controversy.

Morgan Jones was forced into two very fine double saves, but it strongly appeared one of these attempts from Rhys Edwards had crossed the line. No goal was the referee’s decision, much to the annoyance of the Chirk contingent.

Port were then aggrieved after a seemingly legitimate goal from Cai Jones was wiped out for offside.

On 75 minutes, Port took the lead. Ifan Emlyn floated in a left-footed inswinging corner and the excellent Tom Mahoney rose high above everyone to nod home.

Chirk pressed hard for an equaliser and in added time it arrived.

A corner from the left was not properly cleared and Jake Ellison produced a stunning low volley to even things up.

No added time, straight to spot-kicks.

Port converted their first four before Chirk missed their fourth, courtesy of a fine save to his left by Morgan Jones. It was left to Cai Jones to convert the winning kick.

Porthmadog now face champions-elect Colwyn Bay in the northern final at a neutral venue to be confirmed later.

TEAMS

Porthmadog: Morgan Jones, Stuart Rogers, Josh Banks, Nathan Williams, Gruff Ellis, Ifan Emlyn, Alex Boss (Gerwyn Williams 75), Tom Mahoney, Cai Jones, Cian Pritchard, (Marcus Banks 75) Gareth Jones-Evans, (Meilir Williams 66).

Chirk AAA: Mark Richards, Jack Edwards, Ryan Williams, Jake Ellison, Matty Williams, Ashton Williams (Adam Williams 86), Rhys Edwards, Josh Phillips (Jake Jones 80), Dale Davies, Steffan Rogers (Tristan Lloyd 80), Max McLaughlin (Louie Middlehurst 86).

COLWYN BAY 4 (Platt 20, Downes 32, Downey 87, McCready pen 90+3)
GUILSFIELD 1 (Blenkinsop 53)

Bay stayed on course for a double as the Cymru North champions-elect advanced to the northern final of the Welsh Blood Service League Cup at the expense of Guilsfield.

Steve Evans’ side needed two late goals to make sure of their 16th successive victory in all competitions.

The visitors had both manager Nathan Leonard and captain Jolyon Harries shown red cards at the end of each half.

Kristian Platt and Alex Downes scored for the hosts in the first half, before Steven Blenkinsop pulled one back for Guilsfield shortly after the break.

Platt then missed a penalty but the Seagulls made it a comfortable victory late on as substitute Sam Downey scored in the 87th minute and Tom McCready converted from the penalty spot in stoppage time.