Jamie Jones strikes twice late on to clinch the Quarry Cup for Penmaenmawr Phoenix

NORTH WALES COAST EAST PREMIER DIVISION

Penmaenmawr Phoenix 2 (J Jones 2)
Llanfairfechan Town 1 (Hughes pen 16)

A late double from Jamie Jones clinched the Quarry Cup for Penmaenmawr after a thrilling Tuesday night derby at Cae Sling.

A bumper crowd of 274 turned out to watch the highly-anticipated tunnels derby.

Last season Llan managed to get the better of Pen in two league fixtures. Phoenix, with a new management set-up and some fresh faces, were looking to avenge their rivals.

The game started at a fast pace with both sides well up for the contest.

Fechan were on the front foot with the talented brothers Harry and Elliot Croston causing problems with their pace up top, closing down Pen defenders to stop them from playing football from the back.

This led to a few free kicks on the edge of the Phoenix area which James Cory was unable to take advantage of.

Harry Croston continued to cause Pen problems down the left and in the 16th minute he was brought down inside the area to win a penalty which Danny Hughes put away confidently into the corner of Liam Jones’ net.

Phoenix than began to create a few chances of their own. Alfie Caldecott went close only for Sam Tidswell to make a fantastic save in a one-versus-one situation.

Veteran Mike Lundstram lifted the ball over the onrushing keeper, but was denied by Jamie Haggas who made a great recovery to clear off his own goal-line.

HALF-TIME: 0-1.

Penmaenmawr’s management team made a triple change at half time and directed a change of shape with debutant for the second time Mezz Knight entering the field of play.

Pen began the second half on the front foot this time, playing some good football and winning the battle in the middle of the park.

Ben Jarvis and Ricky Jones got the hosts playing and started to open up Town’s defence,

Lundstram missed from a free header at the back post after some great play down the right from Jamie Jones.

Ben Jarvis missed a one-on-one after great work to nick the ball back in midfield. Jarvis was then sin binned for 10 minutes for questioning the ref’s decision to not give him a free kick on the edge of the box.

It was beginning to feel like one of them nights for the Phoenix, however club legend Darren Evans had come on in the 70th minute. The midfielder was also finding openings in the Llanfair defence with his different range of passing.

In the 81st minute joy for the Phoenix ! It was all-square when Jamie Jones managed to score direct from a corner.

Phoenix weren’t finished as they could sense the game was there for the taking and with that never give up attitude got their rewards in the 89th minute.

Midfielder Evans picked the ball up from his keeper Liam Jones and with one touch played a fantastic ball down the right hand side to brother in law Jamie Jones who then set the Sling alight, a fantastic solo run beating two defenders before cutting in at the edge of the box and curling the ball into the top corner giving Tidswell no chance.

Cae Sling erupted and the Phoenix saw the game out to take back the Quarry Cup.

Phoenix manager Azz Keating after the game had this to say: “Great night for the club and great to see so many people come out to watch local football.

“It’s been a frustrating week having lost 2 on the bounce, one in the league and one in the Welsh Cup after dominating both games, but being on the wrong side of the results.

“Tonight we weren’t anywhere near at our best but to get the win is exactly what the lads deserved. We have a great squad and that never give up attitude will go along way for us this season.”