Welsh Cup: Porthmadog edge out Chirk on pens

JD WELSH CUP ROUND TWO – OCTOBER 14, 2023

Chirk AAA 1 (Parrish 16)
CPD Porthmadog 1 (N Williams 80)
(Porthmadog won 5-3 on penalties)

Report: Mr Trevlyn Jones

Lightning struck twice as for the second time in a matter of months, a cup tie between these sides ended 1-1 and went to penalties – with Porthmadog prevailing 5-3.

The outcome of Saturday’s Welsh Cup second round clash at Holyhead Road was identical to a Welsh Blood Service League Cup encounter involving the same teams at Y Traeth in March 2023.

In the latest drama between these Cymru North foes, Craig Papirnyk’s side reached the last 32 of the 2023-24 Welsh Cup after a hard-earned success over the Colliers.

Port were immediately on the front foot and the brilliant Danny Brookwell went close on three occasions during the opening 12 minutes.

However, against the run of play, Chirk opened the scoring with their first real attempt on target.

Telor Williams lost out in a 50-50 challenge on the edge of the box. The ball was squared to Spencer Parrish, who sent an impressive low drive past Alex Ward-Jones in the Port goal.

The goal gave the hosts much heart and they went very close to a second before the break.

Chirk started the second period well, and Ward-Jones impressively managed to thwart a clear run on goal as he dived successfully at the onrushing forward’s feet.

Port then nearly equalised as Rhys Alun shot into the side-netting when seemingly well-placed.

Chirk went extremely close to a second before finally, after a string of patient attacks, Port gained a deserved 80th minute equaliser when a bullet header by Nathan Williams from a Shaun Cavanagh corner found the net.

The last 10 minutes were tense indeed as Port continued to press and Chirk looked dangerous on the counter.

In the final seconds home substitute Rhys Edwards was sent through on goal but was finally thwarted by a last-ditch tackle.

So it was a familiar spot-kicks scenario between this pair and the shoot-out went as follows:

PENALTIES

Port’s Shaun Cavanagh scores by sending the keeper the wrong way – 1-0
Rhys Edwards for Chirk sees his low right-footer well-saved by Ward-Jones – 1-0 Port
Morgan Owen scores confidently –2-0 Port
Matty Owen reduces the arrears for Chirk –2-1 Port
Stuart Rogers blasts home –3-1 Port
Louie Middlehurst scores for the hosts –3-2 Port
Cai Jones ….no messing! – 4-2 Port
Joshua Evans nets for never say die Chirk –4-3 Port
Tom Mahoney’s left foot net-finder puts the game beyond Chirk –5-3 Port.

CHIRK AAA

Oliver Farebrother, Jack Edwards, Spencer Parrish, Regan Jones, Matty Williams, Tristan Lloyd, Steffan Rogers, Ryan Davies, Louie Middlehurst, Joshua Evans, Iwan Hardy (Rhys Edwards 74).

PORTHMADOG

Alex Ward-Jones, Morgan Owen, Josh Banks (Zac Pike 90+3), Nathan Williams, Caio Evans (Elis Puw 90), Ryan Williams (Gruff Ellis 30), Shaun Cavanagh, Cai Jones, Danny Brookwell, Telor Williams (Tom Mahoney 68), Rhys Alun (Stuart Rogers 68).

The draw for Round 3 of the JD Welsh Cup will be streamed on RedWall+ at 8 pm on Wednesday, 18 October.