Words and photos: Barry Griffiths
An eight-goal cracker at the OPS Wind Arena ended in a win for Kinmel Bay which lifted them up to third in the Premier Division.
The game, scheduled for Bay’s home ground Y Morfa, was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch, but Llandudno’s floodlit facility saved the day on Saturday evening.
Spectators witnessed two fine, synchronized experienced teams in battle, great coaches and managers working in formation, training and fitness among the players evident on a cold January evening giving a presentation display of grassroots footy.
Junction’s David Maddock opened the scoring in the ninth minute. Oli Gray replied two minutes later in the first of four Kinmel goals assisted by the legendary Anthony Jones, whose expert corner deliveries were a big feature of the game.
Minute 37 saw Gray assist Mason Richards in notching the Bay’s second.
Junction’s Maddock again scored early in the second half as competition intensified.
Anthony Jones assisted Connor Morris to bag Bay’s third after 58 and 10 minutes later AJ’s exquisite flag kick enabled Paddy Hamid to make it 4-2.
At the 90th minute the Junction’s Curtis Cooper cut the deficit to one, but after 96, sub Daniel Roberts -brought on in the 77th minute – pocketed the clincher for Bay.
Hosts Abergele were unlucky not to take all three points in a heated affair at Eirias Park.
Gele dominated from the off. Their endeavour bore fruit in the ninth minute when Jack Lloyd-Williams struck a thunderous volley from the edge of the box, which nestled in the top corner.
The Gele boys managed to control the game and keep the opposition on the back foot for the remainder of the half to lead 1-0 at the break.
The visitors hit back early on in the second half, with a poacher’s finish from Charlie Lloyd at the back post levelling the scores.
Mochdre then went down to 10 men when Finlay Jones was red-carded through dissent, but Abergele were unable to snatch a winner despite knocking heavily on the opposition’s door.
Rhuddlan must have thought they had this game won twice, but ended up having to settle for a draw.
Town led 2-0 at half time through a Ricci Thomas double and looked to be in a comfortable position.
The visitors maintained this same lead until the 72nd minute, when Hedd Williams pulled one back for Bro.
In the 88th minute, home sub Ryan Lawson made it 2-2, but when Thomas completed his hat-trick immediately, Rhuddlan must have felt it would be their day.
However, Carwyn McFadden levelled a minute into added time and it finished 3-3.
Top of the league and looking awesome entering 2024 – a 6-2 win at a formidable Meliden was a stunning result for Penmaenmawr.
A Daniel Williams hat-trick, Lee Stokes and Ricky Jones strikes plus a Lewis Thompson own goal made for a convincing Phoenix success.
The travellers led 2-0, but goals from Kai Wallis and Frankie Davies made it two-apiece before Williams ensured Pen were ahead at the break.
All to play for in the second half, but Phoenix took control
Substitute Elliott Hughes-Whittaker delivered a 74th minute winner for Rhos after home side Betws had twice come from behind to be level.
In what was a good contest, Gabriel George gave Rhos a fifth-minute lead, Luke Remnant levelled on 39, but Billy Bibby nudged the visitors ahead before the break.
Simon Blain made it 2-2 on 62, but Hughes-Whittaker came up with the game’s crucial fifth goal from a Bret Durkan assist. Other away assists were provided by Scott Court and Tom Brady.
Betws manager Paul Maxwell commented after the match: “It was a very close game and both teams had chances. We were unlucky not to come away with a point but well done Rhos, played well – there’s a good set of lads there
“We trailed 1-0 before Luke Remnant scored for us with a free kick outside area into the top corner.
“Rhos made it 2-1 just before half time with an excellent finish
“In the second half we started lively; I made a couple of changes and Simon Blain made 2-2 with his 5th goal in 6 games.
“Both teams battled well before Rhos nicked it. Betws still put pressure on till the end. We were unlucky today, we were missing a few lads as well , including regular keeper Martin King. Sam Hawkins stepped and produced a top proformance, pulling off some great saves
“It’s definitely coming together at Betws but we’ve got keep working hard.”
Debuts were given to Dom Midgley, signed from Glan Conwy, and Harry Lee Birchall, brought in from Llanrwst United Reserves. Both lads are expected to add to Betws’ attacking capabilities.
Eight wins from eight starts for Bow.
Robbie Parry put them ahead on 12 minutes from a Loui O’Carroll assist and Azz Boyle added a second in first half stoppage time.
The excellent Charlie Jones came to the fore in the second half with goals on 47 and 78 minutes.
Harrison Bellis’ double for Y Glannau brought his goals tally for the season to 36 in 18 games – an average of 2.00 per match.
Joel Massam edged Llysfaen in front after 25 minutes from a Sam Sheridan assist, but Luke Stanley levelled on 26, Josh McGillivray setting him up.
Chris Bower made it 2-1 to the hosts just before the hour, Chris McQuillen with the assist on this occasion.
The game still needed to be won, so enter Harrison Bellis.
MacGillivray teed up the striker for his first on 74, then Bellis made it 4-1 after 88, Bower with the assist.
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