Match of the Day: CPD Porthmadog grab point towards escape – but it should have been more

JD CYMRU NORTH – APRIL 1, 2024

MATCH REPORT – APRIL 1

Chirk AAA 1 (Rhys Edwards 24)
Porthmadog 1 (Rhys Alun Williams 53)

Report: Alan Stubbs (Cymru Sport)

Photographs: Brian Prydden

Easter Monday’s basement battle in the Cymru North league at Holyhead Road ended with the spoils being shared – but one team will feel frustrated that they didn’t come away with three points.

Chirk started on the front foot as early as the 4th minute when a dangerous corner from Steffan Rogers was punched off the line by Porthmadog goalkeeper Oliver Farebrother.

Rogers was dangerous down the line as in 12th minute he put in a cross along the ground only for Louie Middlehurst to slip at the vital moment.

The pressure of both Rogers and Rhys Edwards down the flanks were giving Porthmadog headaches.

It was no surprise when in the 24th minute the Colliers took the lead. Rogers’ cross came back to him, he passed it to the quick feet of Toby Nash who put in a high delivery into the box and with a mix up in the defence Edwards hit the rebounding ball low past Farebrother.

Porthmadog started to get into the game, a pass by captain Cai Jones resulting in impressive striker Rhys Alun Williams hitting the inside of the post with Chirk’s goalkeeper Jack Edwards beaten, only for the ball to go to safety.

Further saves from Edwards, on loan from The New Saints, from Nathan Williams and Rhys Alun Williams kept it 1-0 to the Colliers at half time.

Half time Chirk AAA 1 Porthmadog 0

Whatever Porthmadog manager Stephen Williams said to his players at half time it certainly worked with full back Jake Jones crossing low into the middle and Rhys Alun Williams tucking the ball away in the 53rd minute to send the travelling fans into a frenzy.

Now it was Porthmadog in the ascendancy with livewire Williams setting up Telor Williams to shoot wide across the goal.

Port were starting to use the wings through the pace and craft of Danny Brookwell, who was having a decent battle with Chirk defender Jake Ellison, and full backs Jones and Telor Williams getting in on the act as well.

The final 10 minutes saw only the brilliance of man of the match keeper Edwards keping Chirk in the contest.

In the 86th minute came a world-class save when Jones’ shot was tipped over by Edwards.

In between that, Chirk might have won it with virtually their first shot of the second half when substitute Max McLaughlin weaved in and out of the defence to strike an effort which rattled the post with keeper Farebrother rooted to the spot and the ball again went to safety.

But it was Chirk keeper Edwards who would have the final say as he tipped Rhys Alun Williams shot on to the bar, then late in injury time he produced two more stops from Brookwell.

Chirk’s impressive run continues – 8 points of the last 12 available too late unfortunately to save them from the drop.

Porthmadog’s first point in five matches puts them three behind Prestatyn Town with a better goal difference. Port’s last game of the season is at home against title-chasing Holywell Town.