Thomas thunderbolt wins day for Caernarfon
JD CYMRU PREMIER REPORT – NOVEMBER 9
Briton Ferry Llansawel 0
Caernarfon Town 1 (Thomas 38)
Although this was Caernarfon’s first league win in five attempts they sit just a point off fourth place in sixth spot.
To be in such a decent position reflects how well the Canaries have performed in stages this term, including a stunning 2-1 victory at The New Saints, which was actually their last triumph before Saturday’s success at the Old Road Welfare Ground.
Llansawel made a positive start, Ellis Sage testing Cofis keeper Stephen McMullan with an early volley.
It was home keeper Will Fuller’s turn to impress when he kept out Paulo Mendes’ powerful close range header from a Zack Clarke delivery via the left.
The only goal of the match arrived in the 38th minute. Mendes curled in a cross from the left and an attempted clearance fell to Darren Thomas, who lashed home a fierce half-volley, giving Fuller no hope.
Town threatened at the start of the second half when captain Gruff John’s header from a Thomas corner landed on top of the net.
McMullan proved his worth with a couple of sharp saves, first grabbing a firm dipping volley from Tom Price from his under his crossbar before doing well to hold on to a swerving effort from sub Caleb Demery.
Caernarfon had a goal disallowed before home sub Corey Hurford went down under challenge in the box and Canaries supporters may have feared the worst, but referee Mark Petch cautioned the Ferry player for simulation.
The Cofis had a chance to seal it when a sublime pass from Louis Lloyd released Clarke, who blasted high and wide.
There was a claim Clarke had been fouled by Kian Jenkins’ last-ditch challenge and therefore a penalty should have been awarded, but Mr Petch remained unmoved.
So yet again, the Cofi Messi proved the difference, as he has so many times in a Caernarfon shirt. The 37-year-old evergreen Darren Thomas continues to amaze.
CAERNARFON TOWN
Stephen McMullan, Morgan Owen, Gruff John (c), Phillip Mooney, Zack Clarke (Osian Evans 88), Daniel Gosset (Matty Jones 82), Adam Davies, Darren Thomas (Louis Lloyd 74), Sam Downey, Paulo Mendes, Ryan Sears. Unused subs: Hari Thomas (GK), Stefan Edwards, Joe Faux.