FLASHBACK – 20 years ago: Late goals earn Rhyl victory over unlucky Porthmadog

Twenty years ago this week Porthmadog conceded two late goals in a 3-1 defeat at Welsh Premier League champions Rhyl FC.

Here is how Port correspondent GARETH WILLIAMS reported on the game.

Vauxhall Masterfit Welsh Premier – November 16, 2004
Rhyl 3 (Brewerton 45 & 86, McGinn 93)
Porthmadog 1 (Mark Williams 69)

Two late goals gave Rhyl the three points though the final scoreline hardly reflected the run of play on the night.

Goals in the 86th and, then with Port throwing everything into attack, an injury time header by super sub Chris McGinn settled a fiercely contested match.

From the outset it was clear that this would be a bruising battle in very difficult conditions with a swirling wind and a steady drizzle.

There were few clear opportunities at either end before a good Port build-up on the half hour gave Mark Williams a shooting chance, but he was wide of the target.

Almost immediately the visitors won a free-kick on the right and a finely struck ball by Gareth Parry reached John Gwynfor Jones on the far post, but his shot slid narrowly the wrong side of the upright.

Rhyl’s most threatening attacks came from set pieces as they lifted high free-kicks into the box and from an in swinging Marc Limbert corner, Gerard McGuigan had to rise well to touch over the bar.

It was no surprise that the half’s only goal came from a set piece, though it arrived very much against the run of play.

On the stroke of half-time a Limbert corner glanced off Mike Foster’s forehead into the goal mouth. There Rhyl defender James Brewerton reacted first to put the home side ahead at the interval.

HALF-TIME: Rhyl 1 Porthmadog 0

The Lilywhites began the second half strongly, Lee Hunt shooting wide before a good opening created by Chris Adamson on the left saw McGuigan pull off a point blank save to keep out Peter Smith.

Port came back into the game and on 69 minutes once again it was a set piece that produced the goal.

A well placed Parry free-kick from the left touchline was met by Mark Williams’ superb curling header into the far corner of the net.

Within minutes Port could have gone ahead when Gareth Caughter failed to get enough power on his shot from 10 yards out.

Then with a draw seeming the most likely conclusion Rhyl struck again in the 86th minute from a set-piece.

Limbert’s long corner was headed back towards the far post where Brewerton was again on hand to force the ball into the net.

With time running out Port threw caution to the wind in the hope of forcing the draw which their overall play had deserved.

This invited the quick counter and in the 93rd minute quick transfer from the back found Limbert free on the right and the winger’s fine cross picked out sub McGinn, who headed home superbly.

Rhyl showed the spirit and determination of champions prepared to go the distance. Port on the other hand will feel that they deserved a share of the spoils as they once more proved they can battle it out on equal terms with the best teams in the league.

Port: Gerard McGuigan: John G Jones, Ryan Davies, Lee Webber, Mike Foster: Tony Williams (Ritchie Owen), Gareth Parry, Owain Roberts (Jon Peris Jones), Gareth Caughter: Mark Williams, Carl Owen. Subs not used: Dafydd Evans, Tom Reynolds, Barry Evans.

Rhyl: Paul Smith, James Brewerton, Greg Stones, Kenny Burgess (Chris McGinn), Tim Edwards, Mark Powell, Gareth Wilson, Marc Limbert, Lee Hunt (Lee Atherton), Peter Smith (Gary Powell), Chris Adamson.

FINAL LEAGUE POSITIONS IN 2004-05

Rhyl 2nd
Porthmadog 11th

RHYL v PORTHMADOG MEETINGS IN 2004-05 (both league games)

Nov 16, 2004: Rhyl 3 Porthmadog 1
Mar 22, 2005: Porthmadog 0 Rhyl 3 (Andy Moran pen, Chris Adamson, Gareth Wilson)