Sub Ainsworth clinches stunning derby win for CPD Pwllheli
Lock Stock Ardal North West – December 28, 2024
CPD Pwllheli 1 (Ainsworth 78)
Porthmadog 0
What a remarkable turnaround from Pwllheli!
Seven days after a second half capitulation in an 8-2 defeat at winless bottom side Menai Bridge Tigers, Carl Jones’ side produced an astonishing comeback to beat Ardal North West leaders Porthmadog in Saturday’s Llŷn derby.
While the visitors dominated the match for long periods in terms of territory and possession, they failed to get the better of a dogged and physical Pwllheli outfit.
Pwll produced their only promising attack of the first half on four minutes when a dangerous low cross into the six-yard area evaded everyone.
On 10 minutes, Port playmaker Danny Brookwell sent a left-footed drive wide before Rhys Alun burst through two challenges before his firm low attempt was well saved at his near post by Morgan Jones.
Port were awarded a free kick on the edge of the area after a foul on Sion Williams but Rhys Alun’s attempt went straight into the arms of the keeper.
Half-time: 0-0
Gradually during the second half Porthmadog upped the tempo and put Pwllheli under pressure with a string of corner kicks.
Chris Jones’ men were thwarted by two excellent saves by Morgan Jones in the space of a minute.
First, substitute Elis Puw climbed high above the Pwllheli defence and his excellent looping header was grabbed quite superbly by Jones. Then, the home keeper did extremely well to save with his left boot from a low shot that had ‘goal’ written all over it.
The winning goal arrived against the run of play after 78 minutes.
A Port attack broke down on the edge of the area and the ball arrived at the feet of substitute Ashley Ainsworth on the right wing just inside the Port half.
Gruff Ellis, who had not put a foot wrong all afternoon, inexplicably slipped on the turf when there appeared to be little sign of danger and Ainsworth was clean through.
The substitute forward kept his composure and slotted the ball past the onrushing Oliver Farebrother into the corner of the net to the delight of the Pwllheli fans.
Port threw the kitchen sink at the Pwllheli back-line in the closing minutes, but the hosts defended heroically.
Saturday’s attendance of 811 was highly commendable for a Llŷn derby the home side – keeper Jones and match-winner Ashworth especially – will never forget.
Pwllheli: Morgan Jones, Dafydd Buckley, Carl Jones, Steffan Alford, Gwyn Ellis Williams, Louis McFarlane, Steffan Toplis (Jamie Banks 88), Gethin Williams, Luke Steele (Ashley Ainsworth 65), Jack Jones (Sion Jones 80), Josua Jones (Iwan Roberts-Jones 64)
Unused sub :- Jamie Underwood.
Porthmadog: Oliver Farebrother, Nathan Williams (Mabon Owen 84), Josh Banks, Gruff Ellis, Iddon Price, Caio Evans, Sion Williams (Jake Jones 33), Ryan Williams, Rhys Alun, Cai Jones , Danny Brookwell. Unused subs: Kian Williams (gk), Kurtis Pearson
Main report: Treflyn Jones