MATCH OF THE DAY: Keeper Williams’ last-gasp penalty save secures famous Prestatyn Town win

CYMRU NORTH REPORT – JANUARY 25, 2025

Prestatyn Town 1 (Joyce 84)

Caersws 0

The wait is over! 

After 12 successive league losses Prestatyn Town today earned their first win since September and climbed off the Cymru North basement with a thrilling victory over a Caersws side which defeated the champions seven days ago.

And it was no ordinary triumph for the Seasiders as they not only delivered a winner six mnutes from time, but then had goalkeeper hero Robbie Williams to thank for saving a penalty with 93 on the clock.

What sweet revenge it was for Town as they beat a Caersws outfit which turned over the Bastion Gardens men 8-0 in November.

It was an end to end start at Bastion Gardens with the first chance of the game falling to Prestatyn.

James Stead hit a sweet strike from the edge of the area following a Tom Weir layoff that somehow didn’t cross the goal-line.

The visitors soon responded with a massive chance to open the scoring with Tommy Rowlands missing a golden opportunity after having the ball squared to him.

Caersws soon took control of the game with Ashley Harries ‘ corker from outside of the box just whistling wide of the target.

Town began to respond as the half came to a close with Alex Jones seeing his aerial effort not miss by much.

Despite a fairly eventful half, it was goalless at the break.

Prestatyn started the second 45 with some impetus, getting a number of shots on goal off early on.

Macauley Taylor saw his attempt ripple the side-netting after some good build up, Rob Parry had the ball squared to him from Taylor, but couldn’t generate enough power on his strike.

Prestatyn’s Matty Robinson was next to have a chance, but his curler from the edge of the box just went wide.

Rob Hughes and Joyce came on as substitute for the hosts on the hour and made quite an impact.

However, Caersws began to gain some confidence, forcing Williams into a big save as the visitors almost looked nailed on to open the scoring.

Alex Jones, who put in an incredible display for the Seasiders, made a superb run down the left hand side, beating his man and sending a ball onto the penalty spot. Agonisingly,the ball looped over Rob Hughes, who had an open goal.

Teenagers Lewis Rhodes and debutant Dan Wright then entered the pitch for Prestatyn with 10 minutes to play. It was anyone’s game for the taking.

And it was sub Joyce who finally broke the deadlock as his low effort from outside the box found the bottom corner moments after Town had cleared off the line.

 Williams popped up with a massive save once again shortly after the Seasiders opened the scoring.

Prestatyn defended well and it looked like they were going to see the game out, until in the 93rd minute Caersws were awarded a penalty.

Williams dived to his left and saved Sam Phillips’ spot kick to make himself the hero.

Caersws threw everything at the resulting corner as Connor Whelan entered the pitch but it was headed comfortably over and a goal kick was awarded.

The whistle blew as saviour Williams took his goal kick.

VICTORY!

Prestatyn Town: Robbie Williams, Nathan Lavender, James Jones, Zebb Edwards, Matthew Robiinson (Tyler Joyce 60), Alex Jones, Rob Parry (Connor Whelan 90+2), Casey Faulkner (Lewis Rhodes 76), Macauley Taylor (Rob Hughes 60), James Stead (Dan Wright 76). Tom Weir.

ATTENDANCE: 247