Porthmadog’s May cup success was surprisingly their first in 15 years – here’s a look back at both finals

When Porthmadog won the Ardal League Cup Northern final last month, it was quite surprising to discover it was the club’s first cup success in 15 years.

Respected as one of North Wales football’s most decorated clubs, Port’s 4-1 victory against Brickfield Rangers at Rhyl on May 17 marked the first time they had won a knockout competition since defeating Llandudno in the 2009-10 NWCFA Challenge Cup Final.

Here are reports on the two finals, 15 years apart – almost to the day.

CPD Porthmadog 1 (Orlik 32)
Llandudno 0
NWCFA Challenge Cup Final – May 19, 2010

Marcus Orlik scored the only goal on 32 minutes as Porthmadog pipped Llandudno 1-0 at Bastion Gardens, Prestatyn.

One of five clubs to have been relegated from the Welsh Premier that season as part of an FAW pyramid restructure, Port took on a Tudno outfit which had finished third in the second-tier Cymru Alliance in 2009-10, so a pretty even contest was expected.

The Seasiders had the first chance on 12 minutes when Gareth Evans was unable to capitalise in a goal-mouth scramble.

The majority of Port’s threat came through Orlik. He went close with a header, a long range effort and Andy Rooney had to pull off a good save to deny him after an excellent solo run.

It seemed only a matter of time before Orlik would find the net, and the goal duly arrived just after the half-hour.

Llandudno thought they had dealt with a tricky Carl Threadgill corner, butonly managed to clear as far as Orlik on the side of the box. His inch-perfect strike into the top corner was one that would deserve to win any cup final.

Port continued to dominate possession, but deep into injury time, Luke Carding was allowed a free header in the box. To Port’s relief, he missed the target.

Half time: Porthmadog 1 Llandudno 0

Llandudno started the second half on fire, and looked a very different team to the one seen before the interval.

Carding’s early header got the better of keeper Richard Morgan, but not the post.

Shortly afterwards, Morgan had to leave the pitch injured, to be replaced by Meilir Elis. Elis was called into immediate action, pulling off a good save to deny Carding.

After 10 minutes of Tudno domination, Port managed to drag themselves back into the match, but as soon as they had done this, Ryan Davies was given his marching orders for a second bookable offence.

For the remainder of the match, neither side quite managed to stamp their authority on proceedings.

Chris Jones headed inches wide for Port, but there were no further goals,

Porthmadog: Richard Morgan (Meilir Elis), Euron Roberts, Ryan Davies, Dan Pyrs, Dylan Williams, Chris Jones, Jack Jones, Steve Jones, Carl Threadgill (Cai Jones), Marcus Orlik, Jamie Rogers. Subs not used: Aden Shannon, Mark Bridge.

Llandudno: Andy Rooney, Paul Roberts, Sean Eardley, Wyn Williams, Craig Hogg, Danny Hughes, Gareth Evans, Ben Dews, Lee Thomas, Luke Carding, Neil Coverley, Joe Carey. Subs: James Cornish, Grant Montgomery, Dylan Smith.

Report: Iwan Gareth – diolch

Porthmadog 4 (Brookwell 2 & 78; Hilditch 21 pen & 23)
Brickfield Rangers 1 (Vale 74)
Ardal League Cup Northern Final – May 17, 2025

Port’s flying start ensured they controlled a final which ended in their first cup success for 15 years.

There were barely two minutes on the clock when Rhys Alun’s deft pass put Danny Brookwell clean through and the Anglesey striker slammed a confident left-footer past Ryan Price to open the scoring.

After 21 minutes Chris Jones’ men doubled their account.

A glorious diagonal pass by Ryan Williams found Brookwell in space on the right wing. Just as he beat his marker to get into the box, he was brought down and referee Adam Herbert pointed to the penalty spot.

Up stepped Tom Hilditch to confidently send the keeper the wrong way.

Soon after, two became three. An intricate exchange of passes resulted in Hilditch tapping into an empty net for his 26th goal of the season to the unbridled delight of the Port throng behind the goal.

Half-time: Brickfield 0 Porthmadog 3

If the first period belonged to Port, then the second half was bossed largely by the men of Wrexham as they showed greater composure and intent.

However, the brilliance of keeper Ollie Farebrother and the post kept them scoreless until the 74th minute.

Andy Vale dribbled past a defender and then produced a pretty step-over before sending the ball confidently past Farebrother to make it 3-1 with his 35th goal of 2024-25.

Gareth Wilson’s men were well on top by now and it took a miraculous close range save by Farebrother to prevent Brickie doing some real damage.

However, a minute later, substitute Sion Williams broke through the midfield on a strong run.

His pass found Brookwell, who slotted past Price to put the game beyond Rangers at 4-1 with his 19th goal this term.

Brickfield Rangers: Ryan Price, Thomas Williams ( H Lucas Jones 90+1), Benjamin Dawson, Kiran Russell, Steve Watkins (Callum Roberts 25), Andy Vale, Isaac Dawson, Aiden Fox (J Lima Texeira 86), Tom Freeman (Ryan Lancelotte 86), Dominic Doherty, Gerson Silva Neto (Leroy Ngema Stamp 90+1).

Porthmadog: Oliver Farebrother, Jake Jones (Shaun Cavanagh 78), Cai Griffith, Gruff Ellis, Iddon Price, Caio Evans (MOTM), Rhys Alun (John Littlemore 73), Ryan Williams, Tom Hilditch (Sion Williams 60), Cai Jones (Jack Rimmer 73), Danny Brookwell (Jamie Jones 78).

Report: Mr Treflyn Jones – diolch