ARDAL NORTH WEST: Cup heroes Bangor City 1876 back in league action Tuesday, plus weekend reports including hat-tricks for Osian Evans and Osian Jones

ARDAL NORTH WEST PREVIEW: TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 3

Ardal North West leaders CPD Dinas Bangor City 1876 are back in league action on Tuesday just three days after their heroic Welsh Cup quarter-final victory over Caerau Ely made them only the second third-tier club ever to reach the last four of the national knockout.

Michael Johnston’s side will aim to make it 18 unbeaten in the league when they welcome neighbours Bethesda Athletic to Bangor City Stadium (kick-off 7.45 pm).

City are undefeated in 31 matches in all competitions this term but they can expect a tough battle against a Pesda outfit lying sixth in the table and who gave second-place Porthmadog a hard test on Saturday before losing 4-2.

Also on the schedule for Tuesday, Connah’s Quay Town host Penmaenmawr Phoenix at Deeside Stadium (7.45 pm).

LOCK STOCK ARDAL NORTH WEST REPORTS – SATURDAY, JANUARY 31

Porthmadog 4 Bethesda Athletic 2

Report: Mr Treflyn Jones

Osian Evans made it eight goals in seven games for Porthmadog with his first hat-trick for the club in a thrilling win over Bethesda.

The 19-year-old, on loan from Caernarfon Town, was the star of the show as Port moved level on points with leaders CPD Dinas Bangor City 1879, albeit Chris Jones’ side having played two games more than the Citizens.

Port are on a fine run, unbeaten in six league matches and picking up 16 points out of a possible last 18.

Pesda were a tough nut to crack and took the lead on eight minutes when the skilful Joe Todd worked himself into a dangerous position before attempting to place the ball to Josh Cooke`s left. Port`s keeper did well to parry it but the rebound was bundled home by Port`s Cai Griffith as he attempted to clear the danger.

It took a good save by Cooke to block a fine 25 yard free kick by the impressive Osian Hughes and, soon after, Todd went close again.

Port did not panic and drew level on the 20 minute mark when Osian Evans made a long run at goal before sidefooting from a narrow angle past the keeper to level the score.

On 38 minutes, the hosts took the lead for the first time. Osian Evans again just beat the off-side trap and after a strong run down the right flank, his pinpoint pass was confidently volleyed home by Sam Reynolds. 

The second half was barely two minutes old when the Port defence fell asleep somewhat during a well-rehearsed corner kick move. The ball was rolled into the path of former Port striker Arden Gisbourne, who calmly slotted into the net.

Both teams attacked with enthusiasm, but it was Port who struck next on 70.

A shot by Evans was charged down before Danny Brookwell was brought down by a defender and referee Craig Griffiths pointed to the spot. Up stepped Evans to send the keeper the wrong way – 3-2 to Port.

It was now end-to-end and Cooke had to be alert to save a glancing header by Corey Lundstram before a fine free kick by Gruff John for Port slammed against the upright

With two minutes of the 90 remaining, Port finally put the game to bed when Osian Evans was brought down in the box by the keeper. The strong striker picked himself up, and sent his right foot penalty low and hard to Hughes` left to complete his maiden hat-trick for the Traeth men.

Next Saturday, Port will make the short journey to Pwllheli for the big local derby (2 pm). The last game at Y Traeth saw a 2-0 victory for Port with Osian Evans grabbing a brace and the game attracted 821 paying customers. This return match will be a tough one against a fast-improving Pwllheli side and former Port players Harri Lambe, Cian Pritchard and Marcus Banks will have something to prove.

Llay Miners Welfare 1 CPD Llannefydd 3

Two late goals won the day for Llannefydd against 10-man Llay on a difficult surface at The Ring.

Sam Jones delivered the visitors a 14th minute lead, but the Welly levelled on 22 when Scott Swords set up Lewis Fearns to find the net.

Unfortunately for the hosts, that was Swords’ last involvement as in the 23rd minute he was shown a red card.

The 10-men battled hard to regain the lead and more than held their own before the game turned on 88, Mathew Jones making it 2-1 to Llannefydd via a Sean James assist.

And the visitors made sure of maximum points when Ianto Price Jones added a third two minutes past the 90.

St Asaph City 1 Llanrwst United 1

Bottom side Saints celebrated their first point in six matches.

Llanrwst took the lead on 18 minutes through Callum Parry’s 19th goal of the campaign.

However, the draw was secured through Josh Brown’s 63rd minute penalty.

CPD Y Felinheli 2 NFA 2

All-square at Cae Seilo with a late equaliser making sure NFA are now nine unbeaten and remain in third place.

Macauley Taylor bagged the only goal of the first half after 32 minutes, Harri Williams with the assist.

The brilliantly consistent 18-year-old Byron Davis made it one-apiece in the 52nd minute with his 22nd goal of the season, finding the net from a rebound after his penalty was kept out, then Jack Cain headed home on 66 to turn the game around.

Oliver Hansen’s leveller on 84 was followed by a red-card for Felinheli keeper Jamie Griffiths.

LOCK STOCK ARDAL NORTH LEAGUE CUP

Connah’s Quay Town 1 Llangefni Town 6

Osian Jones was a hat-trick hero for a Llangefni side at their ruthless best in Saturday’s cup clash at Deeside Stadium.

Jones found the net on 19, 54 and 89 minutes with Alun Roberts, Ifan Mansoor and an Aron Hughes-Jones penalty completing the rout.

Pascal Gomez grabbed a consolation for Quay with the score at 5-0 to the visitors.