FLASHBACK – 25 YEARS AGO: Porthmadog edge past Airbus thanks to Pugh double
Huws Gray Fitlock Cymru Alliance League – October 27, 2001
Porthmadog 2 (Pugh 34, 49)
Airbus UK 1 (Twynham 32)
Report: http://www.porthmadogfc.com
In this week 25 years ago Porthmadog enjoyed a narrow 2-1 win over Airbus in a Cymru Alliance League clash at Y Traeth.
Port were well aware of the strength of the Wingmakers challenge as they were recent conquerors of league leaders Welshpool and boasted the most improved record in the league.
As expected, the hosts had to work very hard for the three points.
The game opened brightly with the two sides intent on playing an attractive passing style of football.
The early chances fell to the home side and it needed a good save by keeper Rob Jones to deny a powerful Carl Owen drive from the right of the box. Soon after Owen made a fine run down the right followed by an accurate cross which Graham Randles just failed to reach and then Steve Fisher blazed over the bar.
At the other end defender Patrick Johnston and keeper Dylan Pritchard were glad to scramble the ball clear when under pressure from James McIntosh. Then Johnston came close as an attacker when he headed Mike Foster’s free-kick narrowly wide.
It was Airbus who drew first blood when dangerous striker, ex-Manchester United talent Gary Twynham, was allowed to break from halfway before unleashing a powerful drive from 20 yards which went into the net off the post giving keeper Pritchard no chance.
It was a lead which lasted less than two minutes, thanks initially to the quickly taken free-kick by skipper Foster which released Steve Pugh down the right. The winger cut inside and then sent keeper Jones the wrong way before rolling the ball into the net at the near post.
After 40 minutes Port should have taken the lead when Owen was denied a goal by Jones’ dive at the striker’s eet, when it appeared that he must score.
Port were on the attack immediately after the interval and Owen’s clever chip was touched past the post by Jones.
After 49 minutes the home side took the lead when following another Foster free-kick a Johnston header was pushed on to the bar, only for Pugh to react first and tap into the net.
Airbus were not about to concede for after 59 minutes Steve Hobbes headed a dangerous Andy Thomas free-kick narrowly past the far post.
Twice Twynham threatened in the box, first shooting wide and then forcing Pritchard into a save,
Port by the end had weathered the storm and in between times Randles had forced a goal-line clearance and later sub Dave Farr and Pugh brought saves from Jones.
It was not without a little relief that the home side welcomed the final whistle.
Porthmadog
Dylan Pritchard, Neil Roberts, Patrick Johnston, Lee Webber (Martin Jones), Michael Foster, Dave Evans, Steve Pugh, Danny Hughes, Steve Fisher (David Farr), Graham Randles (Gareth Caughter), Carl Owen.
Airbus UK Broughton
Rob Jones, Whitley, Craig Brinley, Kev Wynne, Garry Wynne, Piper, Andy Thomas, Steve Hobbes, Gary Twynham, James McIntosh, Whiting. Subs: Gareth Crofts, Vernon Keep, Richard Laughton.