Porthmadog march on with another 1-0 triumph

FOR the third consecutive Saturday afternoon, Port managed to win by one goal to nil. Remarkable! On the positive side, Port haven’t conceded in four games and have picked up nine points from their last three matches. Very good indeed, writes Treflyn Jones.

Like the previous two games, this was a tight and competitive contest, but the victory was deserved – by the narrowest of margins.

In terms of chances and possession, Port were the better team in the first half.

They came close after eight minutes when Sam Reynolds forced Ryley Berry in the Gresford goal into an excellent save at his near post after outwitting two defenders.

Then Rhys Alun came very close to opening the scoring after controlling a superb long ball before firing first time, again forcing a good save from the 18‑year‑old keeper.

Port didn’t have all the possession of course, and Damase Kiwanda caused a few headaches for the Port defence with his good skills and sharp runs. Indeed, he set up a chance for a teammate to shoot from distance, but Robbie Williams saved comfortably down to his left.

Rhys Alun came close again but was denied by a superbly timed tackle.

Then, just after the half‑hour mark, Port scored – or rather, poor Connor Whelan scored for them.

A dangerous cross came into the home penalty area and, while attempting to clear the danger on the volley, the ball deflected off Whelan and flew neatly into the corner of the net. Total misfortune for the Gresford lads but delight for the visitors.

Port dominated the remainder of the half and thought they had scored again when Berry spilled a powerful free‑kick from Rhys Alun. But… Gruff Ellis was offside. Old story!

The home team must have received a stern talking‑to during the break, as they played much better throughout the second half.

After Luke Baum (Port) forced another good save from Berry, Gresford were awarded a free‑kick in a dangerous position following a foul on the edge of the box.

The low strike went past the wall and headed for the corner, but Robbie Williams saved superbly.

This certainly boosted the confidence of the home side, and Port’s defence had to be alert and determined on several occasions – especially when Robbie produced a miraculous point‑blank save to deny Gresford an equaliser.

Port survived a few storms before Osian Ellis’ shot was saved by Berry for a corner, and Gwion Dafydd was a little unlucky when the young keeper saved low to his left.

You must feel a little sympathy for Gresford based on their second‑half performance, but Port’s lads held on in the end and congratulations to them after a tough game.

This Friday night, Port travel to Flint to face a very strong Connah’s Quay side in the Welsh Cup, kick‑off at 7:45pm.

Porthmadog: Robbie Williams, Morgan Owen, Sam Thomas, Gruff Ellis, Sion Williams, Rhys Alun (Gwion Dafydd 70’), Sam Reynolds, Luke Baum (Shaun Cavanagh 78’), Cai Jones (Darren Thomas 70’), Dylan Summers‑Jones (Osian Ellis 63’), Ryan Williams.

Other results: Holyhead Hotspu 1 Caersws 1; Guilsfield 0 Denbigh Town 2; Newtown 0 Bangor 0; Brickfield Rangers 0 Mold Alex 4; Llanuwchllyn 4 Penrhyncoch 1