MATCH number 13 of the season – unlucky for some, as they say – brought Porthmadog’s Welsh Cup journey to an end as they were defeated 4-0 by Connah’s Quay Nomads at the Essity Stadium on Friday evening, writes Dylan Elis.

Having won on penalties against Penrhyncoch in the previous round, Port supporters knew this was one of the toughest draws possible, and that proved to be the case.

From the first whistle, Porthmadog set up with a tight defensive structure. They opted to play with a lone striker, establishing a solid defensive line to keep Connah’s Quay away from goal.

The hope was to exploit long balls up field and catch the home side on the counter. The plan worked well until the closing minutes of the first half, when the pressure finally told.

After a move down the right flank and a cross into the sixyard box, Robbie Williams saved the initial header, but Max Woodcock was on hand to fire the rebound into the open net.

It was the first goal Port had conceded in five matches – a painful blow to a defensive system that had held firm for long periods.

Despite the pressure, Port threatened at times in the first half. Darren Thomas forced home goalkeeper Renshaw into a sharp save as his effort went close to the post.

The crossbar came to Port’s rescue on one occasion, and a crucial goal-line clearance prevented a second goal.

On a cold, wet night on the banks of the Dee, the halftime breakoffered a chance to regroup and hope for an opportunity to level the score.

But Connah’s Quay were determined to put the game to bed. They emerged after the interval with a higher tempo, pushing Port back into their penalty area.

Despite Porthmadog’s resilience and commitment, the second goal arrived near to the hour on the clock when a cross from the right reached the far post, where Iwan Murray headed home.

Port tried to respond. A long freekick into the box found Rhys Alun, who controlled superbly on his chest before unleashing a powerful shot, but Renshaw saved well.

Moments later, Dylan Summers-Jones struck low from eighteen yards, but again the goalkeeper kept it out.

In the closing minutes, the hosts sealed the result. Alex Hughes scored with two minutes remaining, before substitute Hussein Mehasseb added a fourth in stoppage time.

Despite the scoreline, Port can take pride in their effort against one of the strongest sides in the Cymru Premier.

Attention now turns back to the Novira Cymru North when they host leaders Brickfield Rangers, at the Traeth on Saturday. Another significant test awaits, with kickoff at 2:30pm.