Corrig on fire again
GLANTRAETH enter 2017 with a six-point lead at the Division One summit following last Saturday’s 3-2 victory at neighbours Llangefni Town.
Warren Gibbs’ side stretched their unbeaten run against Cefni to 10 games in all competitions dating back to 2008/09.
Last weekend’s triumph followed wins over Town in the Cookson Cup and league earlier this term.
Glantraeth took the three points but never succeeded in fully shaking off the challenge of a Llangefni side who finished strongly as they sensed the chance of snatching a share of the spoils.
The visitors were on top from the start and missed a huge chance to take the lead after only 40 seconds as Darren Gowans swung in a great ball from the right that found Gethin Maxwell unmarked almost on the goal-line.
Any kind of contact and it was in the net but he missed his header and Cefni were able to scramble clear.
Glan were a constant threat in the early stages with Corrig McGonigle firing into the side-netting on nine minutes following a fine pass from Jamie Jones.
Three minutes later Sion Hogan almost put McGonigle in.
Cai Powell-Roberts shot well wide for the home side on 23 minutes but after 26 Glantraeth took the lead as the ball fell to Kieren Jeffreys following Gowans’ free kick and he surged into the area before curling his effort into the top corner.
Cefni were stung into a response and a good run from Powell-Roberts saw his shot blocked then a Corey Sinnott cross looked dangerous as it passed across goal before being cleared.
Glan were soon back threatening with McGonigle moving clear on goal only for Alun Roberts to save his side with a great tackle.
On 40 minutes Maxwell shot just wide for the visitors but there was no denying McGonigle four minutes later as Maxwell put him clear and this time he made no mistake with a low finish past keeper Kenny Hughes.
Six minutes following the restart the Talwrn Road side were back in the game as Craig Roberts headed home via a free kick.
Hughes made a good save from McGonigle on 57 minutes but seven minutes later the visitors again Pic: ALED JONES opened up a two goal lead.
McGonigle was again the scorer as he was left an easy finish after Maxwell had fired in the perfect ball in from the right.
It was a 25th goal of the campaign for the unstoppable front man.
Hughes kept Cefni in the game on 73 minutes with a tremendous flying save from Gowans and the home side took full advantage after 77 as they got a goal back when Paul Rowlands’ corner from the right was not properly cleared and Steve Kehoe volleyed home through a crowded area.
Down to 10 men with Gerwyn Jones off the field having an open head wound treated meant Glan had to dig deep in the final stages as Cefni went looking for an equaliser but the final whistle without having further scoring meant the perfect ending to 2016 for the league leaders.
Unbeaten in their last 11 games in all competitions, in which they have registered 40 goals and conceded just 11, Cookson Cup holders Glantraeth will aim to reach the final this Saturday when they travel to Llanrug United (1.30pm).
Glan defeated ‘Rug 4-2 in a Division One encounter at Bodorgan back on November 19.