Port look to build on fine win over Hotspur
FIFTH-PLACE Porthmadog travel to Caersws this Saturday looking to build on last Saturday’s excellent 3-1 win at Holyhead Hotspur.
Holyhead were quick out of the blocks and Port keeper Tyler French had to save from Jack Griffiths at the expense of a corner.
From the flag kick on the left Asa Thomas’ header was deflected on to the bar - an early let off for the visitors.
Port then broke quickly for Cai Jones to fire over.
Craig Papirnyk’s men were now coming into the game and went ahead on seven minutes.
There did not look much danger when Gareth Jones-Evans received the ball 20 yards out, but the ex-Hot- spur player’s well-hit shot crept inside keeper Paul Pritchard’s right hand post.
Hotspur responded and after 19 minutes drew level. Dean Garmey did well to knock the ball through to Jay Gibbs who advanced into the box before driving into the far corner.
After 29 minutes Garmey picked out Mel McGinness but French was out quickly to intercept.
At the other end Kenleigh Owen had to clear from Port danger as the game ebbed and flowed.
Hotspur were pressing high but on 33 minutes striker Thomas had to go off with a hamstring injury.
The Eifionydd visitors were quick on the break and on 37 minutes grabbed the lead again.
Jamie McDaid on the left made his way infield and sensing an opportunity when not closed down by Brendun Hogan, let fly from outside the box and found the far corner.
Just before the break Port’s Chris Jones on the right picked out Cai Jones in the middle but his finishing was wayward.
All to play for in the second half with Hotspur on the front foot, and Gibbs soon brought French into action.
Hotspur, with plenty of possession, had Port under pressure but without the finish which allowed the visitors to stay in front. The lively McDaid was causing problems on the left flank for the travellers.
Kieran Hilditch used his long throws to good effect as Hotspur strove for the equaliser.
However, nine minutes from time McDaid moved effortlessly into the middle, finding substitute Joe Williams who headed a good chance over.
In the 85th minute the ball was scrambled clear in the away box after a Gibbs free kick.
Soon after it was game, set and match.
A ball through the home defence released McDaid, who beat Pritchard as he came out to seal Porthmadog’s first win at the New Stadium since Hotspur returned to the Huws Gray Alliance in 2012/13.