French is hero after saving three penalties
PORTHMADOG’S reward for last Saturday’s thrilling Welsh Cup penalties victory over Gresford Athletic is a trip to Welsh Premier side Cardiff Metropolitan in round three on December 3.
After a poor start to the season results although not performance-wise, the newly promoted students have well and truly found their feet in the WPL and are looking a good bet for a top-six place at the midway split.
Porthmadog made the last 32 by defeating fellow Huws Gray Alliance outfit Gresford 3-1 on spot-kicks after a 2-2 draw.
Hero for the Traeth men was goalkeeper Tyler French, who saved three kicks in the shoot-out.
Port could have taken an eighth-minute lead when Chris Jones blasted over from 18 yards.
The hosts should have made it 1-0 on 23 minutes when Ceri James released Josh Davies, who fired wide of the near post.
Julian Williams then headed narrowly off target before the visitors grabbed a 29thminute lead against the run of play.
Owen Roberts, who had been allowed to drift back onto the pitch after injury out of sight of the home defence, took full advantage of the space to cross towards the far post, where Jake Eyre found the net. Julian Williams hit the bar and forced a great save from Colliers keeper Mike Platt before the break.
Gresford were down to 10 men early in the second half when Jack Mounford received a second yellow for bringing down Chris Jones.
Four minutes later Julian Williams whipped a perfect strike into the top corner for 1-1.
Port pushed for the winner but it remained 1-1 so extra time was needed.
Nathan Williams edged the visitors back in front, but a deflected shot from Gruff Williams early in the second period made it two-apiece.
So it was down to penalties, and French produced three magical stops while Chris Jones, Josh Davies and Ceri James all converted to send Port through.