Nantlle suffer at home
NANTLLE Vale fought back from two goals down to be level, but eventually lost 5-2 against title-chasers Llandudno Junction in last weekend’s Division One clash at Maes Dulyn.
The Railwaymen will go top of the table this Saturday if they beat Pwllheli at the Arriva Ground, with tabletoppers Glantraeth in Mawddach Cup action.
Nantlle, meanwhile, lie 10th ahead of this weekend’s trip to St Asaph City.
Vale defeated the Saints 5-3 at home in a January thriller, Aaron Hughes netting a hat-trick that day – and would welcome a similar result at Roe Plas.
Junction started like a train last Saturday and forced Vale keeper Neil Perkins to pull off a good early save.
Mezz Knight’s persistence and bravery to challenge for a ball with the keeper led to Aaron Boyle striking home from 18 yards in the third minute for a well-deserved goal for the visitors.
In the challenge Knight suffered a head injury that he shook off before going on to have a huge impact on the game.
Midway through the first half Tom Cad Williams had a excellent header phenomenally saved by Perkins.
Junction were causing Vale problems down both flanks and created further chances.
One fell to Knight and he made no mistake in getting a second for the Railwaymen.
Five minutes before the break Vale scored from a corner, a Rhys Williams delivery deceiving keeper Gwydion Owen and ending up in the goal.
This was shortly followed by a penalty for Nantlle, which was despatched by Aaron Hughes to make it 2-2 at half time.
Nantlle were right back in it, but Junction again started the second period brightly and carved out a number of opportunities.
Bryan Roberts executed a 30-yard free kick into the top corner to give the travellers their lead back.
Defensively Junction were solid for the duration of the game and restricted Vale to only a couple of openings.
Midway through the second period Dean Seager turned and curled a delightful shot into the top corner from 18 yards for 4-2.
Junction controlled the game from here on and when Williams was fouled in the box, Joel Hewitt scored low to the keeper’s left from the spot.
● Also in Division One, a late leveller from Carwyn Price earned Penrhyndeudraeth a 1-1 draw at Llandyrnog United.
However, with Junction winning, Penrhyn drop to third.
Pwllheli were well beaten in a 4-0 outcome at Greenfield.
In Division Two, Llanllyfni were whipped 6-2 at home by Llanfairpwll, Sion Hughes and Martin Owen with consolation strikes for the home team, who are now one off the basement.
Y Felinheli’s scheduled game away to Amlwch Town was postponed.