Thomas finds target in late winner drama

DARREN THOMAS’ injury-time strike secured Caernarfon Town an epic 3-2 victory in last Wednesday’s thrilling Huws Gray Alliance derby at Porthmadog.

Port were twice in front and had the visitors chasing the game, but Town’s persistence paid off in the end.

After just three minutes Cai Jones put the hosts ahead with a super strike from 18 yards.

With 15 minutes gone Caernarfon drew level, the tall figure of Gareth Edwards taking full advantage of Nathan Craig’s corner to find the net with a clean header from eight yards.

Both sides went close on numerous occasions before the break but it stood 1-1 at half time.

Two minutes into the second period a great run from Port’s Joe Chaplin opened up the Cofi defence with a direct run and a fine through pass for Julian Williams, who took the ball too wide and the chance was gone.

Typical of the end-to-end play Caernarfon responded and a touch on from Craig’s corner had to ● Darren be cleared off the line. Thomas

But with 59 minutes gone Julian Williams put Port back in front with a superb individual goal. He received the ball just inside the Caernarfon half, raced past Craig cutting to the edge of the box, turning on to his left foot and placing his low shot inches inside the far post.

Again Caernarfon responded and Darren Thomas’ angled shot was well cleared by Josh Banks at the far post.

Caernarfon continued the fight to get on level terms as they attacked with direct runs at pace. A break down the left turned disastrous for Port as a chance to clear was missed and led to Craig being brought down in the box and referee Aaron Jones pointed to the spot. Craig netted emphatically from 12 yards.

More close calls came at both ends, then with time running out there was one more act in the drama. In the second minute of injury time Thomas chased down a long ball on the right. He cut inside, eluding his marker and netting with a fine angled shot from 15 yards. Ecstasy for Caernarfon and their supporters.