Comeback draw sees ’Rug stay unbeaten
PORTHMADOG’S joy at recording a 10-0 win over FC Penley in the Welsh Cup last Saturday soon turned to sadness.
On Monday, the Welsh National League club announced they were folding.
A statement on the Port website said: “It is sad that a day where they reached round two of the Welsh Cup for their first time in their history should also prove to be their last. FC Penley made a lasting impression on Port supporters for the way they battled and stuck to their task and played with such admirable spirit.
“All at our club trust that someone else, at some stage, will pick up the baton and revive football at Penley.”
Life goes on for the Traeth club, who have landed a home tie with Panteg of Welsh League (South) Division Three in round three. In the last round Panteg caused a shock, defeating Division One club Ton Pentre.
Sion Bradley and Meilir Williams both notched hat-tricks in the victory over Penley, Julian Williams added a double, Josh Banks a single and there was an own goal.
This Saturday sees Port return to Huws Gray Alliance League action with a home test against Penrhyncoch. Top-scorer Joe Chaplin, who missed the tie against Penley, is set to return for Craig Papirnyk’s side. LLANRUG United remain unbeaten in Welsh Alliance Division One after recovering from 3-1 down at Llanrwst United to force a 4-4 draw.
Last weekend’s battle of high-flyers saw Llanrug commence brightly and create several good scoring opportunities, but it was the hosts that took the lead. Captain Leighton Griffiths converted a penalty on 20 minutes, following a handball offence.
The visitors equalised on 37 minutes, central defender Eifion Williams powering a loose ball from a corner high into the roof of the net from two yards out.
Within a minute of the resumption following the half-time interval, Llanrwst edged ahead. Another penalty saw skipper Griffiths do the necessary from 12 yards.
In the 52nd minute former playermanager Griffiths completed his treble with a powerful header.
This was the wake-up call Llanrug seemed to need, as on 56 minutes Luke Phillips brought the travellers back into the contest.
A nice set-up by fellow striker Alan Mark Owen enabled Phillips to finish well from four yards out.
At this stage ‘Rug were rampant and within two minutes they were level after striker Owen’s defence-splitting ball played midfielder Jonathan Sadler through on goal. Sadler coolly rounded the onrushing goalkeeper to slot the ball into the unguarded net.
Then on 65 minutes the Caernarfon area side took a deserved lead.
Frontman Owen collected his 17th goal of the season via a powerful header to a cross from the right by full-back James Phillips.
However, the Rwsters picked themselves up and restored parity on 76 minutes.
Llanrug’s young goalkeeper Morgan Jones failed to gather and striker Mike Lundstram pounced on the loose ball from five yards out.
Llanrug had some late opportunities to pinch it, but were unable to take them.
‘Rug lie fifth in the table and are undefeated in nine league outings.
This Saturday sees Mark Jat’s men travel to Llangefni Town for what promises to be a tough Cookson Cup clash at Talwrn Road.
Goalkeeper Dylan Roberts has rejoined Llanrug from Welsh Alliance League outfit Conwy Borough.
Roberts, who resides in Caernarfon, originally joined ‘Rug in August 2013.
An agile and dependable goalkeeper , he made 147 appearances for United during his previous four seasons at the club.
In 2013/2014 he was an important member of the side that won the coveted Welsh Trophy, and he was voted by his team-mates as the club’s Player’s Player of the Season.
United boss Jat commented: “I am delighted that Dylan is back with us, he is a very good goalkeeper, he will again be a great asset to our club.”